STMicroelectronics 3STR1630

Overview

3STR1630 from STMicroelectronics is a low-voltage, high-performance NPN power transistor in SOT-23 package, rated for 30 V V_CEO, 6 A continuous collector current, and 0.5 W power dissipation at 25 °C ambient. It delivers very low V_CE(sat) (60–300 mV across 1–5 A), high DC current gain (h_FE = 90–560), and fast switching (t_on = 90 ns, t_off = 450 ns), enabling efficient use in LED strobe drivers and relay interface circuits.

For engineers reviewing the 3STR1630 datasheet, 3STR1630 pinout, 3STR1630 application, or 3STR1630 equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, SOT-23 terminal mapping, thermal resistance (R_thJA = 250 °C/W), switching timing under resistive load, and validated alternatives for motor drive and DC-DC converter designs.

Technical Context

This device employs low-voltage planar technology with double-metal process to achieve high current gain stability across 50 mA–5 A and low saturation voltage at high drive currents. Its V_CE(sat) remains ≤300 mV at IC = 5 A / IB = 500 mA, supporting compact, thermally constrained switching nodes.

The transistor exhibits f_T = 100 MHz at IC = 0.1 A, V_CE = 10 V, and C_CBO = 15 pF at V_CB = 40 V, indicating suitability for medium-frequency switching applications where capacitive loading and transition speed must be balanced.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23 plastic package (ECOPACK®2 grade), surface-mountable, with 3-pin configuration: Emitter (Pin 1), Base (Pin 2), Collector (Pin 3) - confirmed per Figure 1 and Table 1 of STMicroelectronics Doc ID 16600 Rev 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN power switching applications.

Compared with MJD127 and ZTX851, the 3STR1630 uniquely balances SOT-23 footprint, 6 A current handling, and sub-300 mV saturation at 5 A-making it optimal for high-density, medium-current, low-voltage switching where thermal budget and layout area are tightly constrained.

Availability

3STR1630 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for strobe lighting control, small DC motor drive, and relay coil interface applications requiring stable component supply and consistent parametric performance across production lots.

Supply support for 3STR1630 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing analog, digital, and mixed-signal ICs, discrete devices, and MEMS sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The 3STR1630 belongs to ST's low-voltage power transistor family, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, surface-mount switching in space- and thermal-constrained applications such as LED drivers and portable motor controllers.

FAQ

What is the maximum safe operating junction temperature for the 3STR1630?

The maximum operating junction temperature (T_J) is 150 °C, as specified in Table 2 of the official datasheet. This limit applies under steady-state conditions with proper PCB thermal relief. Exceeding this value risks permanent degradation of h_FE and increased leakage current, especially at elevated ambient temperatures or high duty cycles.

Can the 3STR1630 be used in linear (analog) amplifier configurations?

No-it is optimized for switching operation, not linear amplification. Its V_CE(sat) and h_FE characteristics are characterized only in saturated and cutoff regions. The datasheet provides no linearity specs (e.g., THD, f_T vs. bias), and its thermal resistance (250 °C/W) makes sustained linear operation impractical above ~100 mW dissipation.

Is the 3STR1630 RoHS-compliant and halogen-free?

Yes-the device carries ECOPACK®2 grade certification, confirming compliance with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and halogen-free material content per IEC 61249-2-21. This is explicitly stated in Section 3 ("Package mechanical data") of Doc ID 16600 Rev 3 and verified on ST's official product page.

Does the 3STR1630 require a base resistor when driven by a 3.3 V microcontroller GPIO?

Yes-a series base resistor is mandatory to limit IB and ensure reliable saturation. For 5 A switching, IB ≈ 500 mA is required; with 3.3 V GPIO and ~1.1 V V_BE(sat), a 4.7 Ω resistor yields ~470 mA drive. Without it, excessive base current can damage the GPIO or cause inconsistent switching due to voltage droop.