BC846AQCZ Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC846AQCZ is a Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) manufactured by Nexperia USA Inc., classified as an NPN transistor in the BC846 series. This component is rated for 65 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage with a maximum collector current of 100 mA and operates at frequencies up to 100 MHz. The device is packaged in a 3-XDFN Exposed Pad surface mount configuration with wettable flanks.

The BC846AQCZ carries an Obsolete product status. Identification of equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure component availability for new production runs, repairs, and ongoing system support.

Substiute Parts

BC846AQCZ

Nexperia USA Inc.In Stock: 871BC846AQCZ Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BC846AQC-QZ

Nexperia USA Inc.In Stock: 4341BC846AQC-QZ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

BC846AQC-QZ

Nexperia USA Inc.In Stock: 4341BC846AQC-QZ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC846AQCZ is determined by electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence within the BC846 transistor family. The substitute part BC846AQC-QZ maintains identical electrical specifications across all critical parameters: collector-emitter breakdown voltage (65 V), maximum collector current (100 mA), saturation voltage characteristics (400 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA), collector cutoff current (15 nA ICBO), DC current gain (110 @ 2 mA, 5 V), power dissipation (360 mW), and transition frequency (100 MHz).

Both parts share the same physical package specification (3-XDFN Exposed Pad, DFN1412D-3) and mounting technology (Surface Mount, Wettable Flank), ensuring mechanical and thermal compatibility in existing PCB layouts.

The key differentiator is product status: BC846AQC-QZ is Active, whereas BC846AQCZ is Obsolete. The substitute part also carries automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q101) and operates under a higher moisture sensitivity level (MSL 3, 168 Hours versus MSL 1, Unlimited).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The BC846AQC-QZ is the direct substitute for the obsolete BC846AQCZ. Both parts are manufactured by Nexperia USA Inc. and share identical electrical and mechanical specifications across all critical operating parameters.

Selection of BC846AQC-QZ is supported by the following factors:

Product Status: BC846AQC-QZ maintains Active product status, ensuring ongoing availability and manufacturer support, whereas BC846AQCZ is Obsolete.

Compliance and Certification: BC846AQC-QZ carries AEC-Q101 automotive qualification, indicating compliance with automotive-grade reliability and testing standards. Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status.

Electrical Equivalence: All electrical parameters are identical, including voltage ratings, current ratings, gain characteristics, and frequency response.

Physical Compatibility: Both parts use the identical 3-XDFN Exposed Pad package (DFN1412D-3) with wettable flanks, ensuring direct PCB layout compatibility without redesign.

Moisture Sensitivity Consideration: BC846AQC-QZ operates under MSL 3 (168 Hours) compared to MSL 1 (Unlimited) for the main part. This difference requires adherence to moisture handling and reflow procedures specified for MSL 3 components during assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC846AQC-QZ be used as a direct replacement for BC846AQCZ in existing designs?

A: Yes. BC846AQC-QZ is electrically and mechanically equivalent to BC846AQCZ. All critical electrical parameters—voltage ratings, current ratings, gain, and frequency response—are identical. The physical package and mounting technology are also identical, allowing direct substitution without circuit redesign or PCB layout modification.

Q: What is the difference between BC846AQCZ and BC846AQC-QZ?

A: The primary differences are product status and qualification level. BC846AQCZ is Obsolete, while BC846AQC-QZ is Active. BC846AQC-QZ carries AEC-Q101 automotive qualification and operates under MSL 3 (168 Hours) moisture sensitivity, compared to MSL 1 (Unlimited) for BC846AQCZ. All electrical and mechanical specifications are identical.

Q: Does the MSL 3 rating of BC846AQC-QZ affect its use in non-automotive applications?

A: MSL 3 (168 Hours) indicates the component requires moisture control during storage and handling. This specification applies regardless of application type. Proper moisture handling procedures must be followed during component storage, transport, and assembly to maintain reliability.

Q: Are both parts available from the same manufacturer?

A: Yes. Both BC846AQCZ and BC846AQC-QZ are manufactured by Nexperia USA Inc. BC846AQC-QZ is currently in Active production status with higher inventory availability.

Q: What does the packaging designation "DFN1412D-3" indicate?

A: DFN1412D-3 is the supplier device package designation for the 3-XDFN Exposed Pad configuration. This specifies a 3-lead Dual Flat No-Lead package with an exposed thermal pad, measuring 1.4 mm × 1.2 mm. Both parts use this identical package.

Q: Is the BC846AQC-QZ suitable for automotive applications?

A: BC846AQC-QZ carries AEC-Q101 automotive qualification, indicating compliance with automotive reliability and testing standards. This qualification is specific to BC846AQC-QZ and not present in BC846AQCZ.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in high-frequency circuits?

A: Yes. Both parts have identical transition frequency specifications (100 MHz) and identical DC current gain characteristics (110 @ 2 mA, 5 V). They are interchangeable in circuits operating within these frequency and gain parameters.