Nexperia USA Inc. PBSS4021PX-QX
- Part No.:
- PBSS4021PX-QX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-243AA
- Datasheet:
-
PBSS4021PX-QX.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 20V 6.2A SOT-89
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,580
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Product details
Overview
PBSS4021PX-QX from Nexperia is a PNP low VCEsat transistor in SOT89 package, rated for −20 V VCEO, −6.2 A IC, and 23 mΩ RCEsat at −4 A/−400 mA drive. It delivers high current gain (hFE = 80–210) and qualifies per AEC-Q101 for automotive load switching in battery-powered power management circuits.
For engineers reviewing the PBSS4021PX-QX datasheet, PBSS4021PX-QX pinout, PBSS4021PX-QX application, or PBSS4021PX-QX equivalent, this device is selected for high-efficiency, thermally robust PNP switching where low conduction loss and automotive-grade reliability are required in compact SMT layouts.
Technical Context
This PNP bipolar transistor operates with a maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage of −20 V and supports continuous collector currents up to −6.2 A, with peak capability of −15 A for ≤1 ms pulses. Its low saturation resistance (23 mΩ typ.) enables minimal power loss during on-state conduction in high-current DC switching paths.
The device features fast switching performance (ton = 93 ns, toff = 434 ns) and high DC current gain across temperature (hFE ≥ 80 at −7 A), optimized for stable operation in automotive ambient ranges (−55 °C to +150 °C). Thermal resistance to ambient varies from 50 K/W (ceramic PCB) to 208 K/W (standard FR4), enabling thermal-aware board-level design.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −20 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter blocking voltage under open-base conditions. |
| IC | −6.2 A - Continuous DC collector current rating, defining steady-state load-switching capacity. |
| RCEsat | 23 mΩ (typ.) - Low on-resistance at −4 A/−400 mA drive, minimizing I²R loss and heat generation. |
| hFE | 80–210 - High DC current gain at −2 V VCE, reducing required base drive current for efficient control. |
| VCEsat | −160 mV (max) at −6.9 A/−345 mA - Ultra-low saturation voltage ensures <0.11 W conduction loss at full rated current. |
| Tj max | +150 °C - Maximum junction temperature, supporting operation in under-hood automotive environments. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Meets stress-test requirements for discrete semiconductors in automotive applications. |
Pinout & Package
SOT89 (SC-62) plastic surface-mount package: 3-lead, 1.5 mm pitch, 4.5 mm × 2.5 mm × 1.5 mm body, with exposed collector pad for thermal enhancement.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emitter | Current exit terminal; connected to system ground or low-side return path in PNP switch configurations. |
| 2 | Collector | Main current input terminal; electrically and thermally tied to large copper pour for power dissipation. |
| 3 | Base | Control input; requires negative current injection (−100 mA typical) to saturate the transistor. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low VCEsat | −160 mV max at −6.9 A enables >98% efficiency in 12 V load-switching applications. |
| High IC capability | −6.2 A continuous rating supports direct driving of motors, fans, and battery charging FETs without external amplification. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive use including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per JESD22 standards. |
| Thermal robustness | 2.5 W total power dissipation on ceramic PCB allows sustained operation without active cooling in space-constrained modules. |
| Fast switching | 434 ns turn-off time minimizes transition losses in PWM-controlled power stages operating up to 100 kHz. |
Applications
| Automotive Load Switch | Battery Protection Circuit |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Controlling power delivery to infotainment head units or ADAS sensors in 12 V vehicle electrical systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP high-side switch managing main power rail activation/deactivation with reverse-polarity protection. Use Value: Low RCEsat reduces voltage drop and self-heating during cranking conditions (6.5 V min battery), ensuring reliable startup sequencing. |
Use Scenario: Isolating Li-ion battery packs from downstream loads during overcurrent or thermal fault events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary current-handling switch in smart battery management systems, controlled by microcontroller GPIO. Use Value: −15 A peak current rating handles surge loads (e.g., motor startup), while AEC-Q101 compliance guarantees field reliability in EV/HEV battery enclosures. |
| DC Motor Driver Stage | USB-C Power Delivery Switch |
Use Scenario: Driving brushed DC cooling fans or auxiliary pumps in engine control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-transistor half-bridge high-side element in H-bridge or single-direction drive topologies. Use Value: High hFE at −4 A reduces base drive power requirement, simplifying gate driver IC selection and lowering BOM count. |
Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling VBUS power paths in automotive USB-C docking stations with programmable current limiting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision-controlled PNP pass element responding to I²C-configured load switch controllers. Use Value: Tight VCEsat tolerance (±110 mV) ensures consistent voltage regulation across production units, meeting USB PD 3.1 ±5% VBUS accuracy. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP low-VCEsat transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ON Semiconductor NSS40201LT1G | −20 V VCEO, −4.8 A IC, 45 mΩ RCEsat - lower current rating and higher saturation resistance. | Less suitable for >5 A continuous loads; acceptable only in derated 12 V fan control with forced air cooling. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs thermal margin and peak current demand. |
| Diodes Incorporated DXT3904PZ-7 | −40 V VCEO, −3 A IC, 100 mΩ RCEsat - higher voltage rating but significantly higher conduction loss. | Applicable in industrial 24 V systems but inefficient in 12 V automotive due to excessive VCEsat (>300 mV). | Choose only if system requires >30 V blocking and thermal budget permits 2× conduction loss. |
Compared with PBSS4021PX-QX, both alternatives trade off either current handling (NSS40201LT1G) or conduction efficiency (DXT3904PZ-7), making them suboptimal for automotive 12 V/6 A load switching where thermal density and AEC-Q101 validation are critical.
Availability
PBSS4021PX-QX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive load switching, battery protection circuits, and DC motor driver stages requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for PBSS4021PX-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 focused on high-volume, high-reliability logic, discrete, and MOSFET solutions, with leadership in automotive-qualified components.
PBSS4021PX-QX belongs to Nexperia's low VCEsat bipolar transistor product line, engineered specifically for energy-efficient, thermally constrained automotive power switching applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable base current for continuous operation?
The absolute maximum base current is −1 A per datasheet limiting values. However, for reliable continuous operation at −6.2 A collector current, the recommended base drive is −345 mA (IC/IB = 18), ensuring saturation while avoiding excessive base power dissipation and thermal stress on the bond wires.
Can PBSS4021PX-QX be used in parallel configurations for higher current?
No - this PNP bipolar transistor lacks inherent current-sharing characteristics due to negative temperature coefficient of VCEsat. Parallel operation risks thermal runaway; discrete current balancing resistors or dedicated current-sharing ICs would be required, negating size and efficiency advantages.
Is the SOT89 package lead-free and RoHS compliant?
Yes - PBSS4021PX-QX uses lead-free terminations and complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006, with homogeneous material declarations available upon request through Nexperia's compliance portal.
How does thermal performance differ between FR4 and ceramic PCB mounting?
On standard FR4 (single-layer, 35 µm Cu), Rth(j-a) is 208 K/W, limiting continuous power to ~600 mW at 25 °C ambient. On Al2O3 ceramic PCB, Rth(j-a) drops to 50 K/W, enabling full 2.5 W dissipation - a 4.2× improvement critical for sealed automotive enclosures without airflow.
PBSS4021PX-QX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-243AA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Transistor Type:
- PNP
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 6.2 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 20 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 270mV @ 40mA, 4A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 250 @ 1A, 2V
- Power - Max:
- 600 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 105MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-89
PBSS4021PX-QX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PBSS4021PX-QX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PBSS4021PX-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 PBSS4021PX-QX reliable?
The price and inventory of PBSS4021PX-QX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PBSS4021PX-QX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PBSS4021PX-QX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PBSS4021PX-QX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PBSS4021PX-QX?
PBSS4021PX-QX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PBSS4021PX-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 PBSS4021PX-QX?
For technical support, including PBSS4021PX-QX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PBSS4021PX-QX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PBSS4021PX-QX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PBSS4021PX-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 PBSS4021PX-QX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PBSS4021PX-QX?
All PBSS4021PX-QX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PBSS4021PX-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 PBSS4021PX-QX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PBSS4021PX-QX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
PBSS4021PX-QX Tags

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