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

Nexperia USA Inc. PBSS5540Z-QX

Name: PBSS5540Z-QX
Brand: Nexperia USA Inc.
SKU: PBSS5540Z-QX
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: PBSS5540Z-QX

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-261-4, TO-261AA

Datasheet:: PBSS5540Z-QX.pdf

Description:: TRANS PNP 40V 5A SOT-223

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

PBSS5540Z-QX from Nexperia is a 40 V, −5 A PNP low-saturation-voltage transistor in SOT223 (SC-73) package, optimized for high-current switching with R_CEsat as low as 55 mΩ at −2 A/−200 mA drive. It serves as a robust power switch in automotive battery management and DC/DC converter output stages, qualified to AEC-Q101.

For engineers reviewing the PBSS5540Z-QX datasheet, PBSS5540Z-QX pinout, PBSS5540Z-QX application, or PBSS5540Z-QX equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal performance under defined PCB mounting conditions, automotive qualification status, and real-world use cases in supply-line and MOSFET driver circuits.

Technical Context

This PNP transistor operates with a maximum V_CEO of −40 V and supports continuous collector current up to −5 A, with peak capability of −10 A for ≤1 ms pulses. Its low R_CEsat (55–80 mΩ) and V_CEsat (−110 to −375 mV) enable efficient conduction with minimal heat generation under heavy load.

Thermal resistance varies significantly with PCB copper area: R_th(j-a) is 92 K/W on 1 cm² pad and drops to 62 K/W on 6 cm², confirming its dependence on heatsinking design. The device exhibits h_FE of 50–150 at −5 A, supporting stable current gain across automotive temperature range (−55 °C to +150 °C).

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	−40 V: Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines upper limit for supply rail switching in 24 V automotive systems.
I_C	−5 A continuous: Sustained current-handling capacity suitable for motor drivers and lamp loads without derating at T_amb ≤ 25 °C.
R_CEsat	55 mΩ typical at −2 A/−200 mA: Enables <110 mW conduction loss per switch, reducing thermal stress in compact layouts.
h_FE	50–150 at −5 A: Ensures reliable base drive margin for digital logic-level control without excessive base current overhead.
T_j max	150 °C: Junction temperature limit aligned with AEC-Q101 automotive reliability requirements for under-hood applications.
f_T	60–120 MHz: Supports fast switching in PWM-controlled DC/DC converters up to several hundred kHz with low storage time.
V_BEsat	−1.3 V max at −5 A/−500 mA: Defines minimum base-emitter drive voltage needed to maintain saturation under full load.

Pinout & Package

The PBSS5540Z-QX uses the SC-73 (SOT223) surface-mount package with integrated heatsink tab (pin 2 and pin 4 both connected to collector), measuring 6.5 mm × 3.5 mm × 1.65 mm and requiring a 2.3 mm lead pitch footprint.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Base (B)	Control input; accepts −200 mA typical base current to saturate at −2 A collector current.
2	Collector (C)	Main power terminal; electrically tied to pin 4 and thermal pad; must be soldered to ≥1 cm² copper for rated power dissipation.
3	Emiter (E)	Current return path; connects to system ground or low-side reference in high-side switch configurations.
4	Collector (C)	Duplicate collector connection; enhances thermal conduction and current sharing; not isolated from pin 2.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Low V_CEsat	As low as −110 mV at −2 A enables >98 % efficiency in 12 V supply switching with <250 mW loss.
AEC-Q101 qualified	Validated for automotive under-hood use including temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock per standard.
Enhanced thermal pad	SOT223 dual-collector configuration allows direct PCB copper attachment for 62 K/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance.
High I_CM	−10 A single-pulse rating supports inrush current handling in motor start-up and flash capacitor charging.

Applications

Battery Management Systems

Automotive DC/DC Converters

Use Scenario: High-side disconnect switch for 12 V/24 V battery backup paths in ADAS ECUs and infotainment modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP power switch controlling main supply rail; activated by microcontroller GPIO with level-shifting circuitry.

Use Value: Low R_CEsat minimizes voltage drop during cranking events, preserving downstream regulator input stability.

Use Scenario: Synchronous rectifier or pre-regulator switch in 48 V–12 V buck converters for vehicle electrification subsystems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current PNP switch operating in linear or saturated mode to regulate intermediate bus voltage.

Use Value: 150 °C T_j rating and AEC-Q101 compliance ensure operation in engine bay ambient up to 105 °C.

MOSFET Gate Drivers

Strobe Flash Circuits

Use Scenario: Level-shifting stage driving high-side N-channel MOSFET gates in half-bridge motor controllers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-turn-on PNP switch sourcing gate charge current to pull gate voltage above source potential.

Use Value: f_T ≥ 60 MHz and low storage time support clean 100+ kHz PWM edge transitions without shoot-through risk.

Use Scenario: High-current discharge switch for xenon or LED strobe capacitors in automotive lighting and safety warning systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Pulse-mode PNP switch delivering −10 A peak current for ≤1 ms flash duration.

Use Value: I_CM = −10 A and low V_CEsat ensure full capacitor energy transfer with minimal voltage sag and thermal rise.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP low-V_CEsat transistor applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
ON Semiconductor NSS40501MZ4T1G	−40 V V_CEO, −5 A I_C, but R_CEsat = 100 mΩ typical - 82 % higher conduction loss at same current.	Not AEC-Q101 qualified; limited to industrial-grade temperature range (−55 °C to +150 °C not validated).	Select only if automotive qualification is unnecessary and thermal budget permits higher loss.
Diodes Incorporated DXT5551Q-13	−40 V V_CEO, −4 A I_C, R_CEsat = 70 mΩ - lower current rating and no dual-collector thermal pad.	Qualified to AEC-Q101 but lacks SOT223 thermal pad geometry; R_th(j-a) = 100 K/W on standard FR4.	Prefer when board space constraints prevent use of SOT223 footprint or when lower peak current suffices.

Compared with NSS40501MZ4T1G and DXT5551Q-13, PBSS5540Z-QX delivers superior thermal performance via dual-collector SOT223 mounting, lower R_CEsat, and full AEC-Q101 validation - making it the optimal choice for thermally constrained automotive power switches demanding −5 A continuous conduction.

Availability

PBSS5540Z-QX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery management systems, automotive DC/DC converters, and MOSFET gate driver circuits requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for PBSS5540Z-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 essential efficiency technologies, delivering high-performance discrete, logic, and MOSFET solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The PBSS5540Z-QX belongs to Nexperia's Automotive-qualified Low V_CEsat Transistor product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability power switching in 12 V/24 V/48 V automotive subsystems where thermal efficiency and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current for PBSS5540Z-QX at 100 °C ambient?

At T_amb = 100 °C, the maximum continuous collector current is derated to approximately −3.2 A based on thermal resistance (62 K/W on 6 cm² copper) and 150 °C junction limit. This assumes proper PCB heatsinking and no additional airflow; actual rating depends on layout and enclosure conditions.

Is PBSS5540Z-QX pin-compatible with its NPN complement PBSS4540Z-Q?

No - PBSS4540Z-Q uses identical SOT223 package and pin 1–3 assignment (base, collector, emitter), but pin 4 is not present in the NPN version. PBSS5540Z-QX has dual collector terminals (pins 2 and 4), while PBSS4540Z-Q has only one collector (pin 2); PCB layout must accommodate this structural difference.

Does PBSS5540Z-QX require external base current limiting in microcontroller-driven applications?

Yes - with h_FE up to 150, a −5 A load requires only −33 mA base current for saturation, but most MCU GPIOs cannot safely sink that much. A series base resistor (e.g., 100 Ω for 3.3 V logic) ensures controlled turn-on and prevents excessive base-emitter forward bias beyond −6 V V_EBO.

Can PBSS5540Z-QX be used in linear regulator pass transistor applications?

It is not recommended - although rated for 150 °C junction temperature, its SOA curve limits safe linear operation to low V_CE × I_C products. At V_CE > 5 V and I_C > 1 A, secondary breakdown risk increases sharply; dedicated pass transistors with wider SOA are preferred.

PBSS5540Z-QX Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-261-4, TO-261AA

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Active

Transistor Type:: PNP

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 5 A

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 40 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 375mV @ 500mA, 5A

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 100nA (ICBO)

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 250 @ 500mA, 2V

Power - Max:: 1.35 W

Frequency - Transition:: 120MHz

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: Automotive

Qualification:: AEC-Q101

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: SOT-223

PBSS5540Z-QX FAQ

1.How can I place an order for PBSS5540Z-QX through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PBSS5540Z-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 PBSS5540Z-QX reliable?

The price and inventory of PBSS5540Z-QX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PBSS5540Z-QX is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for PBSS5540Z-QX?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PBSS5540Z-QX transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for PBSS5540Z-QX?

PBSS5540Z-QX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your PBSS5540Z-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 PBSS5540Z-QX?

For technical support, including PBSS5540Z-QX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PBSS5540Z-QX requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that PBSS5540Z-QX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All PBSS5540Z-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 PBSS5540Z-QX meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of PBSS5540Z-QX?

All PBSS5540Z-QX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PBSS5540Z-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 PBSS5540Z-QX part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for PBSS5540Z-QX:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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