BC817K-40VL Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC817K-40VL is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by Nexperia USA Inc., designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. This surface mount device operates at a maximum collector current of 500 mA with a collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 45 V and a maximum power dissipation of 250 mW. The part is classified as Active and carries automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q100), making it suitable for automotive and industrial applications. Substitute parts are necessary when the primary part becomes unavailable, when alternative packaging formats are required, or when sourcing from multiple manufacturers is required for supply chain resilience.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Maximum Collector Current (Ic)	500	mA
Collector-Emitter Breakdown Voltage (Max)	45	V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	700 mV @ 50 mA, 500 mA	—
Collector Cutoff Current (ICBO)	100	nA
DC Current Gain (hFE Min) @ Ic, Vce	250 @ 100 mA, 1 V	—
Maximum Power Dissipation	250	mW
Transition Frequency	100	MHz
Operating Temperature (Max)	150	°C
Package Type	TO-236-3 (SOT-23-3)	—
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	—
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC817K-40VL is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Parameters for Substitution:

Transistor Type: NPN
Maximum Collector Current: 500 mA
Collector-Emitter Breakdown Voltage: 45 V
Vce Saturation: 700 mV @ 50 mA, 500 mA
DC Current Gain (hFE Min): 250 @ 100 mA, 1 V (or lower acceptable values)
Package Type: TO-236-3, SC-59, or SOT-23-3
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Substitution Categories:

Parametric Equivalents (Nexperia): Parts BC817-40,215; BC817-40,235; BC817-40-QR; and BC817K-40R maintain identical electrical specifications to the BC817K-40VL. These parts differ only in packaging format (Cut Tape vs. Tape & Reel) and qualification level (AEC-Q100 vs. AEC-Q101). All are manufactured by Nexperia USA Inc. and are fully interchangeable at the electrical level.

Direct Manufacturer Equivalents (onsemi & Diodes): The SBC817-40LT1G (onsemi) and BC817-40Q-13-F and BC817-40Q-7-F (Diodes Incorporated) meet all critical electrical parameters. These parts feature identical collector current, breakdown voltage, and saturation characteristics. Power dissipation ratings are equal to or exceed the main part (300 mW or 310 mW vs. 250 mW). All carry automotive qualification (AEC-Q101).

Similar Parts with Parameter Variations: The BC817-25LT1G (onsemi) and BC817K25E6327HTSA1 (Infineon) maintain electrical compatibility with reduced DC current gain specifications (160 vs. 250 @ 100 mA, 1 V). These parts are suitable for applications where the lower gain specification is acceptable. The BC817K25E6327HTSA1 offers enhanced power dissipation (500 mW) and higher transition frequency (170 MHz).

Legacy/Specialized Parts: The BCX19T116 (Rohm Semiconductor) is marked as Not For New Designs but maintains core electrical compatibility. This part features a higher transition frequency (250 MHz) and different saturation characteristics (620 mV vs. 700 mV).

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer Part Number	Manufacturer	Ic (Max) mA	Vce Breakdown (Max) V	Vce Sat (Max) mV	hFE (Min) @ 100mA, 1V	Power (Max) mW	Freq (MHz)	Package	Packaging Format	Product Status	Qualification
BC817K-40VL	Nexperia USA Inc.	500	45	700	250	250	100	TO-236-3	Tape & Reel	Active	AEC-Q100
BC817-40,215	Nexperia USA Inc.	500	45	700	250	250	100	TO-236-3	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel	Active	—
BC817-40,235	Nexperia USA Inc.	500	45	700	250	250	100	TO-236-3	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel	Active	AEC-Q101
BC817-40-QR	Nexperia USA Inc.	500	45	700	250	250	100	TO-236-3	Tape & Reel	Active	AEC-Q101
BC817K-40R	Nexperia USA Inc.	500	45	700	250	250	100	TO-236-3	Tape & Reel	Active	AEC-Q100
SBC817-40LT1G	onsemi	500	45	700	250	300	100	SOT-23-3	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel	Active	AEC-Q101
BC817-25LT1G	onsemi	500	45	700	160	300	100	SOT-23-3	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel	Active	—
BC817-40Q-13-F	Diodes Incorporated	500	45	700	250	310	100	SOT-23-3	Tape & Reel	Active	AEC-Q101
BC817-40Q-7-F	Diodes Incorporated	500	45	700	250	310	100	SOT-23-3	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel	Active	AEC-Q101
BC817K25E6327HTSA1	Infineon Technologies	500	45	700	160	500	170	SOT-23-3	Cut Tape	Last Time Buy	—
BCX19T116	Rohm Semiconductor	500	45	620	100	350	250	SOT-23-3	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel	Not For New Designs	—

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Identical Specifications):

Select BC817-40,235 or BC817-40-QR when the BC817K-40VL is unavailable. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications and are manufactured by Nexperia USA Inc. The BC817-40,235 carries AEC-Q101 qualification, providing enhanced automotive reliability assurance compared to the AEC-Q100 qualification of the main part. The BC817-40-QR is supplied in Tape & Reel format, matching the packaging format of the BC817K-40VL.

For Cross-Manufacturer Substitution:

The SBC817-40LT1G (onsemi) and BC817-40Q-13-F (Diodes Incorporated) are suitable direct replacements. Both maintain identical electrical performance and carry AEC-Q101 automotive qualification. The SBC817-40LT1G offers 300 mW power dissipation (20% margin above the main part), while the BC817-40Q-13-F provides 310 mW (24% margin). Both are Active products with established supply chains.

For Applications Tolerant of Reduced Current Gain:

The BC817-25LT1G (onsemi) and BC817K25E6327HTSA1 (Infineon) are acceptable when circuit design permits operation with DC current gain of 160 instead of 250. The BC817K25E6327HTSA1 provides significant performance enhancements: 500 mW power dissipation (100% margin) and 170 MHz transition frequency (70% improvement). However, this part is marked Last Time Buy and should not be selected for new designs requiring long-term availability.

For Enhanced Performance Requirements:

The BCX19T116 (Rohm Semiconductor) offers 250 MHz transition frequency (150% improvement) and 350 mW power dissipation. This part is marked Not For New Designs and should be used only in legacy applications or when enhanced frequency performance is critical and alternative solutions are unavailable.

Packaging Format Considerations:

All substitute parts are available in SOT-23-3 (TO-236) surface mount packages, ensuring mechanical compatibility with the BC817K-40VL. Packaging format options (Tape & Reel vs. Cut Tape & Digi-Reel) should be selected based on assembly process requirements and volume specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use BC817-25LT1G as a direct replacement for BC817K-40VL?

A: The BC817-25LT1G is electrically compatible with the BC817K-40VL for most applications. Both parts share identical collector current (500 mA), breakdown voltage (45 V), and saturation characteristics. The primary difference is DC current gain: BC817-25LT1G specifies 160 minimum versus 250 minimum for the BC817K-40VL. This substitution is valid when circuit design does not require the higher current gain specification. Verify that your application can operate with the lower gain value before implementation.

Q: What is the difference between BC817-40,215 and BC817-40,235?

A: Both parts are manufactured by Nexperia USA Inc. and maintain identical electrical specifications. The primary difference is automotive qualification: BC817-40,215 carries no specified qualification, while BC817-40,235 carries AEC-Q101 qualification. For automotive applications, BC817-40,235 is the preferred selection. Both are supplied in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel format, differing from the BC817K-40VL which is supplied in Tape & Reel format.

Q: Are onsemi and Diodes Incorporated parts pin-compatible with Nexperia parts?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed maintain the same TO-236-3 (SOT-23-3) package configuration with identical pin assignments. The three-pin surface mount package (Base, Collector, Emitter) is standardized across all manufacturers. Physical placement and soldering procedures are identical.

Q: Why is BC817K25E6327HTSA1 marked as Last Time Buy?

A: Parts marked Last Time Buy indicate that the manufacturer has announced end-of-life status and will discontinue production. This part should not be selected for new designs requiring long-term component availability. Use this part only in legacy applications where existing inventory is available or when no alternative solutions meet performance requirements.

Q: Can I use BCX19T116 in a new design?

A: BCX19T116 is marked Not For New Designs by Rohm Semiconductor. This designation indicates the manufacturer does not recommend this part for new product development. Use this part only in legacy applications or when enhanced transition frequency (250 MHz) is critical and no alternative Active-status parts meet requirements. For new designs, select from parts with Active product status.

Q: What are the key parameters that determine substitution compatibility?

A: Substitution compatibility is determined by: (1) Transistor Type (NPN), (2) Maximum Collector Current (500 mA), (3) Collector-Emitter Breakdown Voltage (45 V), (4) Vce Saturation characteristics (700 mV @ 50 mA, 500 mA), (5) Package Type (TO-236-3/SOT-23-3), and (6) Mounting Type (Surface Mount). Parts meeting these specifications are electrically interchangeable. Secondary parameters such as DC current gain, power dissipation, and transition frequency may vary but do not prevent substitution if circuit design accommodates the variation.

Q: Does packaging format (Tape & Reel vs. Cut Tape) affect electrical performance?

A: No. Packaging format affects only handling, storage, and assembly logistics. Tape & Reel format is used for high-volume automated assembly, while Cut Tape & Digi-Reel format is used for lower volumes or manual assembly. Electrical performance is identical regardless of packaging format. Select packaging format based on your assembly process requirements and volume specifications.

Q: What is the significance of AEC-Q100 versus AEC-Q101 qualification?

A: Both AEC-Q100 and AEC-Q101 are automotive qualification standards. AEC-Q101 represents enhanced qualification with more stringent testing requirements compared to AEC-Q100. For automotive applications, either qualification is acceptable. AEC-Q101 provides additional assurance of reliability in demanding automotive environments. Non-qualified parts should not be used in automotive applications.

Q: Can I substitute a part with higher power dissipation rating?

A: Yes. Parts with higher power dissipation ratings (such as SBC817-40LT1G at 300 mW or BC817-40Q-13-F at 310 mW versus the main part at 250 mW) are acceptable substitutes. Higher power ratings provide additional thermal margin and do not negatively impact circuit performance. This substitution is always safe from a thermal perspective.

Q: Are there any RoHS or environmental compliance differences between substitute parts?

A: All listed substitute parts are ROHS3 Compliant and REACH Unaffected, matching the compliance status of the BC817K-40VL. No environmental or regulatory differences exist between the main part and any substitute part listed. All parts are suitable for applications with RoHS and REACH compliance requirements.

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