BC846AMTF Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC846AMTF is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, housed in a SOT-23-3 surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, though 32,405 units remain in current inventory. The BC846AMTF is designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications requiring moderate voltage and current handling capabilities. Due to its obsolete status, identifying equivalent and substitute parts is essential for design continuity, long-term supply chain planning, and new product development where active alternatives are preferred.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Collector Current (Max)	100	mA
Collector-Emitter Breakdown Voltage (Max)	65	V
Vce Saturation (Max)	600	mV @ 5mA, 100mA
Collector Cutoff Current (Max)	15	nA (ICBO)
DC Current Gain (hFE Min)	110	@ 2mA, 5V
Power Dissipation (Max)	310	mW
Transition Frequency	300	MHz
Operating Temperature (Max)	150	°C (TJ)
Package / Case	SOT-23-3 (TO-236)	—
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	—
Product Status	Obsolete	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC846AMTF is determined by strict electrical and mechanical compatibility across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

Transistor type must be NPN
Collector current rating must be ≥100 mA
Collector-emitter breakdown voltage must be ≥65 V
Vce saturation must be ≤600 mV at specified test conditions
DC current gain (hFE) must be ≥110 at 2mA, 5V
Collector cutoff current must be ≤15 nA
Power dissipation must be ≥310 mW

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

Package must be SOT-23-3 (TO-236) or compatible surface mount package
Mounting type must be surface mount
Pin configuration must match SOT-23-3 standard

Substitute Categories:

Direct Substitutes (Identical Electrical & Mechanical Parameters): Parts meeting all electrical specifications and housed in SOT-23-3 packaging with active product status.

Similar Substitutes (Equivalent Electrical Performance, Same Package): Parts with matching or superior electrical ratings in SOT-23-3 packaging, including variants with higher DC current gain (hFE ≥200) and automotive-grade qualifications.

Alternative Substitutes (Different Package, Equivalent Electrical Performance): Parts with matching electrical specifications but housed in alternative surface mount packages (SC-70-3).

Partial Compatibility Substitutes (Reduced Electrical Ratings): Parts with lower voltage or power ratings that may be suitable for applications not requiring full 65V or 310mW capability.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Ic (Max) mA	Vce(br) (Max) V	hFE (Min) @ 2mA, 5V	Power (Max) mW	Frequency MHz	Package	Temp Range °C
BC846AMTF	onsemi	Obsolete	100	65	110	310	300	SOT-23-3	0 to 150
BC846ALT1G	onsemi	Active	100	65	110	300	100	SOT-23-3	-55 to 150
SBC846ALT1G	onsemi	Active	100	65	110	300	100	SOT-23-3	-55 to 150
BC846ALT3G	onsemi	Active	100	65	110	300	100	SOT-23-3	-55 to 150
BC846BLT1G	onsemi	Active	100	65	200	300	100	SOT-23-3	-55 to 150
BC846BLT3G	onsemi	Active	100	65	200	300	100	SOT-23-3	-55 to 150
BC846BWT1G	onsemi	Active	100	65	200	150	100	SC-70-3	-55 to 150
MMBT2484LT1G	onsemi	Active	100	60	250	225	—	SOT-23-3	-55 to 150
MMBT2484LT3G	onsemi	Active	100	60	250	225	—	SOT-23-3	-55 to 150
MMBT6429LT1G	onsemi	Active	200	45	500	225	700	SOT-23-3	-55 to 150
SBC846BLT1G	onsemi	Active	100	65	200	300	100	SOT-23-3	-55 to 150

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Substitutes for Pin-Compatible Replacement:

BC846ALT1G, BC846ALT3G, and SBC846ALT1G are direct electrical equivalents to the BC846AMTF with identical collector current, breakdown voltage, and DC current gain specifications. All three parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating. BC846ALT1G and BC846ALT3G differ only in packaging format (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel versus Tape & Reel). SBC846ALT1G carries automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q101) and is suitable for applications requiring automotive reliability standards.

Enhanced Performance Substitutes (Higher Current Gain):

BC846BLT1G, BC846BLT3G, and SBC846BLT1G provide identical electrical ratings to the BC846AMTF with the exception of DC current gain (hFE Min = 200 versus 110). These parts are active products with extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 150°C) and ROHS3 compliance. SBC846BLT1G includes automotive-grade qualification. The higher current gain may reduce base drive requirements in switching applications.

Alternative Package Substitute (Reduced Power Dissipation):

BC846BWT1G is housed in SC-70-3 (SOT323) package with maximum power dissipation of 150 mW compared to 310 mW for the BC846AMTF. This part is suitable for space-constrained applications where the reduced power rating is acceptable. Electrical specifications match the BC846BLT series (hFE Min = 200).

Partial Compatibility Substitutes (Reduced Voltage Rating):

MMBT2484LT1G and MMBT2484LT3G have collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 60 V (versus 65 V for BC846AMTF) and reduced power dissipation of 225 mW. These parts are suitable for applications operating below 60 V. DC current gain is higher (hFE Min = 250). Packaging is SOT-23-3 with active product status and ROHS3 compliance.

Limited Compatibility Substitute (Reduced Voltage, Higher Current):

MMBT6429LT1G has collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 45 V and maximum collector current of 200 mA. This part is not recommended as a direct substitute due to significantly reduced voltage rating. It is suitable only for applications requiring higher current capability at lower voltages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC846ALT1G be used as a direct replacement for BC846AMTF?

A: Yes. BC846ALT1G meets all electrical specifications of the BC846AMTF (100 mA collector current, 65 V breakdown voltage, 110 mA hFE minimum, 600 mV Vce saturation). Both are housed in SOT-23-3 packages with identical pin configuration. BC846ALT1G is an active product with extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 150°C) and ROHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the difference between BC846ALT1G and SBC846ALT1G?

A: Both parts have identical electrical specifications and SOT-23-3 packaging. The primary difference is that SBC846ALT1G carries automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q101) and is designated for automotive applications. SBC846ALT1G is supplied in Tape & Reel format, while BC846ALT1G is available in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel format.

Q: Why do BC846BLT1G and BC846BLT3G have higher DC current gain than BC846AMTF?

A: BC846BLT variants are manufactured to a higher hFE specification (200 minimum versus 110 minimum). This is a manufacturing grade difference within the same base product family. Higher current gain reduces base drive requirements in switching circuits but does not affect maximum electrical ratings.

Q: Is BC846BWT1G suitable for all applications using BC846AMTF?

A: BC846BWT1G is suitable only for applications where the reduced power dissipation rating (150 mW versus 310 mW) is acceptable. The SC-70-3 package is physically smaller than SOT-23-3, which may require PCB layout modifications. Electrical specifications are equivalent to BC846BLT series.

Q: Can MMBT2484LT1G replace BC846AMTF in all circuits?

A: MMBT2484LT1G has a lower collector-emitter breakdown voltage (60 V versus 65 V). It is suitable only for applications operating below 60 V. Power dissipation is also reduced (225 mW versus 310 mW). DC current gain is higher (250 minimum). Verify circuit voltage requirements before substitution.

Q: What does "Active" product status mean compared to "Obsolete"?

A: Active products are currently manufactured and supported by the supplier with guaranteed availability and technical support. Obsolete products are no longer manufactured, though existing inventory may remain available. Substituting with active products ensures long-term supply chain continuity and access to current manufacturing processes and compliance certifications.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: All substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant. The BC846AMTF does not specify ROHS status. ROHS3 compliance ensures the parts meet European Union restrictions on hazardous substances.

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

A: AEC-Q101 is an automotive electronics qualification standard. Parts carrying this qualification (SBC846ALT1G, SBC846BLT1G) have undergone additional reliability testing and are approved for automotive applications. These parts are suitable for both automotive and general industrial applications.

Q: Can packaging format (Cut Tape vs. Tape & Reel) affect circuit performance?

A: No. Packaging format affects only supply chain logistics and assembly processes. Electrical and mechanical specifications are identical between BC846ALT1G (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel) and BC846ALT3G (Tape & Reel). Select packaging format based on assembly equipment and volume requirements.

Q: Is transition frequency important for substitution?

A: Transition frequency (fT) indicates the frequency at which current gain drops to unity. BC846AMTF has fT of 300 MHz, while most active substitutes have fT of 100 MHz. For applications operating below 100 MHz, this difference is not significant. For high-frequency applications, verify that the substitute's transition frequency meets circuit requirements.

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