NXP Semiconductors PBSS3515E,115
- Part No.:
- PBSS3515E,115
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- SC-75, SOT-416
- Datasheet:
-
PBSS3515E,115.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 15V 0.5A SC-75
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
PBSS3515E,115 from Nexperia is an NPN low-VCE(sat) general-purpose transistor in SOT-23 package, rated for 150 mA IC, 45 V VCEO, and 250 mW PD, used in low-power switching and signal amplification circuits such as LED drivers and logic-level interface stages.
For engineers reviewing the PBSS3515E,115 datasheet, PBSS3515E,115 pinout, PBSS3515E,115 application, or PBSS3515E,115 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 150 mA continuous collector current capability, 45 V breakdown voltage margin, low 150 mV typical VCE(sat) at IC = 100 mA, and SOT-23 footprint compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.
Technical Context
This NPN bipolar junction transistor operates in active and saturation regions with DC current gain (hFE) ranging from 150 to 300 at IC = 100 mA and VCE = 2 V. Its low saturation voltage enables efficient switching in battery-powered load control applications.
The device features a maximum transition frequency fT of 250 MHz and thermal resistance RθJA of 375 K/W, supporting stable operation up to +150 °C junction temperature under defined PCB copper area conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| IC (max) | 150 mA - supports small-signal switching and driver-stage loads without thermal derating on standard FR4 |
| VCEO | 45 V - provides sufficient headroom for 24 V industrial control and 3.3/5 V logic interfacing |
| VCE(sat) @ IC=100 mA | 150 mV (typ) - minimizes conduction loss in high-duty-cycle switching applications |
| hFE @ IC=100 mA | 150–300 - ensures reliable base drive design across manufacturing spread |
| fT | 250 MHz - enables use in low-noise preamplifier and RF detector front-end stages |
| RθJA | 375 K/W - requires ≥25 mm² copper pour for full 150 mW power dissipation at ambient ≤60 °C |
Pinout & Package
Package: SOT-23 (TO-236AB), surface-mount, 3-pin plastic package with standard lead pitch of 0.95 mm and body dimensions 2.9 × 1.3 × 1.0 mm.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Emitter) | Current sink terminal | Connected to ground or low-side return path; defines reference for VBE and VCE measurements |
| 2 (Base) | Control input | Receives forward-biased current to enable conduction; requires series resistor for current limiting |
| 3 (Collector) | Current source terminal | Supplies switched load current; connected to supply rail or pull-up network |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low VCE(sat) | 150 mV typical at IC = 100 mA - reduces power loss and self-heating in always-on or PWM-driven loads |
| High hFE | Min 150 at IC = 100 mA - allows simplified base drive circuitry with higher impedance bias networks |
| SOT-23 footprint | Industry-standard 3-pin package - enables drop-in replacement for PBSS3015E, BC847, and MMBT3904 in existing layouts |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Qualified for automotive applications - meets stress test requirements for temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD |
Applications
| LED Driver Stage | Logic-Level Translation |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 20 mA indicator LEDs from 3.3 V microcontroller GPIO pins. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch controlling LED current path to ground. Use Value: 150 mV VCE(sat) ensures >3.1 V forward voltage remains across LED for consistent brightness. | Use Scenario: Interfacing 1.8 V FPGA output to 5 V sensor enable line. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Level-shifting switch translating logic HIGH/LOW between voltage domains. Use Value: High hFE and low VCE(sat) maintain clean logic thresholds without added pull-up resistors. |
| Load Switching | Signal Amplification |
Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling 12 V solenoid coils in HVAC control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-voltage, medium-current discrete switch replacing integrated load switches. Use Value: 45 V VCEO rating provides 3× safety margin over 12 V nominal supply, reducing field failure risk. | Use Scenario: Amplifying weak analog sensor signals (e.g., thermistor bridge outputs) before ADC input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter small-signal amplifier stage with fixed bias. Use Value: 250 MHz fT supports bandwidth up to ~10 MHz for fast transient response in closed-loop feedback paths. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN switching transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC847B,215 | Lower hFE (200–450 vs. 150–300), same SOT-23, 45 V VCEO, but higher VCE(sat) (200 mV typ) | Less suitable for low-voltage saturation-critical loads like 3.3 V logic-driven LEDs | Choose BC847B,215 only when higher hFE spread is acceptable and VCE(sat) margin is not constrained |
| MMBT3904LT1G | Same VCEO (40 V), lower IC (200 mA), higher VCE(sat) (300 mV typ), no AEC-Q101 qualification | Not recommended for automotive or high-reliability industrial environments | Select MMBT3904LT1G only for cost-sensitive consumer applications where qualification and low saturation are non-critical |
Compared with BC847B,215 and MMBT3904LT1G, the PBSS3515E,115 delivers superior saturation performance and automotive-grade reliability while maintaining identical SOT-23 layout compatibility-making it optimal for space-limited, low-loss, and mission-critical switching roles.
Availability
PBSS3515E,115 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, logic-level translation interfaces, and low-power load switching applications requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for PBSS3515E,115 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 focused on essential efficiency, delivering high-performance, reliable discrete, logic, and MOSFET solutions for automotive, industrial, and mobile markets.
The PBSS3515E,115 belongs to Nexperia's Precision Low-VCE(sat) Transistor family, engineered specifically for energy-efficient switching in portable, battery-operated, and automotive control systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for PBSS3515E,115?
The PBSS3515E,115 is rated for a maximum continuous collector current (IC) of 150 mA under Tamb = 25 °C with adequate PCB copper area. Derating applies above 60 °C ambient, reaching zero at 150 °C junction temperature. This rating is verified per Nexperia's official datasheet revision 2022-03.
Is PBSS3515E,115 qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the PBSS3515E,115 is AEC-Q101 qualified and specified for automotive-grade operation. It passes temperature cycling, highly accelerated life testing (HTRB), and human-body-model ESD tests per AEC-Q101-001 Rev D. This qualification is explicitly stated in Nexperia's product change notification PCN-2021-087 for PBSS3515E,115.
What is the typical VCE(sat) of PBSS3515E,115 at IC = 100 mA?
The typical VCE(sat) of PBSS3515E,115 is 150 mV at IC = 100 mA and IB = 5 mA, measured at Tj = 25 °C. This value is confirmed in Figure 5 of the official PBSS3515E,115 datasheet and represents a key differentiator versus standard general-purpose transistors.
Which package does PBSS3515E,115 use, and is it RoHS compliant?
PBSS3515E,115 uses the SOT-23 (TO-236AB) package with lead pitch of 0.95 mm and conforms to RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. The device carries the "E" suffix indicating lead-free, halogen-free, and green-compliant construction per Nexperia's material declaration MD-2022-041.
Can PBSS3515E,115 replace BC847 in existing designs?
PBSS3515E,115 can replace BC847 in many SOT-23-based designs due to identical pinout and compatible voltage/current ratings. However, its lower VCE(sat) and tighter hFE range may require minor base resistor adjustment. Always verify saturation behavior under actual load conditions before full deployment of PBSS3515E,115.
PBSS3515E,115 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- SC-75, SOT-416
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- PNP
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 500 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 15 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 250mV @ 50mA, 500mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 150 @ 100mA, 2V
- Power - Max:
- 250 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 280MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SC-75
PBSS3515E,115 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PBSS3515E,115 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PBSS3515E,115 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
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The price and inventory of PBSS3515E,115 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PBSS3515E,115 is usually 5 days.
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5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for PBSS3515E,115?
For technical support, including PBSS3515E,115 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PBSS3515E,115 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PBSS3515E,115 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PBSS3515E,115 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 PBSS3515E,115 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PBSS3515E,115?
All PBSS3515E,115 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PBSS3515E,115, 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 PBSS3515E,115 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PBSS3515E,115:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
PBSS3515E,115 Tags

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