Nexperia USA Inc. PBSS4160T-QVL
- Part No.:
- PBSS4160T-QVL
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
PBSS4160T-QVL.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 60V 0.9A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,029
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Product details
Overview
PBSS4160T-QVL from Nexperia is a 60 V, 1 A NPN low-VCEsat BISS transistor in SOT23 package, designed for high-efficiency switching in automotive 42 V power systems, DC-DC converters, and inductive load drivers (e.g., relays, buzzers). It delivers RCEsat = 200–250 mΩ at IC = 1 A / IB = 100 mA and is AEC-Q101 qualified.
For engineers reviewing the PBSS4160T-QVL datasheet, PBSS4160T-QVL pinout, PBSS4160T-QVL application, or PBSS4160T-QVL equivalent, key selection criteria include VCE rating (60 V), saturation resistance under pulsed conditions, thermal derating on FR4 PCB, and AEC-Q101 compliance for automotive-grade reliability.
Technical Context
This NPN BISS (Buried-Intrinsic-Silicon-Structure) transistor uses optimized epitaxial layer design to achieve low VCEsat while maintaining high fT (150–220 MHz) and robust secondary breakdown immunity. Its base-emitter turn-on voltage is 0.82–0.9 V at IC = 1 A, enabling direct drive from 3.3 V/5 V logic with minimal base current overhead.
The device operates with IC up to 1 A continuous and 2 A peak (tp ≤ 1 ms), supported by thermal resistance Rth(j-a) = 312 K/W when mounted on FR4 with 1 cm² collector pad - critical for thermally constrained automotive modules and telecom power stages.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 60 V - Supports 42 V automotive supply rails with ≥1.4× safety margin against transients. |
| IC (cont.) | 1 A - Rated continuous collector current enables direct driving of medium-power loads without heatsinking. |
| RCEsat | 200–250 mΩ - Low on-resistance reduces conduction loss and board-level heat generation in switching applications. |
| fT | 150–220 MHz - Sufficient gain-bandwidth for fast-switching DC-DC control loops and PWM-driven peripheral drivers. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Meets stress test requirements for automotive discrete semiconductors, including temperature cycling and HTRB. |
| VBE(sat) | 0.95–1.1 V at IC = 1 A / IB = 50 mA - Enables efficient base drive from standard logic outputs with low gate-drive power. |
| hFE | 100–150 at IC = 1 A - High DC current gain ensures stable saturation with modest base current, reducing driver complexity. |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 plastic surface-mount package (2.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 1.0 mm body, 1.9 mm lead pitch); standardized footprint per JEDEC TO-236AB; 3-terminal configuration with tin-plated leads.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Control input; requires ~100 mA pulsed base current to fully saturate at IC = 1 A - compatible with microcontroller GPIO or dedicated driver ICs. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Reference node for current sensing and grounding; tied directly to PCB ground plane to minimize switching noise coupling. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | High-current output terminal; occupies largest copper pad (1 cm² recommended) to manage thermal dissipation and reduce Rth(j-a). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low VCEsat | 200–250 mV at IC = 1 A - cuts conduction loss by >40% vs. standard bipolar transistors, improving efficiency in battery-powered systems. |
| High IC capability | 1 A continuous, 2 A pulsed - supports compact designs for 5–10 W power stages without external current amplification. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive use - includes HTGB, HTRB, and temperature cycling tests ensuring reliability over 15-year vehicle lifetimes. |
| Small SOT23 footprint | 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm area - saves PCB space in space-constrained modules such as ECU sub-assemblies and telecom power bricks. |
| High fT | 150–220 MHz - enables clean switching edges in PWM frequencies up to 500 kHz, minimizing EMI in sensitive RF environments. |
Applications
| Automotive 42 V Power Switching | DC-DC Converter Primary Switch |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-side switch in 42 V auxiliary power distribution units for start-stop systems and ADAS sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN BISS transistor operating in saturated switching mode, controlled by MCU PWM signal. Use Value: 200 mΩ RCEsat limits power loss to <100 mW at 500 mA load, eliminating need for heatsink and reducing module size by 30%. |
Use Scenario: Low-side synchronous rectifier or primary switch in non-isolated buck converters for infotainment head units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-switching NPN transistor handling 1 A peak current at 250 kHz PWM frequency. Use Value: 220 MHz fT ensures minimal switching delay and overshoot, improving regulation accuracy and reducing output ripple. |
| Inductive Load Driver (Relay/Buzzer) | LED/Lamp Supply Switch |
Use Scenario: Driving 12 V/24 V automotive relays and piezoelectric buzzers in body control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Inductive load switch with integrated flyback path management via external diode. Use Value: 60 V VCEO withstands >100 V inductive kickback, enabling robust operation without additional clamping components. |
Use Scenario: On/off control of interior LED lighting and incandescent lamps in dashboard and cabin modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-voltage, low-RCEsat switch interfacing between 3.3 V MCU and lamp load. Use Value: 0.82 V VBE(on) allows full saturation from 3.3 V GPIO, eliminating level-shifter requirement and simplifying BOM. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN low-VCEsat transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ON Semiconductor NSS12201LT1G | VCEO = 40 V, RCEsat = 250 mΩ @ IC = 1 A, no AEC-Q101 qualification | Limited to 24 V systems; unsuitable for 42 V automotive or telecom infrastructure | Select only for cost-sensitive industrial 24 V applications where automotive qualification is not required. |
| Diodes Incorporated DXT75100Q-7 | VCEO = 60 V, RCEsat = 220 mΩ, AEC-Q101 qualified, but SOT323 package (smaller thermal pad) | Lower thermal mass and higher Rth(j-a) (465 K/W) limits continuous IC to 0.7 A on same FR4 layout | Prefer for ultra-compact layouts where board area is critical and peak current dominates over continuous duty. |
Compared with NSS12201LT1G and DXT75100Q-7, PBSS4160T-QVL uniquely balances 60 V rating, AEC-Q101 compliance, 1 A continuous current, and SOT23 thermal performance - making it optimal for production automotive modules requiring long-term reliability and thermal headroom.
Availability
PBSS4160T-QVL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive 42 V power distribution, telecom DC-DC conversion, and industrial relay driver applications requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for PBSS4160T-QVL 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 essential semiconductors - delivering discrete, logic, and MOSFET solutions optimized for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.
PBSS4160T-QVL belongs to Nexperia's BISS transistor family, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, high-reliability switching in automotive power systems and telecom infrastructure where low VCEsat and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable junction temperature for PBSS4160T-QVL?
The absolute maximum junction temperature (Tj) is 150 °C, as defined in IEC 60134 limiting values. Operation above this threshold risks permanent degradation. Derating curves show total power dissipation drops to 400 mW at 100 °C ambient when mounted on standard FR4, requiring thermal design verification for sustained high-current use.
Can PBSS4160T-QVL replace a standard general-purpose NPN transistor like BC817 in existing designs?
Yes, but only if VCEO, IC, and thermal constraints align. PBSS4160T-QVL offers lower VCEsat (200 mV vs. ~300 mV) and higher fT, but its base drive requirement (100 mA for 1 A IC) exceeds BC817's typical 5–10 mA. Verify driver capability and adjust base resistor values accordingly.
Is PBSS4160T-QVL suitable for linear regulator applications?
No - it is optimized for switching operation, not linear regulation. Its low VCEsat and high fT do not compensate for poor Safe Operating Area (SOA) in linear mode. The datasheet does not specify SOA curves, and continuous linear operation risks thermal runaway due to limited Ptot (1.25 W pulsed, 400 mW continuous on FR4).
What is the meaning of "BISS" in PBSS4160T-QVL's product description?
BISS stands for Buried-Intrinsic-Silicon-Structure - a proprietary Nexperia transistor architecture that embeds a low-resistivity buried layer beneath the emitter-base junction. This reduces series resistance and enhances carrier injection efficiency, achieving lower VCEsat and higher current gain compared to conventional planar bipolar transistors.
PBSS4160T-QVL 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:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 900 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 60 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 250mV @ 100mA, 1A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 250 @ 1mA, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 270 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 220MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-236AB
PBSS4160T-QVL FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PBSS4160T-QVL through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PBSS4160T-QVL 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 PBSS4160T-QVL reliable?
The price and inventory of PBSS4160T-QVL are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PBSS4160T-QVL is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PBSS4160T-QVL?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PBSS4160T-QVL transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PBSS4160T-QVL?
PBSS4160T-QVL orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PBSS4160T-QVL 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 PBSS4160T-QVL?
For technical support, including PBSS4160T-QVL datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PBSS4160T-QVL requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PBSS4160T-QVL is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PBSS4160T-QVL 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 PBSS4160T-QVL meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PBSS4160T-QVL?
All PBSS4160T-QVL units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PBSS4160T-QVL, 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 PBSS4160T-QVL part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PBSS4160T-QVL:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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