BC846B Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC846B is an NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation in the SOT-23 surface mount package. This device operates at a maximum collector voltage of 65V with a collector current rating of 100mA and a transition frequency of 100MHz, making it suitable for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. The part is currently in active production status with extensive inventory availability. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified to provide design flexibility, accommodate supply chain variations, and support alternative sourcing strategies while maintaining electrical and mechanical compatibility.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Collector Current (Ic) Maximum	100	mA
Collector-Emitter Breakdown Voltage (Max)	65	V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	500mV @ 5mA, 100mA	—
Collector Cutoff Current (ICBO) Maximum	100	nA
DC Current Gain (hFE) Minimum @ Ic, Vce	200 @ 2mA, 5V	—
Power Dissipation Maximum	200	mW
Transition Frequency	100	MHz
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 150	°C (TJ)
Package Type	SOT-23 (TO-236-3, SC-59)	—
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	—
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC846B is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Equivalence Criteria:

Transistor type (NPN)
Collector current rating (100mA)
Collector-emitter breakdown voltage (65V)
DC current gain minimum specification (200 @ 2mA, 5V)
Transition frequency (100MHz)
Operating temperature range (-55°C to 150°C)

Mechanical Equivalence Criteria:

Package type (SOT-23 / TO-236-3 / SC-59)
Surface mount mounting type
Pin configuration compatibility

Compliance Equivalence Criteria:

RoHS3 compliance
REACH unaffected status
ECCN classification (EAR99)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: Parametric Equivalents (identical electrical specifications and packaging) and Similar Parts (matching core electrical parameters with allowable variations in power dissipation and saturation voltage specifications). All identified substitutes maintain the same base product number (BC846) and are manufactured by recognized semiconductor suppliers.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BC846B (TSC)	BC846B RFG (TSC)	BC846B-TP (MCC)	BC846BLT1G (onsemi)
Manufacturer	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	Micro Commercial Co	onsemi
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN
Ic (Max)	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA
Vce(br)max	65 V	65 V	65 V	65 V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	500mV @ 5mA, 100mA	500mV @ 5mA, 100mA	500mV @ 5mA, 100mA	600mV @ 5mA, 100mA
ICBO (Max)	100 nA	100 nA	100 nA	15 nA
hFE (Min) @ Ic, Vce	200 @ 2mA, 5V	200 @ 2mA, 5V	200 @ 2mA, 5V	200 @ 2mA, 5V
Power (Max)	200 mW	200 mW	225 mW	300 mW
Frequency - Transition	100 MHz	100 MHz	100 MHz	100 MHz
Operating Temperature	-55 to 150°C	-55 to 150°C	-55 to 150°C	-55 to 150°C
Package / Case	TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3	TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3	TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3	TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount
Packaging Format	Bulk	Tape & Reel (TR)	Tape & Reel (TR)	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
REACH Status	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BC846B RFG (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation) is a parametric equivalent offering identical electrical specifications and compliance certifications to the primary BC846B part. The primary distinction is packaging format: BC846B RFG is supplied in Tape & Reel format with MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating, whereas the standard BC846B is supplied in bulk packaging. This substitute is appropriate for high-volume production environments requiring automated assembly processes.

BC846B-TP (Micro Commercial Co) is a similar part with equivalent core electrical parameters. The power dissipation rating is increased to 225mW (compared to 200mW), providing additional thermal margin. This part is supplied in Tape & Reel format and maintains full RoHS3 and REACH compliance. Selection of this part is appropriate when higher power dissipation capability is beneficial within the application design.

BC846BLT1G (onsemi) is a similar part with equivalent core electrical parameters and enhanced specifications in specific areas. The power dissipation rating is increased to 300mW, and the collector cutoff current (ICBO) is reduced to 15nA (compared to 100nA), indicating lower leakage characteristics. The Vce saturation specification is 600mV at rated conditions. This part is supplied in Cut Tape and Digi-Reel® formats with MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating. Selection of this part is appropriate when lower leakage current or higher power dissipation capability is required.

All identified substitutes maintain active product status, full RoHS3 compliance, REACH unaffected status, and EAR99 ECCN classification, ensuring regulatory and supply chain compatibility with the primary BC846B part.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC846B RFG be used as a direct replacement for BC846B in all applications?

A: Yes. BC846B RFG is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications, operating temperature range, and compliance certifications. The only difference is packaging format (Tape & Reel versus bulk). Pin configuration and electrical performance are identical, making it suitable for direct substitution in all circuit applications.

Q: What is the primary advantage of BC846B-TP over the standard BC846B?

A: BC846B-TP offers a higher power dissipation rating of 225mW compared to 200mW for the standard BC846B. All other electrical parameters remain equivalent. This additional thermal margin may be beneficial in applications operating near maximum power dissipation limits.

Q: When should BC846BLT1G be selected instead of BC846B?

A: BC846BLT1G should be selected when lower leakage current is required (ICBO of 15nA versus 100nA) or when higher power dissipation capability is needed (300mW versus 200mW). The Vce saturation specification is slightly higher at 600mV, which should be evaluated against circuit requirements. All other electrical parameters are equivalent.

Q: Are all substitute parts compatible with the same PCB footprint?

A: Yes. All identified substitutes use the SOT-23 (TO-236-3, SC-59) package with identical pin configuration and mechanical dimensions. PCB footprints designed for BC846B are directly compatible with all substitute parts listed.

Q: What is the difference between Tape & Reel and Cut Tape packaging?

A: Tape & Reel packaging supplies components on continuous carrier tape wound on reels, suitable for automated pick-and-place assembly equipment. Cut Tape supplies components on shorter tape segments. Both formats are compatible with standard surface mount assembly processes. Selection depends on production volume and equipment capabilities.

Q: Do all substitute parts meet the same compliance requirements as BC846B?

A: Yes. All identified substitutes are RoHS3 compliant, REACH unaffected, and classified as EAR99 for export control purposes, matching the compliance profile of the primary BC846B part.

Q: Can BC846BLT1G be used in high-frequency applications requiring 100MHz operation?

A: Yes. BC846BLT1G maintains the same transition frequency specification of 100MHz as the primary BC846B part, making it fully compatible with applications operating at this frequency.

Q: What inventory considerations should be evaluated when selecting a substitute?

A: Inventory availability varies by part number and packaging format. BC846B (bulk) has the highest inventory at 1,340,300 pieces. BC846BLT1G (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel) has 305,200 pieces available. BC846B-TP (Tape & Reel) has 41,100 pieces, and BC846B RFG (Tape & Reel) has 31,375 pieces. Selection should account for production schedules and supply chain requirements.

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