Nexperia USA Inc. PMBT5550,235
- Part No.:
- PMBT5550,235
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
PMBT5550,235.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 140V 0.3A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,980
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Product details
Overview
PMBT5550 from Nexperia is an NPN high-voltage bipolar junction transistor in SOT23 package, rated for 140 V VCEO, 300 mA IC, and 250 mW Ptot at Tamb ≤ 25 °C. It serves as a general-purpose switching or linear amplification device in automotive-grade power control circuits, including ignition drivers and relay interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the PMBT5550 datasheet, PMBT5550 pinout, PMBT5550 application, or PMBT5550 equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, 150 °C maximum junction temperature, 100–300 MHz fT, low 6 pF Cc, and verified thermal resistance of 500 K/W on FR4 PCB.
Technical Context
The PMBT5550 operates as a discrete NPN BJT with open-base collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 140 V and peak collector current capability of 600 mA. Its DC current gain (hFE) ranges from 20 at IC = 50 mA to 250 at IC = 10 mA, supporting stable biasing across moderate-current switching applications.
Thermal performance is defined for mounting on single-sided tin-plated FR4 PCB, yielding Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W. Saturation voltages are specified at two operating points: VCE(sat) ≤ 250 mV (IC = 50 mA, IB = 5 mA) and ≤ 150 mV (IC = 10 mA, IB = 1 mA), enabling low-loss switching in 12–48 V systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 140 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; enables use in 100 V rail switching. |
| IC | 300 mA continuous - Supports load switching up to ~3 W at 12 V with adequate heatsinking. |
| hFE | 60–250 - Ensures reliable base drive design across 1–50 mA collector currents. |
| fT | 100–300 MHz - Sufficient for audio-frequency amplification and fast digital switching (ton/toff < 10 ns). |
| Rth(j-a) | 500 K/W - Requires derating above 25 °C ambient; limits usable power to ~150 mW at 70 °C. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive underhood environments per stress test requirements. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SOT23 (TO-236AB), surface-mounted plastic package, 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 1.0 mm body, 1.9 mm lead pitch.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Control terminal; requires current-limited drive (max IB = 100 mA peak) to avoid saturation delay. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Reference node for current flow; connected to ground or low-side return path in common-emitter configuration. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | High-side output terminal; handles full load current and must be routed with clearance for 140 V transient isolation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive underhood operation including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing. |
| High VCEO (140 V) | Supports direct interface with 48 V battery systems and inductive kickback suppression without external clamping. |
| Low Cc (6 pF) | Minimizes Miller effect, improving switching speed and reducing gate-drive interaction in driver stages. |
| Low VBE(sat) (≤ 1.2 V) | Reduces base drive power loss and simplifies logic-level compatibility with 3.3 V/5 V microcontrollers. |
Applications
| Automotive Ignition Driver | Industrial Relay Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving primary coil of distributorless ignition system in 12 V gasoline engines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-voltage NPN switch controlling coil energization and collapse timing. Use Value: Withstands 140 V VCEO and 600 mA ICM, eliminating need for external snubbers during inductive flyback. |
Use Scenario: Isolating PLC output signals to energize 24 VDC industrial relays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch interfacing microcontroller GPIO to relay coil. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification ensures reliability in factory automation environments with vibration and wide temperature swings. |
| LED String Power Switch | Linear Voltage Regulator Pass Element |
|
Use Scenario: Switching 48 V LED strings in commercial lighting fixtures with PWM dimming. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-voltage series pass switch in constant-current LED driver stage. Use Value: 100–300 MHz fT supports clean PWM edge fidelity up to 20 kHz without ringing. |
Use Scenario: Pass transistor in adjustable 5–12 V linear regulator for sensor signal conditioning. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Series regulation element dissipating up to 250 mW at ambient. Use Value: hFE ≥ 60 at IC = 10 mA enables stable feedback loop design with minimal base current error. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN high-voltage transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC817-40,215 | VCEO = 45 V, IC = 500 mA, hFE = 250–630 - lower voltage rating, higher gain, no AEC-Q101. | Not suitable for >45 V rails; limited to 12–24 V consumer/industrial switching. | Select only when VCEO margin < 100 V is acceptable and automotive qualification is unnecessary. |
| MMBT5551 | VCEO = 160 V, IC = 600 mA, Ptot = 310 mW - higher voltage/current, same SOT23 footprint, AEC-Q101 qualified. | Direct upgrade path for higher-power or higher-voltage designs requiring extended margin. | Preferred where 140 V VCEO is marginal or where 600 mA peak current is required. |
Compared with BC817-40,215 and MMBT5551, the PMBT5550 offers optimal balance of 140 V rating, AEC-Q101 compliance, and thermal performance on standard FR4, making it ideal for cost-sensitive automotive and industrial 48 V subsystems.
Availability
PMBT5550 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ignition modules, industrial relay interfaces, LED string switching, and linear regulator pass elements requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for PMBT5550 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 specializing in high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified components and energy-efficient solutions.
The PMBT5550 belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified high-voltage BJT portfolio, designed specifically for robust switching in automotive powertrain, body electronics, and industrial control applications.
FAQ
Is PMBT5550 suitable for automotive underhood applications?
Yes. The PMBT5550 is fully AEC-Q101 qualified, tested for temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and ESD per JESD22 standards. Its 150 °C maximum junction temperature and operation over −65 °C to +150 °C ambient make it suitable for engine bay and transmission control module environments.
What is the maximum allowable base current for continuous operation?
The absolute maximum peak base current is 100 mA (single pulse, tp ≤ 1 ms). For continuous DC operation, base current must be limited to ensure IC ≤ 300 mA and Ptot ≤ 250 mW. At hFE = 60, this corresponds to IB ≤ 5 mA for full conduction - practical designs use 1–2 mA for margin.
Can PMBT5550 replace MMBT5551 in existing designs?
No direct drop-in replacement: MMBT5551 has higher VCEO (160 V) and IC (600 mA), but identical SOT23 pinout and marking layout. Substitution requires verification of thermal margin (Ptot = 310 mW vs. 250 mW) and circuit gain stability, especially at elevated temperatures where hFE degrades.
Does PMBT5550 require a heatsink in typical SOT23 PCB layouts?
No external heatsink is required. When mounted on standard FR4 with single-sided copper and tin plating, its Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W allows safe operation up to ~150 mW at 70 °C ambient. For 250 mW dissipation, board-level copper pour or thermal vias are recommended to reduce local temperature rise.
PMBT5550,235 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):
- 300 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 140 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 250mV @ 5mA, 50mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 50nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 60 @ 10mA, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 250 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 300MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-236AB
PMBT5550,235 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PMBT5550,235 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PMBT5550,235 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 PMBT5550,235 reliable?
The price and inventory of PMBT5550,235 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PMBT5550,235 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PMBT5550,235?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PMBT5550,235 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PMBT5550,235?
PMBT5550,235 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PMBT5550,235 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 PMBT5550,235?
For technical support, including PMBT5550,235 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PMBT5550,235 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PMBT5550,235 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PMBT5550,235 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 PMBT5550,235 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PMBT5550,235?
All PMBT5550,235 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PMBT5550,235, 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 PMBT5550,235 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PMBT5550,235:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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