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Nexperia USA Inc. PMBT5550-QVL
- Part No.:
- PMBT5550-QVL
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
PMBT5550-QVL.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 140V 0.3A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:10,000
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Product details
Overview
PMBT5550-QVL from Nexperia is an AEC-Q101-qualified NPN high-voltage transistor in SOT23 package, rated for 140 V VCEO, 300 mA IC, and 250 mW Ptot, used as a switching element in automotive load control circuits such as LED drivers and sensor interface stages.
For engineers reviewing the PMBT5550-QVL datasheet, PMBT5550-QVL pinout, PMBT5550-QVL application, or PMBT5550-QVL equivalent, key selection criteria include its high-voltage capability (140 V), automotive qualification, low saturation voltage (≤250 mV at IC = 50 mA), and thermal resistance (500 K/W on FR4).
Technical Context
This discrete NPN bipolar junction transistor operates in active or saturation mode for DC/low-frequency switching. Its 140 V collector-emitter breakdown enables use in 24 V and 48 V automotive supply rails with margin, while its 100–300 MHz fT supports stable gain up to audio frequencies.
The device features low leakage (ICBO ≤ 50 nA at 25 °C; ≤ 50 µA at 100 °C) and moderate hFE (60–250 at IC = 10 mA), making it suitable for linear amplification or robust digital switching where base drive is well-controlled.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 140 V - Withstands 24 V/48 V automotive systems with ≥2× safety margin against transients. |
| IC | 300 mA - Supports medium-current loads like indicator LEDs, small relays, or signal-level amplifiers. |
| Ptot | 250 mW - Requires thermal derating above 25 °C ambient; limits continuous power in unheatsinked SOT23 layouts. |
| hFE | 60–250 - Enables predictable base current design across production lots and temperature ranges. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤250 mV at IC = 50 mA - Minimizes conduction loss and self-heating during saturated switching. |
| fT | 100–300 MHz - Ensures stable small-signal gain up to audio band; not intended for RF switching. |
| Rth(j-a) | 500 K/W - Thermal performance assumes standard FR4 PCB with single-sided copper; limits power handling without heatsinking. |
Pinout & Package
The PMBT5550-QVL is housed in a standard SOT23 plastic surface-mount package (2.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 1.0 mm body, 1.9 mm lead pitch), optimized for automated placement and reflow soldering on FR4 PCBs.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Control terminal; requires current-limited drive (max 100 mA peak) to avoid damage during switching. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Common reference node; connected to ground or low-side return path in typical switch configurations. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | High-side output node; carries full load current and must be routed with adequate creepage for 140 V operation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive underhood environments (−40 °C to +125 °C operating, −65 °C to +150 °C storage). |
| High VCEO (140 V) | Enables direct interfacing with 24 V/48 V battery systems without external clamping components. |
| Low VCE(sat) | Reduces power dissipation in saturated switching, improving efficiency in duty-cycled loads. |
| Standard SOT23 footprint | Ensures compatibility with existing pick-and-place equipment and reflow profiles per JEDEC J-STD-020. |
| Low ICBO leakage | Stable cutoff behavior over temperature (≤50 µA at 100 °C), critical for low-power sleep-mode circuits. |
Applications
| Automotive LED Lighting Control | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 12 V/24 V automotive LED arrays in headlamp position lights or interior ambient lighting modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN switch controlling current path between LED anode and battery rail, driven by microcontroller GPIO. Use Value: 140 V rating accommodates load-dump transients; low VCE(sat) minimizes heat generation in sealed lamp housings. | Use Scenario: Amplifying low-level analog outputs from pressure or temperature sensors in factory automation PLC inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier stage providing fixed-gain signal boosting before ADC sampling. Use Value: Stable hFE (60–250) and low noise figure (≤10 dB) preserve SNR in millivolt-range sensor signals. |
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Power Supply Enable Switching |
Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling auxiliary 12 V subsystems (e.g., window lift motors, mirror heaters) via BCM output drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch turning on/off grounded side of resistive or inductive loads. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification ensures reliability across vibration, thermal cycling, and ESD events in vehicle life cycle. | Use Scenario: Controlling enable input of DC-DC converters or LDOs in multi-rail embedded power trees. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digital logic-level translator and current amplifier between MCU enable pin and converter EN pin. Use Value: Fast turn-on/turn-off (supported by fT > 100 MHz) ensures precise sequencing timing without shoot-through risk. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN high-voltage switching applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC847BW | Lower VCEO (45 V), higher hFE (110–800), same SOT23 package | Not suitable for 24 V+ automotive transients; limited to low-voltage logic or signal paths | Select only if system voltage stays below 30 V and higher gain is required. |
| MMBT5551 | Higher VCEO (160 V), same IC (300 mA), slightly higher VCE(sat) (300 mV) | Broader transient margin; compatible in most PMBT5550-QVL designs with minor layout review | Preferred when additional voltage headroom is needed beyond 140 V. |
Compared with BC847BW and MMBT5551, the PMBT5550-QVL uniquely balances 140 V capability, AEC-Q101 qualification, and low saturation voltage-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, thermally constrained automotive switches where 160 V margin is unnecessary.
Availability
PMBT5550-QVL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, industrial sensor interfaces, body control modules, and power supply enable switching requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for PMBT5550-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 discrete and logic devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified components and energy-efficient solutions.
The PMBT5550-QVL belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified high-voltage transistor family, designed specifically for robust switching in automotive and industrial power-control applications where voltage margin and long-term reliability are critical.
FAQ
Is PMBT5550-QVL pin-compatible with standard SOT23 NPN transistors?
Yes - it uses the industry-standard SOT23 pinout (1 = Base, 2 = Emitter, 3 = Collector), matching BC847, MMBT5551, and other common SOT23 NPN transistors. No PCB redesign is needed for drop-in replacement where voltage and current ratings align.
What is the maximum safe operating temperature for continuous use?
The PMBT5550-QVL has a maximum junction temperature (Tj) of 150 °C and is rated for ambient temperatures from −65 °C to +150 °C. For continuous operation at full 300 mA, ambient must stay ≤ 75 °C on standard FR4 due to its 500 K/W thermal resistance.
Does PMBT5550-QVL support PWM switching at high frequencies?
Its fT of 100–300 MHz supports clean switching up to ~100 kHz with minimal delay or distortion. However, it is not optimized for MHz-range PWM; gate drivers or MOSFETs are preferred for >500 kHz applications due to bipolar charge-storage limitations.
Can PMBT5550-QVL replace MMBT5551 in existing designs?
It can substitute in many cases, but only if the 140 V VCEO (vs. MMBT5551's 160 V) meets system transient requirements. Review ISO 7637-2 pulse tests and load-dump margins; no changes needed to biasing or footprint, but verify worst-case VCE stress during faults.
PMBT5550-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):
- 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-QVL FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PMBT5550-QVL through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PMBT5550-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 PMBT5550-QVL reliable?
The price and inventory of PMBT5550-QVL are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PMBT5550-QVL is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PMBT5550-QVL?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PMBT5550-QVL transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PMBT5550-QVL?
PMBT5550-QVL orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PMBT5550-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 PMBT5550-QVL?
For technical support, including PMBT5550-QVL datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PMBT5550-QVL requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PMBT5550-QVL is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PMBT5550-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 PMBT5550-QVL meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PMBT5550-QVL?
All PMBT5550-QVL units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PMBT5550-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 PMBT5550-QVL part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PMBT5550-QVL:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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