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Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Transistors > Bipolar (BJT) > Single Bipolar Transistors

Nexperia USA Inc. PBHV8540Z-QX

Name: PBHV8540Z-QX
Brand: Nexperia USA Inc.
SKU: PBHV8540Z-QX
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: PBHV8540Z-QX

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-261-4, TO-261AA

Datasheet:: PBHV8540Z-QX.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 400V 0.5A SOT-223

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Product details

Overview

PBHV8540Z-QX from Nexperia is an AEC-Q101-qualified NPN high-voltage bipolar transistor in SOT223 (SC-73) package, rated for 500 V V_CE_SM, 0.5 A continuous I_C, and low 135 mV typical V_CE_sat at I_C = 300 mA / I_B = 60 mA. It serves as a robust switching element in automotive motor management and LED chain drivers where high breakdown voltage and low conduction loss are critical.

For engineers reviewing the PBHV8540Z-QX datasheet, PBHV8540Z-QX pinout, PBHV8540Z-QX application, or PBHV8540Z-QX equivalent, this device is selected for high-voltage DC-DC conversion stages, HID front lighting ballasts, and telecom hook-switch circuits requiring stable gain (h_FE = 100–200 at 50 mA), thermal resilience up to 150 °C junction temperature, and validated automotive qualification.

Technical Context

This NPN transistor employs epitaxial planar technology optimized for high-voltage switching with low saturation voltage. Its structure supports V_CE_SM = 500 V and V_CEO = 400 V under open-base conditions, enabling operation in 400 V bus systems with margin. The dual-collector pin configuration (Pins 2 & 4) enhances current handling and thermal spreading on PCBs.

It delivers h_FE ≥ 80 at I_C = 100 mA and maintains usable gain down to –55 °C (Fig. 4), while V_CE_sat remains ≤ 250 mV across –55 °C to 100 °C (Fig. 8). Thermal resistance R_th(j-sp) = 20 K/W with 6 cm² collector pad enables 1.4 W dissipation at T_amb = 25 °C.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CE_SM	500 V peak - supports 400 V nominal DC bus with 25% safety margin in SMPS and HID lighting
I_C (continuous)	0.5 A - sufficient for LED chain drivers up to 20 W and automotive solenoid control
V_CE_sat (typ)	135 mV at I_C = 300 mA / I_B = 60 mA - reduces conduction loss to < 40 mW in switching mode
h_FE	100–200 at V_CE = 10 V, I_C = 50 mA - ensures reliable base drive design with 5–10 mA IB for full saturation
R_th(j-sp)	20 K/W - enables 1.4 W power dissipation with minimal thermal derating when mounted on 6 cm² copper pad
AEC-Q101 qualified	Validated for automotive applications including motor control and lighting per stress test standard

Pinout & Package

SOT223 (SC-73) medium-power surface-mount package with 4 leads, 2.3 mm pitch, and integrated heatsink pad (Pin 2 & Pin 4 both connected to collector). Dimensions: 6.5 mm × 3.5 mm × 1.65 mm body; mounting pad area recommended at 6 cm² for thermal performance.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Base	Control input; requires ~60 mA base current for full saturation at 300 mA collector load
2	Collector	Main high-voltage current path; electrically tied to Pin 4 for enhanced thermal and current capacity
3	Emiter	Reference node for switching; must be low-inductance connection to ground plane in high-dI/dt applications
4	Collector	Second collector terminal - used for thermal anchoring and parallel current routing; not isolated from Pin 2

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
High-voltage capability	500 V V_CE_SM rating enables direct use in 400 V industrial and automotive DC rails without series stacking
Low V_CE_sat	135 mV typical at 300 mA ensures < 40 mW conduction loss - critical for thermally constrained LED driver PCBs
Dual-collector thermal design	Pins 2 & 4 both connect to collector, allowing doubled solder-pad area and 20 K/W R_th(j-sp) for improved reliability
Automotive qualification	AEC-Q101 compliance confirms suitability for under-hood motor management and lighting without additional qualification effort
Wide temperature operation	Specified from –55 °C to 150 °C junction, supporting engine bay and exterior lighting environments

Applications

Electronic Ballast for Fluorescent Lighting

LED Driver for LED Chain Module

Use Scenario: High-frequency switching in magnetic or electronic ballasts driving T5/T8 fluorescent tubes at 220–240 V AC mains-derived DC bus.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main switching transistor in half-bridge or flyback topology, handling 400 V transient spikes during lamp ignition.

Use Value: 500 V V_CE_SM prevents avalanche failure during cold-start surges; low V_CE_sat minimizes heat buildup in sealed ballast enclosures.

Use Scenario: Constant-current switching regulator powering strings of 10–20 white LEDs in commercial signage or architectural lighting.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary switch in buck or boost converter operating at 100–500 kHz, regulating average LED current.

Use Value: 0.5 A I_C and 135 mV V_CE_sat enable >95% efficiency at 20 W output; SOT223 thermal pad simplifies heatsinking on compact PCBs.

LCD Backlighting (CCFL/LED)

Automotive Motor Management

Use Scenario: Inverter stage for cold-cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) backlighting in automotive instrument clusters or infotainment displays.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-voltage switch generating 600–1000 V AC from 12 V DC via resonant transformer.

Use Value: 400 V V_CEO withstands reflected flyback voltages; AEC-Q101 qualification ensures reliability over vehicle lifetime and temperature cycles.

Use Scenario: Load switching for radiator fan, HVAC blower, or window lift motors in 12 V automotive systems with PWM control.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch controlling motor current up to 0.5 A; driven by microcontroller GPIO with base resistor network.

Use Value: h_FE ≥ 100 at 100 mA allows simple 5 V MCU drive; dual-collector pins reduce board-level thermal resistance in space-constrained modules.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-voltage NPN switching transistor applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
STN8540	Same V_CE_SM = 500 V, but I_C = 0.4 A and V_CE_sat = 200 mV (typ); no AEC-Q101 qualification	Not suitable for automotive production; limited to industrial lighting where qualification is waived	Select only if AEC-Q101 is not required and thermal margin permits higher V_CE_sat loss
ON Semiconductor NSS12500U	V_CE_SM = 450 V, I_C = 0.5 A, V_CE_sat = 150 mV; AEC-Q101 qualified but lower voltage margin	Acceptable for 350 V bus systems; may require snubber redesign in 400 V HID applications	Prefer when system voltage is capped at 350 V and footprint compatibility with SOT223 is mandatory

Compared with STN8540 and NSS12500U, PBHV8540Z-QX uniquely combines 500 V rating, AEC-Q101 qualification, and 135 mV V_CE_sat, making it the only choice for automotive-grade 400 V switching where both voltage headroom and thermal efficiency are non-negotiable.

Availability

PBHV8540Z-QX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electronic ballasts, LED chain drivers, LCD backlighting, and automotive motor management requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for PBHV8540Z-QX includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Nexperia is a global semiconductor expert delivering high-performance logic, discrete, and MOSFET devices with focus on efficiency, reliability, and automotive-grade quality.

PBHV8540Z-QX belongs to Nexperia's high-voltage bipolar transistor product line, engineered specifically for energy-efficient switching in automotive lighting, industrial power supplies, and solid-state relay replacements.

FAQ

Is PBHV8540Z-QX pin-compatible with PBHV9040Z-Q?

No. PBHV8540Z-QX is an NPN transistor with base-collector-emitter-collector pinout (1-B, 2-C, 3-E, 4-C), while PBHV9040Z-Q is its PNP complement with inverted polarity and different pin function mapping. They are functional complements-not pin-for-pin replacements-and require separate PCB layouts.

What is the maximum allowable base current for continuous operation?

The absolute maximum peak base current is 200 mA (single pulse, t_p ≤ 1 ms), but for continuous DC operation, the datasheet specifies I_B ≤ 20 mA at I_C = 100 mA to maintain safe junction temperature. At full 0.5 A I_C, pulsed base drive (duty cycle ≤ 2%) with I_B = 60 mA is recommended per Fig. 7 and thermal limits.

Can PBHV8540Z-QX be used in linear regulator applications?

No. This device is optimized for switching operation, not linear regulation. Its SOA (Safe Operating Area) is not characterized for linear mode, and sustained operation in the active region risks thermal runaway due to positive temperature coefficient of V_CE_sat and limited second breakdown energy. Use only in saturated switching or pulse applications.

Does the SOT223 package require special PCB layout considerations for thermal performance?

Yes. To achieve the 1.4 W P_tot rating, the collector pads (Pins 2 & 4) must be connected to ≥6 cm² of 1 oz. copper on the primary side of an FR4 PCB. Standard footprints without extended copper will limit power dissipation to 0.7 W (R_th(j-a) = 175 K/W). Thermal vias under the pad are recommended for double-sided boards.

PBHV8540Z-QX Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-261-4, TO-261AA

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Active

Transistor Type:: NPN

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 500 mA

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 400 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 250mV @ 60mA, 300mA

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 100nA

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 100 @ 50mA, 10V

Power - Max:: 700 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 30MHz

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: Automotive

Qualification:: AEC-Q101

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: SOT-223

PBHV8540Z-QX FAQ

1.How can I place an order for PBHV8540Z-QX through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PBHV8540Z-QX on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.

2.Are the price and stock information for PBHV8540Z-QX reliable?

The price and inventory of PBHV8540Z-QX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PBHV8540Z-QX is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for PBHV8540Z-QX?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PBHV8540Z-QX transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for PBHV8540Z-QX?

PBHV8540Z-QX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your PBHV8540Z-QX order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.

Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.

5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for PBHV8540Z-QX?

For technical support, including PBHV8540Z-QX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PBHV8540Z-QX requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that PBHV8540Z-QX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All PBHV8540Z-QX products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that PBHV8540Z-QX meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of PBHV8540Z-QX?

All PBHV8540Z-QX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PBHV8540Z-QX, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:

1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.

2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.

3.The PBHV8540Z-QX part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for PBHV8540Z-QX:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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