BC868TA Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC868TA is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by Diodes Incorporated, designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. This device operates at a maximum collector voltage of 20 V with a maximum collector current of 1 A and a transition frequency of 60 MHz. The BC868TA is housed in a SOT-89-3 surface mount package and dissipates a maximum of 1 W.

The BC868TA carries an obsolete product status. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production requirements for applications utilizing this transistor.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Collector Current (Max)	1	A
Collector-Emitter Breakdown Voltage (Max)	20	V
Vce Saturation (Max)	500 mV @ 100 mA, 1 A	—
DC Current Gain (hFE Min)	85 @ 500 mA, 1 V	—
Power Dissipation (Max)	1	W
Transition Frequency	60	MHz
Operating Temperature Range	−65 to 150	°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	—
Package	SOT-89-3 (TO-243AA)	—
RoHS Status	Non-compliant	—
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC868TA is determined by the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Requirements:

Transistor type must be NPN
Collector-emitter breakdown voltage must be 20 V or greater
Maximum collector current must be 1 A or greater
Vce saturation characteristics must be compatible with application requirements
DC current gain (hFE) must meet or exceed 85 at specified test conditions
Operating temperature range must encompass −65°C to 150°C or be suitable for the intended application

Mechanical Compatibility Requirements:

Package must be SOT-89 or equivalent TO-243AA footprint
Surface mount mounting type
Moisture sensitivity level of 1 (Unlimited) or equivalent

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations:

RoHS compliance status (RoHS3 compliant parts are preferred for new designs)
REACH compliance status
Product status (Active parts are preferred over Last Time Buy or Obsolete)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: direct electrical equivalents with identical or superior electrical ratings, and higher-performance alternatives that maintain backward compatibility while offering enhanced specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Ic (Max) [A]	Vce(br) [V]	Vce Sat [mV]	hFE (Min)	Power [W]	Freq [MHz]	Temp Range [°C]	Status	RoHS
BC868TA	Diodes Inc.	1	20	500 @ 1A	85 @ 500mA	1	60	−65 to 150	Obsolete	Non-compliant
BC868,115	Nexperia USA Inc.	1	20	500 @ 1A	85 @ 500mA	1.2	170	−40 to 150	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
BC868-25,115	Nexperia USA Inc.	2	20	600 @ 2A	160 @ 500mA	0.5	170	−40 to 150	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
CBCX68 TR PBFREE	Central Semiconductor	1	20	500 @ 1A	85 @ 500mA	1.2	65	−65 to 150	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
BCX6810H6327XTSA1	Infineon Technologies	1	20	500 @ 1A	85 @ 500mA	3	100	−40 to 150	Last Time Buy	ROHS3 Compliant
BCX6816H6327XTSA1	Infineon Technologies	1	20	500 @ 1A	100 @ 500mA	3	100	−40 to 150	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
2PD2150,115	NXP Semiconductors	3	20	500 @ 2A	180 @ 100mA	2	220	−40 to 150	Active	Not specified
PBSS4320X,135	Nexperia USA Inc.	3	20	310 @ 3A	200 @ 2A	1.6	100	−40 to 150	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
PBSS4520X,135	Nexperia USA Inc.	5	20	220 @ 5A	250 @ 2A	0.55	125	−40 to 150	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Electrical Equivalent (Preferred for Pin-Compatible Replacement):

BC868,115 manufactured by Nexperia USA Inc. is the primary direct equivalent. This part maintains identical electrical specifications to the BC868TA at the critical operating points (1 A collector current, 20 V breakdown voltage, 85 hFE minimum, 500 mV saturation voltage). The BC868,115 offers improved transition frequency (170 MHz versus 60 MHz) and higher power dissipation capability (1.2 W versus 1 W). This part carries Active product status and ROHS3 compliance, making it suitable for new designs and ongoing production.

Extended Temperature Range Equivalent:

CBCX68 TR PBFREE manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp maintains the full operating temperature range of the BC868TA (−65°C to 150°C) while providing identical electrical performance at rated conditions. This part is Active and ROHS3 compliant. Selection of this part is appropriate when the extended low-temperature operating range is a design requirement.

Higher Current Capability Alternatives:

BC868-25,115 (Nexperia USA Inc.) supports 2 A collector current while maintaining the 20 V breakdown voltage and SOT-89 package. This part is suitable for applications requiring increased current handling capacity within the same voltage class.

PBSS4320X,135 (Nexperia USA Inc.) and PBSS4520X,135 (Nexperia USA Inc.) provide 3 A and 5 A collector current capability respectively, with improved saturation voltage characteristics. These parts are qualified to AEC-Q100 automotive standards and carry Active product status.

Automotive-Grade Alternatives:

BCX6810H6327XTSA1 (Infineon Technologies) is an automotive-qualified part (AEC-Q101) with identical electrical specifications to the BC868TA at rated conditions. This part carries Last Time Buy status and should be evaluated for long-term availability.

Transition Frequency Considerations:

Parts with higher transition frequencies (BC868,115 at 170 MHz, 2PD2150,115 at 220 MHz, PBSS4520X,135 at 125 MHz) are suitable for applications requiring faster switching performance. Parts with transition frequencies at or near the original specification (CBCX68 TR PBFREE at 65 MHz, BCX6810H6327XTSA1 at 100 MHz) maintain the original performance envelope.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC868,115 be used as a direct replacement for BC868TA?

A: Yes. BC868,115 maintains identical electrical specifications at the critical operating point (1 A collector current, 20 V breakdown voltage, 85 hFE minimum, 500 mV saturation voltage). Both parts use the SOT-89 package. BC868,115 offers superior performance characteristics (higher transition frequency and power dissipation) and carries Active product status with ROHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the difference between BC868-25,115 and BC868,115?

A: BC868-25,115 supports a maximum collector current of 2 A compared to 1 A for BC868,115. Both parts maintain the 20 V breakdown voltage and SOT-89 package. BC868-25,115 is suitable for applications requiring higher current capacity. The saturation voltage at 2 A is 600 mV for BC868-25,115 versus 500 mV at 1 A for BC868,115.

Q: Why should I consider PBSS4320X,135 or PBSS4520X,135 over BC868,115?

A: PBSS4320X,135 and PBSS4520X,135 provide higher collector current capability (3 A and 5 A respectively) with improved saturation voltage characteristics. These parts are qualified to AEC-Q100 automotive standards. Selection depends on application current requirements and whether automotive qualification is necessary.

Q: Is CBCX68 TR PBFREE suitable for applications requiring the full −65°C to 150°C temperature range?

A: Yes. CBCX68 TR PBFREE maintains the full operating temperature range of the BC868TA (−65°C to 150°C). Other substitute parts listed operate from −40°C to 150°C. CBCX68 TR PBFREE is the appropriate selection when extended low-temperature operation is required.

Q: What is the product status significance for part selection?

A: Product status indicates supply availability and manufacturer support. Active parts (BC868,115, BC868-25,115, CBCX68 TR PBFREE, PBSS4320X,135, PBSS4520X,135, 2PD2150,115) have ongoing production and supply. Last Time Buy parts (BCX6810H6327XTSA1) have limited remaining inventory. Obsolete parts (BC868TA, BCX6816H6327XTSA1) are no longer manufactured. Active parts are preferred for new designs and ongoing production.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Most substitute parts listed carry ROHS3 compliance. The BC868TA is RoHS non-compliant. 2PD2150,115 does not specify RoHS status in the provided data. For applications requiring RoHS compliance, select from BC868,115, BC868-25,115, CBCX68 TR PBFREE, BCX6810H6327XTSA1, BCX6816H6327XTSA1, PBSS4320X,135, or PBSS4520X,135.

Q: Can I use a higher-current part like PBSS4520X,135 in place of BC868TA?

A: Yes, from an electrical compatibility standpoint. PBSS4520X,135 maintains the 20 V breakdown voltage and SOT-89 package. The higher current rating (5 A versus 1 A) and improved saturation voltage (220 mV at 5 A) provide additional design margin. However, verify that the application circuit design accommodates the different saturation voltage characteristics and higher current capability.

Q: What packaging considerations apply to these substitutes?

A: All substitute parts use the SOT-89 package (TO-243AA designation). This package is mechanically and electrically compatible across all listed parts. Verify PCB footprint compatibility with your design before implementation.

Q: Should I prioritize Active status parts over Last Time Buy or Obsolete parts?

A: Yes. Active status parts have ongoing production and supply availability. Last Time Buy parts have limited remaining inventory and no future production. Obsolete parts are no longer manufactured. For new designs and ongoing production, select from Active status parts: BC868,115, BC868-25,115, CBCX68 TR PBFREE, PBSS4320X,135, PBSS4520X,135, or 2PD2150,115.

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