onsemi BC337-016

Overview

BC337-016 from onsemi is an NPN silicon general-purpose amplifier transistor in TO-92 package, rated for 45 V_CEO, 800 mA continuous collector current, and DC current gain (h_FE) of 100–250 at I_C = 100 mA, V_CE = 1.0 V - widely used in low-voltage switching and linear amplification stages of consumer power supplies and signal conditioning circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC337-016 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection factors include verified h_FE binning (160 min), V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.7 V at I_C/I_B = 10, thermal resistance R_JA = 200 °C/W, and Pb-free TO-92 compatibility with through-hole reflow profiles.

Technical Context

The BC337-016 operates as a medium-power bipolar junction transistor optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching in DC-coupled and low-frequency AC circuits. Its h_FE range (160–400) and f_T = 210 MHz support stable gain up to ~10 MHz with minimal phase shift under typical bias conditions.

It features V_(BR)CEO = 45 V, V_CE(sat) = 0.7 V max at I_C = 500 mA/I_B = 50 mA, and R_JC = 83.3 °C/W - enabling reliable operation in thermally constrained PCB layouts where junction temperature must remain below 135°C during pulsed loads.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BC337-016 uses the standard TO-92 (Case 29, Style 17) plastic package with 3 leads: Collector (Pin 1), Base (Pin 2), Emitter (Pin 3). The package is Pb-free and compatible with IPC-J-STD-020D reflow profiles.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN general-purpose amplifier applications.

Compared with BC337-25 and BC547B, the BC337-016 delivers the most predictable low-current gain (160–400) and lowest saturation voltage in its family, balancing performance and cost for mid-volume industrial control and power management designs.

Availability

BC337-016 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor controls, consumer audio preamps, and microcontroller peripheral interfaces requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for BC337-016 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

onsemi (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor supplier specializing in energy-efficient power, analog, sensing, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.

The BC337 series belongs to onsemi's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, designed for cost-effective, reliable amplification and switching in non-safety-critical DC and low-frequency AC circuits.

FAQ

What is the guaranteed minimum h_FE for BC337-016 at I_C = 100 mA?

The BC337-016 has a guaranteed minimum DC current gain (h_FE) of 160 when tested at I_C = 100 mA and V_CE = 1.0 V. This value is binned during final test and distinguishes BC337-016 from BC337-25 (min 250) and BC337-40 (min 400). The BC337-016 datasheet confirms this specification in the "ON CHARACTERISTICS" table under h_FE for BC337−16.

Is BC337-016 RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes, BC337-016 is available in both standard and Pb-free versions. The "G" suffix (e.g., BC337-16G) explicitly denotes RoHS-compliant, lead-free construction per EU Directive 2011/65/EU. The base BC337-016 part number refers to the standard version, but Pb-free variants are fully interchangeable in form, fit, and function - confirmed in the "ORDERING INFORMATION" section of the BC337/D datasheet.

What is the maximum power dissipation for BC337-016 at room temperature?

At T_A = 25°C, the BC337-016 has a total device dissipation (P_D) rating of 625 mW. This derates linearly at 5.0 mW/°C above 25°C ambient. For example, at 75°C ambient, maximum allowable P_D drops to 625 − (50 × 5) = 375 mW. This rating assumes free-air convection and applies only when mounted on standard FR-4 PCB without heatsinking.

Can BC337-016 replace BC337-25 in existing designs?

BC337-016 can replace BC337-25 only if the circuit tolerates reduced DC current gain - BC337-016 has h_FE min = 160 versus BC337-25's min = 250. In saturated-switch designs with generous base drive, substitution is acceptable; in linear amplifiers relying on tight gain control, BC337-016 may require recalculating bias resistors. Both share identical pinout, package, and absolute maximum ratings.

What is the safe operating area (SOA) limit for BC337-016 at DC operation?

Per Figure 2 of the BC337/D datasheet, the DC safe operating area for BC337-016 is bounded by thermal limits (not second breakdown) and extends to 500 mA at V_CE = 10 V and 100 mA at V_CE = 45 V. Operation beyond these points risks junction overheating due to P = V_CE × I_C exceeding 625 mW at T_A = 25°C - always verify actual board-level thermal performance before deployment.