Send an Inquiry

To receive a quote for your project, please fill in the following information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Submit Inventory List

Please fill in the following information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

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

Nexperia USA Inc. PBSS4021PT,215

Name: PBSS4021PT,215
Brand: Nexperia USA Inc.
SKU: PBSS4021PT,215
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

Compare

Part No.:: PBSS4021PT,215

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3

Datasheet:: PBSS4021PT,215.pdf

Description:: TRANS PNP 20V 3.5A TO-236AB

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

Payment:

Shipping:

Inventory:1,178

Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.

Product details

Overview

PBSS4021PT from Nexperia is a PNP low V_CE(sat) transistor in SOT23 package, rated for −20 V V_CEO, −3.5 A continuous I_C, and 50 mΩ typical R_CE(sat). It delivers high current gain (h_FE = 130 at I_C = −6 A) and AEC-Q101 qualification, enabling use as a compact, efficient load switch in automotive power management circuits.

For engineers reviewing the PBSS4021PT datasheet, PBSS4021PT pinout, PBSS4021PT application, or PBSS4021PT equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, thermal derating curves, PCB footprint details, and validated alternatives for battery-driven switching and motor control designs.

Technical Context

This PNP transistor operates with collector-emitter breakdown voltage of −20 V and emitter-base breakdown voltage of −5 V, supporting robust operation in negative-rail power switching topologies. Its low saturation resistance (50–82.5 mΩ) and fast switching (t_on = 60 ns, t_off = 345 ns) reduce conduction loss and enable high-frequency PWM control.

The device features AEC-Q101 qualification and junction temperature rating up to 150 °C, with thermal resistance R_th(j-a) ranging from 115 K/W (ceramic PCB) to 320 K/W (standard FR4), directly informing heatsinking requirements in space-constrained automotive modules.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	−20 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines rail compatibility in negative-supply switching stages.
I_C	−3.5 A - Continuous DC collector current; supports sustained load currents in battery protection and fan drivers.
R_CE(sat)	50 mΩ (typ) - Low on-resistance at I_C = −4 A / I_B = −400 mA; enables <195 mV V_CE(sat) and minimizes power loss.
h_FE	30–130 - DC current gain across I_C = −500 mA to −6 A; ensures stable drive margin for digital base control.
t_off	345 ns - Total turn-off time under V_CC = −12.5 V, I_C = −1 A, I_Boff = 50 mA; supports >1 MHz PWM in power switches.
T_j(max)	150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; allows operation in under-hood automotive environments with proper PCB thermal design.
AEC-Q101	Qualified - Meets stress test requirements for discrete semiconductors in automotive applications; no additional qualification needed.

Pinout & Package

SOT23 plastic surface-mounted package: 3-terminal, 1.9 mm pitch, 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 1.0 mm body. Standard footprint per Fig. 20 (reflow) and Fig. 21 (wave soldering).

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Base (B)	Control input node; requires −100 mA to −400 mA drive current to achieve specified saturation performance.
2	Emitter (E)	Common reference terminal; connected to higher-potential rail (e.g., battery +) in high-side PNP switch configurations.
3	Collector (C)	Switched output node; carries full load current to ground or lower-potential node; thermally coupled to PCB pad per thermal data.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Low V_CE(sat)	60–200 mV across I_C = −1 A to −4 A; reduces heat generation by >50% vs. conventional PNP transistors at same current.
High I_C/I_CM	−3.5 A continuous / −8 A peak; supports surge-tolerant motor startup and battery short-circuit protection.
High h_FE at high I_C	130 at I_C = −6 A; enables direct microcontroller GPIO drive without external pre-driver stage.
Small PCB footprint	SOT23 package saves >60% board area vs. TO-236AB or SOT89; ideal for space-limited portable and automotive ECUs.
AEC-Q101 qualified	Validated for automotive temperature, humidity, and mechanical stress; eliminates need for customer requalification.

Applications

Load Switch

Battery Protection

Use Scenario: High-side power switch controlling 12 V battery-fed subsystems (e.g., infotainment USB ports, lighting modules).

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP transistor configured as saturated switch; driven by MCU GPIO with active-low logic.

Use Value: 50 mΩ R_CE(sat) limits voltage drop to <200 mV at 4 A, preserving system efficiency and reducing thermal load on PCB.

Use Scenario: Reverse-polarity and overcurrent protection circuit in portable medical devices powered by Li-ion cells.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP pass element in series with battery positive; controlled by protection IC to disconnect load during fault.

Use Value: −20 V V_CEO withstands load-dump transients; AEC-Q101 qualification ensures reliability in safety-critical portable systems.

Motor Control

Charging Circuit

Use Scenario: PWM-controlled fan driver in automotive HVAC module operating from 12 V supply.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side or high-side switching element; switched at 25 kHz to minimize audible noise.

Use Value: 345 ns t_off enables clean PWM edges; 150 °C T_j(max) accommodates under-dash ambient temperatures up to 85 °C.

Use Scenario: Charge path switch in dual-battery backup systems for industrial IoT gateways.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional blocking switch isolating primary and secondary batteries during charging cycles.

Use Value: −5 V V_EBO prevents emitter-base breakdown during reverse-battery events; low R_CE(sat) minimizes charging losses.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP low V_CE(sat) transistor applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
ON Semiconductor NSS40201LT1G	−20 V V_CEO, −3 A I_C, 75 mΩ R_CE(sat); SOT23 package; not AEC-Q101 qualified.	Lacks automotive qualification; suitable only for industrial or consumer-grade battery switches.	Select when AEC-Q101 is not required and cost sensitivity outweighs thermal performance.
Diodes Incorporated DXT4021PZ-7	−20 V V_CEO, −3.5 A I_C, 65 mΩ R_CE(sat); SOT23 package; AEC-Q101 qualified.	Higher R_CE(sat) increases conduction loss by ~30% at 4 A; identical pinout and footprint.	Choose if Nexperia supply constraints exist; verify thermal margin due to higher saturation resistance.

Compared with PBSS4021PT, NSS40201LT1G trades automotive qualification for lower cost, while DXT4021PZ-7 matches qualification but sacrifices 30% lower conduction efficiency-making PBSS4021PT optimal for thermally constrained AEC-Q101 designs demanding minimal V_CE(sat).

Availability

PBSS4021PT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power management, battery-driven devices, and motor control applications requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 compliance.

Supply support for PBSS4021PT 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 high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified components and energy-efficient solutions.

PBSS4021PT belongs to Nexperia's "Low V_CE(sat) Transistor" product line, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, space-constrained power switching in automotive and industrial systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable base current for PBSS4021PT?

The absolute maximum base current is −1 A per Table 5 (Limiting Values). However, typical drive conditions use −100 mA to −400 mA to achieve specified R_CE(sat) and V_CE(sat) performance. Exceeding −400 mA offers diminishing returns in saturation improvement and risks excessive base power dissipation.

Can PBSS4021PT replace an NPN transistor in the same circuit?

No-it is a PNP device with opposite polarity and complementary functionality. Its NPN counterpart is PBSS4021NT (same package, ratings, and characteristics). Direct substitution would invert logic and violate biasing; redesign of drive network and power topology is required.

How does thermal resistance vary with PCB construction?

R_th(j-a) ranges from 115 K/W (ceramic PCB) to 320 K/W (standard FR4 single-layer), per Table 6. Using a 4-layer FR4 board with 1 cm² collector pad reduces it to 125 K/W-enabling 1.1 W power dissipation at 25 °C ambient versus only 0.39 W on basic FR4.

Is PBSS4021PT suitable for linear regulator applications?

No-it is optimized for saturated switching, not linear operation. Its Safe Operating Area (SOA) is not characterized for linear mode, and power dissipation in analog regulation would exceed thermal limits without aggressive heatsinking. Use dedicated LDOs or linear pass transistors instead.

PBSS4021PT,215 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Active

Transistor Type:: PNP

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 3.5 A

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 20 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 330mV @ 400mA, 4A

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 100nA

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 140 @ 2A, 2V

Power - Max:: 1.1 W

Frequency - Transition:: 155MHz

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: Automotive

Qualification:: AEC-Q100

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: TO-236AB

PBSS4021PT,215 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for PBSS4021PT,215 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PBSS4021PT,215 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 PBSS4021PT,215 reliable?

The price and inventory of PBSS4021PT,215 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PBSS4021PT,215 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for PBSS4021PT,215?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PBSS4021PT,215 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for PBSS4021PT,215?

PBSS4021PT,215 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your PBSS4021PT,215 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 PBSS4021PT,215?

For technical support, including PBSS4021PT,215 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PBSS4021PT,215 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that PBSS4021PT,215 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All PBSS4021PT,215 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 PBSS4021PT,215 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of PBSS4021PT,215?

All PBSS4021PT,215 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PBSS4021PT,215, 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 PBSS4021PT,215 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for PBSS4021PT,215:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

Tech Hub

2026-09-03 Logic Level Shifter: How to Connect 3.3V and 5V Logic Safely

A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.

2026-09-03 74HC595 vs TPIC6B595: Output Drive, Pinout, Current, and Load Selection

The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…

2026-09-01 74HC595 Pinout, Timing, Output Current, and Applications

The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…

2026-09-01 Latch vs Flip-Flop: Timing, Differences and Design Choices

A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…

2026-08-30 D Latch Circuit: Truth Table, Timing, ICs and Applications

A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

2026-08-28 SR Latch Explained: NOR and NAND Circuits, Truth Tables, and Applications

An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…

2026-08-27 Latch Circuit: SR and D Latches, Truth Tables, Timing, and Applications

Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…

2026-08-21 What Is an LED Driver? Types, Circuits, Dimming, and Selection

An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…

2026-08-18 Operational Amplifier (Op Amp): Basics, Configurations, Feedback and Applications

Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…

2026-08-14 Jumper Cables: How to Use, Connect and Choose Them Safely

Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…