BC846A

Overview

The BC846A is an NPN general-purpose silicon bipolar junction transistor manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation. It features a maximum collector current of 100 mA and a collector-emitter voltage rating of 65 V. The device operates within a temperature range of -55°C to +150°C. Key electrical parameters include a DC current gain (hFE) ranging from 110 to 220, a transition frequency of 100 MHz, and a power dissipation capacity of 250 mW. It utilizes the SOT-23 surface-mount package.

Feature Summary

• NPN epitaxial planar silicon construction for reliable switching and amplification
• High DC current gain suitable for low-current applications
• Designed for general-purpose signal processing tasks

Applications

• General purpose switching circuits
• Low-frequency amplification stages
• Driver applications for small loads

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific manufacturer designation on the component marking to confirm Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation origin, as BC846A is a standard JEDEC type produced by multiple vendors. Ensure the datasheet matches the required hFE binning and thermal characteristics for your design. Confirm RoHS compliance status with the supplier prior to ordering.

Selection Notes

Select this component for designs requiring a standard NPN switch or amplifier in a compact SOT-23 footprint. Consider the 100 mA current limit and 65 V voltage rating when defining circuit boundaries. Evaluate the thermal resistance and power dissipation requirements against the 250 mW limit under expected operating conditions.

Part Context

This part belongs to the widely used BC846 series of NPN transistors, standardized across the semiconductor industry. While originally defined by Philips/NXP, Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation manufactures this variant adhering to the same electrical specifications. It serves as a common replacement for legacy designs requiring small-signal NPN functionality.

Replacement Considerations

Direct substitutes include BC846A variants from Nexperia, Diotec, and Micro Commercial Components. Verify pinout compatibility and hFE gain ranges before substitution.