Nexperia USA Inc. PBSS5230T/ZLR
- Part No.:
- PBSS5230T/ZLR
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
PBSS5230T/ZLR.pdf
- Description:
- PBSS5230T/ZLR
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Product details
Overview
PBSS5230T/ZLR from Nexperia is a PNP low VCEsat transistor in SOT23 package, rated for −30 V VCEO, −2 A continuous collector current, and 160–220 mΩ RCEsat at −500 mA/−50 mA drive; used as high-efficiency switch in DC-DC converters and LED backlight drivers.
For engineers reviewing the PBSS5230T/ZLR datasheet, PBSS5230T/ZLR pinout, PBSS5230T/ZLR application, or PBSS5230T/ZLR equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal behavior under FR4 mounting, real-world saturation voltage curves, and validated alternatives for low-voltage PNP switching designs.
Technical Context
This PNP bipolar transistor operates with base-emitter turn-on voltage of −0.75 V at −100 mA and delivers DC current gain (hFE) of 100–180 at −2 A/−200 mA drive. Its low saturation resistance enables stable switching below 240 mV VCEsat at full rated current.
Designed for pulsed operation (tp ≤ 300 µs, duty δ ≤ 0.02), it supports peak collector current up to −3 A and maintains junction temperature ≤ 150 °C. Thermal resistance is 260 K/W when mounted on FR4 with 1 cm² collector pad.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −30 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with open base; defines off-state blocking capability in supply-line switching. |
| IC | −2 A - Continuous DC collector current rating; sets maximum steady-state load current in battery charger or relay driver. |
| VCEsat | −240 to −350 mV at −2 A/−200 mA - Confirmed saturation voltage range; directly determines conduction loss and heat generation in high-duty-cycle apps. |
| RCEsat | 160–220 mΩ at −500 mA/−50 mA - Measured saturation resistance; enables precise I²R loss calculation in low-voltage DC-DC stages. |
| hFE | 100–180 at −2 A - Verified DC current gain; ensures reliable base drive sizing for digital logic-compatible control inputs. |
| fT | 100–200 MHz - Transition frequency at −10 V VCE, −100 mA IC; confirms suitability for medium-speed switching up to ~10 MHz. |
| Ptot | 480 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C with optimized PCB pad - Total power dissipation limit under standard FR4 mounting; constrains thermal design margin. |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 plastic surface-mounted package (2.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 1.0 mm body, 1.9 mm pitch); thermally enhanced for FR4 PCBs with dedicated collector pad.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Control input node requiring −50 mA to −200 mA drive for full saturation; referenced to emitter for PNP biasing. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Common reference terminal tied to positive rail in high-side switch configuration; carries full load current. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Switched output node connected to load; electrically isolated from PCB ground; requires ≥1 cm² copper for thermal management. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low VCEsat | As low as −240 mV at −2 A enables <100 mW conduction loss in 3.3 V systems, reducing heatsink need. |
| High IC capability | −2 A continuous rating supports direct driving of relays, buzzers, and multi-LED strings without external buffering. |
| Optimized for pulsed operation | Validated at tp ≤ 300 µs and δ ≤ 0.02 - matches typical PWM timing in LCD backlight dimming and motor commutation. |
| Thermally robust SOT23 | Rth(j-a) = 260 K/W with 1 cm² collector pad - achieves 150 °C max junction temp at 480 mW dissipation on standard FR4. |
Applications
| DC-to-DC Conversion | Supply Line Switching |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Step-down converter in portable medical devices requiring <50 mV dropout and minimal thermal rise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side synchronous rectifier switch operating at 500 kHz PWM with 20% duty cycle. Use Value: 160 mΩ RCEsat limits I²R loss to 40 mW at 500 mA, enabling fanless enclosure design. |
Use Scenario: Power sequencing in industrial PLC I/O modules where 24 V supply must be gated before microcontroller boot. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP load switch controlled by GPIO with active-low enable signal. Use Value: −30 V VCEO and −2 A rating allow direct 24 V/1.5 A rail control without derating or series FET. |
| Battery Charger Control | LCD Backlight Driver |
Use Scenario: Charge path selector in dual-battery handheld test equipment switching between Li-ion packs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reverse-polarity protected high-side switch isolating battery terminals during charging cycles. Use Value: −5 V VEBO rating prevents base-emitter breakdown during hot-swap events; −300 mA IB max supports logic-level drive. |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED string driver in automotive infotainment display with 3.3 V logic supply. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear current sink modulated via PWM at 1 kHz to achieve 100:1 dimming ratio. Use Value: −225 mV VCEsat at −1 A ensures >93% efficiency in 3.3 V system, minimizing thermal stress on display flex cable. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP low-VCEsat switching applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ON Semiconductor NSS20201MR6T1G | VCEO = −20 V, IC = −2 A, VCEsat = −220 mV @ −1 A - lower voltage rating but tighter VCEsat tolerance. | Not suitable for 24 V supply switching due to −20 V VCEO; acceptable only in ≤15 V DC-DC stages. | Select when operating voltage ≤15 V and tighter VCEsat consistency is prioritized over voltage headroom. |
| Diodes Incorporated DXT5230PZ-7 | VCEO = −30 V, IC = −2 A, VCEsat = −300 mV @ −2 A - higher VCEsat and 3× higher Rth(j-a) (800 K/W). | Requires larger PCB copper area to maintain Tj < 150 °C; less efficient in thermally constrained spaces. | Choose only if PBSS5230T/ZLR is unavailable and thermal budget allows 2.5× higher junction rise per watt. |
Compared with NSS20201MR6T1G and DXT5230PZ-7, PBSS5230T/ZLR uniquely balances −30 V blocking, −240 mV min VCEsat, and 260 K/W thermal resistance - making it optimal for space-constrained 24 V industrial switches where both voltage margin and thermal performance are critical.
Availability
PBSS5230T/ZLR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC-to-DC conversion, supply line switching, and battery charger control requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for PBSS5230T/ZLR 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 manufacturing rooted in process optimization and automotive-grade quality systems.
PBSS5230T/ZLR belongs to Nexperia's "Low VCEsat Transistor" product line, engineered specifically for energy-efficient switching in battery-powered and thermally constrained applications such as portable instrumentation and smart sensors.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable base current for PBSS5230T/ZLR?
The absolute maximum base current is −300 mA, as specified in Table 5 (Limiting Values). This rating applies under pulsed conditions (tp ≤ 1 ms) and ensures safe operation without bond wire fusing. For continuous DC operation, base current should be limited to ≤−200 mA to maintain long-term reliability and avoid thermal runaway.
Can PBSS5230T/ZLR replace an NPN transistor in a circuit?
No - PBSS5230T/ZLR is a PNP transistor with inverted polarity: emitter connects to higher potential, collector to load, and base driven low to turn on. Direct replacement of an NPN requires circuit reconfiguration including inversion of control signals and power rail referencing. Its NPN complement is PBSS4230T.
Is PBSS5230T/ZLR qualified for automotive applications?
No - the revision history explicitly states that PBSS5230T/ZLR was changed to non-automotive qualification in v.4 (20250930). It lacks AEC-Q101 stress testing and automotive-specific failure reporting. For automotive use, Nexperia offers separate −Q qualified variants such as PBSS5230T,115.
How does PCB layout affect PBSS5230T/ZLR thermal performance?
Thermal resistance drops from 417 K/W (standard footprint) to 260 K/W when a 1 cm² copper pad is added under the collector terminal, per Table 6. Without this pad, junction temperature exceeds 150 °C at just 290 mW dissipation. Solder mask-defined thermal pads and internal plane connections further reduce Rth in multilayer boards.
PBSS5230T/ZLR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- *
- Package/Case:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- -
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- -
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- -
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- -
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- -
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- -
- Power - Max:
- -
- Frequency - Transition:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
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PBSS5230T/ZLR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PBSS5230T/ZLR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PBSS5230T/ZLR 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 PBSS5230T/ZLR reliable?
The price and inventory of PBSS5230T/ZLR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PBSS5230T/ZLR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PBSS5230T/ZLR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PBSS5230T/ZLR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PBSS5230T/ZLR?
PBSS5230T/ZLR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PBSS5230T/ZLR 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 PBSS5230T/ZLR?
For technical support, including PBSS5230T/ZLR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PBSS5230T/ZLR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PBSS5230T/ZLR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PBSS5230T/ZLR 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 PBSS5230T/ZLR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PBSS5230T/ZLR?
All PBSS5230T/ZLR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PBSS5230T/ZLR, 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 PBSS5230T/ZLR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PBSS5230T/ZLR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
PBSS5230T/ZLR Tags

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MMBT3906LT1G
onsemi

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MMBT3904-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

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MMBT3904LT1G
onsemi

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MMBT3906-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

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MMBT3904-TP
Micro Commercial Co

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MMBT2222A-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

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BC846BLT1G
onsemi

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BC847B,215
Nexperia USA Inc.

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SMMBT3904LT1G
onsemi

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MMBT2222A-TP
Micro Commercial Co

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MMBTA06LT1G
onsemi

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MMBT2222ALT1G
onsemi
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