BC857C-TP Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC857C-TP is an active PNP bipolar junction transistor manufactured by Micro Commercial Co, designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. This surface mount device operates at 45 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage with a maximum collector current of 100 mA and transition frequency of 200 MHz. The part is packaged in SOT-23 (TO-236-3) configuration and is RoHS3 compliant with unlimited moisture sensitivity rating.

Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary when the primary part number becomes unavailable, when alternative packaging formats are required, or when sourcing from multiple manufacturers is needed to optimize supply chain reliability and cost efficiency.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	PNP	—
Collector Current (Max)	100	mA
Collector-Emitter Breakdown Voltage (Max)	45	V
Vce Saturation (Max)	650	mV @ 5mA, 100mA
DC Current Gain (hFE Min)	420	@ 2mA, 5V
Power Dissipation (Max)	310	mW
Transition Frequency	200	MHz
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 150	°C
Package Type	SOT-23-3 (TO-236-3)	Surface Mount
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC857C-TP is determined by strict equivalence of the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

Transistor polarity: PNP
Collector current rating: 100 mA maximum
Collector-emitter breakdown voltage: 45 V
Vce saturation characteristics: 650 mV @ 5mA, 100mA
DC current gain (hFE): minimum 420 @ 2mA, 5V
Package type: SOT-23-3 (TO-236-3, SC-59)
Surface mount configuration
RoHS3 compliance

Allowable Variations:

Transition frequency: 100 MHz or higher
Power dissipation: 250 mW or higher
Operating temperature range: -55°C to 150°C or wider
Packaging format: Tape & Reel (TR) or Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®
Manufacturer: Different manufacturers with identical electrical specifications
Automotive grade and AEC-Q101 qualification: Acceptable as upgrades

Parts are grouped into three categories: Direct Substitutes (identical electrical and mechanical specifications), Upgrades (enhanced performance or automotive qualification), and Similar Parts (different current ratings or frequency characteristics).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Ic (Max) mA	Vce(br) V	hFE (Min)	Fт MHz	P (Max) mW	Temp Range °C	Package	Packaging Format	Grade
BC857C-TP	Micro Commercial Co	100	45	420	200	310	-55 to 150	SOT-23	Tape & Reel	Standard
BC857C,215	Nexperia USA Inc.	100	45	420	100	250	-55 to 150	TO-236AB	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel®	Automotive
BC857C-7-F	Diodes Incorporated	100	45	420	200	300	-65 to 150	SOT-23-3	Tape & Reel	Standard
BC857CLT1G	onsemi	100	45	420	100	300	-55 to 150	SOT-23-3	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel®	Standard
BC860C,215	Nexperia USA Inc.	100	45	420	100	250	-55 to 150	TO-236AB	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel®	Automotive
SBC857CLT1G	onsemi	100	45	420	100	300	-55 to 150	SOT-23-3	Tape & Reel	Automotive
BC857C,235	Nexperia USA Inc.	100	45	420	100	250	-55 to 150	TO-236AB	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel®	Automotive
BC860C,235	Nexperia USA Inc.	100	45	420	100	250	-55 to 150	TO-236AB	Tape & Reel	Automotive
BC807-16-7-F	Diodes Incorporated	500	45	100	100	310	-55 to 150	SOT-23-3	Tape & Reel	Standard
BC807-40-7-F	Diodes Incorporated	500	45	250	100	310	-55 to 150	SOT-23-3	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel®	Standard
BC857,215	Nexperia USA Inc.	100	45	125	100	250	-55 to 150	TO-236AB	Tape & Reel	Automotive

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Substitutes (Electrically and Mechanically Equivalent):

BC857C-7-F (Diodes Incorporated) is a direct substitute with identical electrical specifications including 100 mA collector current, 45 V breakdown voltage, 420 hFE minimum, and 200 MHz transition frequency. This part extends the operating temperature range to -65°C and is available in Tape & Reel packaging. All RoHS3 and compliance requirements are met.

Substitutes with Reduced Transition Frequency (100 MHz):

BC857CLT1G (onsemi) and BC857C,215 (Nexperia USA Inc.) maintain all critical electrical parameters including 100 mA collector current, 45 V breakdown voltage, and 420 hFE minimum. Transition frequency is reduced to 100 MHz, which is acceptable for applications not requiring the full 200 MHz bandwidth. BC857CLT1G is available in Cut Tape format, while BC857C,215 is automotive-grade with AEC-Q101 qualification.

Automotive-Grade Upgrades:

SBC857CLT1G (onsemi) and BC860C,215 (Nexperia USA Inc.) provide automotive qualification with AEC-Q101 certification while maintaining all electrical specifications. These parts are suitable for applications requiring automotive-grade components. SBC857CLT1G is available in Tape & Reel format with extended temperature range capability.

Similar Parts with Higher Current Rating:

BC807-16-7-F and BC807-40-7-F (Diodes Incorporated) are similar PNP transistors with 500 mA collector current rating, suitable for applications requiring higher current handling. These parts share the 45 V breakdown voltage and SOT-23-3 package but have different DC current gain specifications and reduced transition frequency of 100 MHz.

Selection Criteria:

For direct replacement without design changes: BC857C-7-F
For automotive applications: SBC857CLT1G or BC860C,215
For reduced frequency applications: BC857CLT1G or BC857C,215
For higher current requirements: BC807-16-7-F or BC807-40-7-F

All substitute parts maintain RoHS3 compliance, unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1), and REACH unaffected status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC857C-7-F be used as a direct replacement for BC857C-TP?

A: Yes. BC857C-7-F is a direct electrical and mechanical equivalent. Both devices have 100 mA collector current, 45 V breakdown voltage, 420 hFE minimum, and 200 MHz transition frequency. The primary difference is the manufacturer (Diodes Incorporated vs. Micro Commercial Co) and extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C vs. -55°C to 150°C). Both are packaged in SOT-23-3 and available in Tape & Reel format.

Q: What is the difference between BC857C,215 and BC857C-TP?

A: BC857C,215 is manufactured by Nexperia USA Inc. and has identical electrical specifications for collector current (100 mA), breakdown voltage (45 V), and DC current gain (420 hFE minimum). The transition frequency is reduced to 100 MHz compared to 200 MHz in BC857C-TP. BC857C,215 is automotive-grade with AEC-Q101 qualification and is available in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel® format rather than Tape & Reel.

Q: Are BC807-16-7-F and BC807-40-7-F suitable replacements for BC857C-TP?

A: BC807-16-7-F and BC807-40-7-F are similar PNP transistors but not direct substitutes. These parts have a higher collector current rating of 500 mA compared to 100 mA in BC857C-TP. The DC current gain specifications differ (100 hFE minimum for BC807-16-7-F and 250 hFE minimum for BC807-40-7-F vs. 420 hFE minimum for BC857C-TP). These parts are suitable only for applications requiring higher current handling capability.

Q: What does automotive-grade mean for BC857C,215 and SBC857CLT1G?

A: Automotive-grade designation indicates the part meets AEC-Q101 qualification standards established for automotive semiconductor reliability. These parts undergo additional testing and screening for temperature cycling, moisture resistance, and long-term reliability. Automotive-grade parts are required for applications in automotive systems but can be used in non-automotive applications as well.

Q: Can I use BC857CLT1G instead of BC857C-TP if my application does not require 200 MHz transition frequency?

A: Yes. BC857CLT1G maintains all critical electrical parameters including 100 mA collector current, 45 V breakdown voltage, and 420 hFE minimum. The transition frequency is 100 MHz, which is sufficient for applications not requiring the full 200 MHz bandwidth. BC857CLT1G is available in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel® packaging and operates across the same temperature range (-55°C to 150°C).

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

A: Tape & Reel (TR) packaging supplies components on continuous tape wound on reels, suitable for high-volume automated assembly. Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® packaging provides components on tape cut into smaller quantities, suitable for lower-volume production or prototyping. Both formats use the same SOT-23-3 package; the difference is in the supply format and quantity per reel.

Q: Is BC860C,215 interchangeable with BC857C-TP?

A: BC860C,215 is electrically equivalent to BC857C-TP with identical collector current (100 mA), breakdown voltage (45 V), and DC current gain (420 hFE minimum). The transition frequency is reduced to 100 MHz. BC860C,215 is automotive-grade with AEC-Q101 qualification and is available in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel® format. It is suitable as a substitute when automotive qualification is required or when the reduced frequency is acceptable.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to all substitute parts listed?

A: All substitute parts listed are RoHS3 compliant, have unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1), are REACH unaffected, and carry ECCN EAR99 classification. Automotive-grade parts (BC857C,215, BC860C,215, SBC857CLT1G, BC860C,235, BC857C,235) additionally meet AEC-Q101 qualification standards.

Q: Can I substitute BC857,215 for BC857C-TP?

A: BC857,215 is a similar part with the same collector current (100 mA) and breakdown voltage (45 V) but has a lower DC current gain specification (125 hFE minimum vs. 420 hFE minimum). The transition frequency is 100 MHz. BC857,215 is automotive-grade with AEC-Q101 qualification. This part is suitable only if the lower current gain specification meets application requirements.

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