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

Nexperia USA Inc. PMBT3906,215

Name: PMBT3906,215
Brand: Nexperia USA Inc.
SKU: PMBT3906,215
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: PMBT3906,215

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

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

Datasheet:: PMBT3906,215.pdf

Description:: TRANS PNP 40V 0.2A TO-236AB

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

PMBT3906,215 from Nexperia is a PNP bipolar junction transistor in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, designed for low-voltage switching and general-purpose amplification with −40 V V_CEO, −200 mA I_C, and DC current gain (h_FE) up to 300 at I_C = −10 mA. It serves as a compact, surface-mount replacement for through-hole PNP transistors in power management and signal routing circuits.

For engineers reviewing the PMBT3906,215 datasheet, PMBT3906,215 pinout, PMBT3906,215 application, or PMBT3906,215 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal limits, switching timing data, and real-world use context - all aligned with Nexperia's Rev. 06 product data sheet dated 2 March 2010.

Technical Context

The PMBT3906,215 operates as a standard PNP BJT with open-base collector-emitter breakdown of −40 V and maximum continuous collector current of −200 mA. Its h_FE varies from 30 to 300 depending on collector current (−0.1 mA to −100 mA), and saturation voltages are specified at −250 mV (V_CEsat) and −850 mV (V_BEsat) under defined drive conditions.

Switching performance includes turn-on time ≤70 ns, turn-off time ≤300 ns, and storage time ≤225 ns at I_Con = −10 mA / I_Boff = 1 mA. Thermal resistance R_th(j-a) is 500 K/W when mounted on FR4 PCB, supporting operation from −65 °C to +150 °C ambient.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	−40 V: Maximum allowable collector-emitter voltage before breakdown in open-base configuration.
I_C	−200 mA: Continuous DC collector current rating; defines maximum load-handling capability in switching mode.
h_FE	60–300: DC current gain range across operating currents; enables predictable base drive sizing for saturation.
V_CEsat	−250 mV (typ.): Low saturation voltage at I_C = −10 mA / I_B = −1 mA; minimizes conduction loss in switch applications.
t_off	≤300 ns: Total turn-off time including storage delay; supports PWM frequencies up to ~300 kHz in digital logic interfaces.
P_tot	250 mW at T_amb ≤25 °C: Power dissipation limit on FR4 PCB; constrains usable current/voltage combinations in thermally unmanaged layouts.
f_T	250 MHz: Transition frequency at V_CE = −20 V / I_C = −10 mA; indicates high-frequency small-signal amplification capability.

Pinout & Package

SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mount package with 3 leads, 1.3 mm × 2.9 mm footprint, 1.1 mm height, and gull-wing lead form. Designed for automated pick-and-place assembly and reflow soldering on standard FR4 PCBs.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Base	Current-controlled input node; requires negative bias relative to emitter to forward-bias base-emitter junction and enable conduction.
2	Emiter	Reference terminal for PNP operation; connected to higher potential (e.g., V_CC) in common-emitter switch configurations.
3	Collector	Output terminal carrying load current; sinks current toward emitter when transistor is saturated or active.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Low V_CEsat	−250 mV typical at I_C = −10 mA ensures minimal voltage drop and heat generation during saturation.
High-speed switching	300 ns max t_off and 70 ns max t_on support fast digital interface and pulse-width modulation applications.
Wide temperature range	Operates from −65 °C to +150 °C junction temperature, enabling use in automotive under-hood and industrial control environments.
Robust absolute ratings	−40 V V_CBO/V_CEO, −6 V V_EBO, and 150 °C T_j provide margin against transient overvoltage and thermal stress.

Applications

LED Driver Circuit

Level-Shifting Interface

Use Scenario: Driving discrete red/green/blue LEDs from 3.3 V microcontroller GPIO pins with common-anode topology.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch sinking current from LED anodes to ground via emitter-follower or common-emitter configuration.

Use Value: −250 mV V_CEsat preserves >3.0 V forward voltage headroom for high-brightness LEDs at 20 mA.

Use Scenario: Translating 1.8 V logic signals to 5 V domains in mixed-voltage MCU systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active-low level shifter using emitter-coupled configuration with pull-up resistors on both sides.

Use Value: 300 ns t_off supports reliable 1–3 MHz signal translation without duty-cycle distortion.

Power Rail Enable Switch

Comparator Output Buffer

Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling 3.3 V or 5 V auxiliary rails in battery-powered IoT sensors based on enable signal from PMIC.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side PNP switch controlling V_OUT rail with base driven by open-drain comparator output.

Use Value: −200 mA I_C rating supports up to 150 mA load current with 25% derating for thermal safety on FR4.

Use Scenario: Isolating and strengthening open-collector comparator outputs driving multiple downstream logic inputs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Current-buffering stage that converts weak comparator sink current into robust TTL-compatible output.

Use Value: h_FE ≥100 at I_C = −10 mA ensures stable 8 mA output drive with <10 μA base current demand.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP switching transistor applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
MMBT3906 (ON Semiconductor)	Identical V_CEO, I_C, and h_FE specs; ±5% tighter V_CEsat distribution but same −250 mV typical value.	No functional difference in switching or amplification roles; validated for same SOT23 footprint and reflow profiles.	Select when sourcing from ON Semi supply chain or requiring dual-source qualification for long-life designs.
BC807-16 (Nexperia)	Higher h_FE (160–230 min), lower V_CEsat (−150 mV typ.), but reduced V_CEO (−45 V → −45 V still sufficient for most 3.3/5 V systems).	Better suited for low-loss linear regulation or high-gain analog stages where V_CEsat and h_FE dominate over voltage margin.	Prefer for precision bias networks or low-dropout current sources where gain consistency and saturation voltage are critical.

Compared with MMBT3906 and BC807-16, the PMBT3906,215 offers balanced trade-offs: wider V_CEO margin than BC807-16 and broader global availability than MMBT3906, while maintaining identical SOT23 mechanical compatibility and JEDEC-standard marking (*2A).

Availability

PMBT3906,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, level-shifting interfaces, power rail enable switches, and comparator output buffers requiring stable component supply across industrial automation, consumer electronics, and embedded sensor modules.

Supply support for PMBT3906,215 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 leading semiconductor manufacturer specializing in high-volume, high-reliability discrete devices, logic ICs, and MOSFETs, with roots in NXP's standard products division.

The PMBT3906,215 belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor family, engineered for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications demanding proven reliability and consistent parametric performance across temperature and lot variations.

FAQ

Is PMBT3906,215 pin-compatible with PMBT3904?

No - PMBT3906,215 is a PNP transistor with pinout Base (1), Emitter (2), Collector (3), while PMBT3904 is its NPN complement with identical SOT23 package but reversed polarity and complementary pin function mapping. They share mechanical footprint but require circuit-level polarity reversal for substitution.

What is the maximum safe operating current at 85 °C ambient?

At 85 °C ambient, derating applies: P_tot drops to ~150 mW (based on 500 K/W R_th(j-a)). With V_CEsat ≈ −300 mV at higher current, maximum sustainable I_C is ~120 mA to maintain T_j ≤150 °C - confirmed by Nexperia's thermal curves in Figure 5 of the datasheet.

Can PMBT3906,215 be used in linear amplifier mode?

Yes - its h_FE remains stable from −0.1 mA to −100 mA, and noise figure is specified at 4 dB (10 Hz–15.7 kHz). However, it lacks guaranteed linearity specs like THD or f_T flatness; best suited for low-gain, low-bandwidth preamplifier or bias network roles rather than high-fidelity audio stages.

Does the "215" suffix indicate tape-and-reel packaging?

Yes - per Nexperia's ordering information, "215" denotes 3,000-unit quantity in 4 mm pitch, 8 mm tape-and-reel packaging (SOT23 format), distinct from "235" which specifies 10,000 units per reel. Both share identical electrical and thermal characteristics.

PMBT3906,215 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):: 200 mA

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

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 400mV @ 5mA, 50mA

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 50nA (ICBO)

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 100 @ 10mA, 1V

Power - Max:: 250 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 250MHz

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: Automotive

Qualification:: AEC-Q101

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: TO-236AB

PMBT3906,215 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for PMBT3906,215 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PMBT3906,215 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 PMBT3906,215 reliable?

The price and inventory of PMBT3906,215 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PMBT3906,215 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for PMBT3906,215?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PMBT3906,215 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for PMBT3906,215?

PMBT3906,215 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your PMBT3906,215 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 PMBT3906,215?

For technical support, including PMBT3906,215 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PMBT3906,215 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that PMBT3906,215 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All PMBT3906,215 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 PMBT3906,215 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of PMBT3906,215?

All PMBT3906,215 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PMBT3906,215, 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 PMBT3906,215 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for PMBT3906,215:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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