NXP Semiconductors BC337-16,126
- Part No.:
- BC337-16,126
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
BC337-16,126.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 45V 0.5A TO-92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,138
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
BC337-16,126 from Nexperia is an NPN general-purpose bipolar junction transistor in TO-92 (SOT54A) package, rated for 45 V VCEO, 500 mA IC, and DC current gain (hFE) of 100–250 at IC = 100 mA and VCE = 1 V. It delivers 625 mW power dissipation at Tamb ≤ 25 °C and supports through-hole mounting for discrete switching and linear amplification in industrial control interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the BC337-16,126 datasheet, BC337-16,126 pinout, BC337-16,126 application, or BC337-16,126 equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, terminal mapping, thermal behavior, real-world use cases, and validated alternative parts - all specific to the BC337-16,126 variant in SOT54A wide-pitch through-hole packaging.
Technical Context
This transistor operates as a low-voltage, medium-current NPN switch or amplifier with fixed-gain binning (hFE = 100–250). Its base-emitter saturation voltage is ≤1.2 V at IC = 500 mA, and collector-emitter saturation voltage is ≤700 mV under same conditions, enabling efficient low-side switching in 5 V–24 V logic-driven circuits.
Designed for ambient temperatures from −65 °C to +150 °C and junction temperature up to 150 °C, it features 5 V VEBO, 50 V VCBO, and 1 A peak collector current capability - supporting transient load handling while maintaining stable hFE across temperature via inherent silicon characteristics.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 45 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; enables use in 24 V industrial bus interfaces and relay drivers. |
| IC (DC) | 500 mA - Continuous collector current rating; supports driving LEDs, small solenoids, or logic-level MOSFET gates without forced cooling. |
| hFE | 100–250 - DC current gain range at IC = 100 mA, VCE = 1 V; ensures predictable base drive requirements for reliable saturation in switching designs. |
| Ptot | 625 mW - Total power dissipation at Tamb ≤ 25 °C; allows operation at full current in standard FR4 PCBs with single-sided copper. |
| Rth(j-a) | 200 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; confirms adequate self-heating margin for continuous 500 mA operation in open-frame enclosures. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤700 mV - Collector-emitter saturation voltage at IC = 500 mA, IB = 50 mA; minimizes conduction loss and heat generation in on-state switching. |
| fT | 100 MHz - Transition frequency at IC = 10 mA, VCE = 5 V; supports audio-frequency amplification and fast digital signal buffering. |
Pinout & Package
BC337-16,126 uses the SOT54A (TO-92 wide-pitch) plastic through-hole package with 3 leads, optimized for manual assembly and wave soldering. Pin 1 is emitter, Pin 2 is base, Pin 3 is collector - matching JEITA SC-43A mechanical outline and compatible with standard TO-92 sockets.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emitter | Current return path; connects to ground or low-side reference in common-emitter configurations. |
| 2 | Base | Control input; requires ~50 mA base drive for full 500 mA collector saturation, enabling direct microcontroller GPIO interfacing. |
| 3 | Collector | High-side output node; handles switched loads up to 45 V and 500 mA, with internal bonding supporting 1 A pulse current. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High current capability | 500 mA DC / 1 A pulsed collector current enables direct actuation of relays, lamps, and small motors without external driver stages. |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤700 mV at full rated current reduces power loss and thermal stress in high-duty-cycle switching applications. |
| Stable hFE binning | 100–250 gain range ensures consistent base resistor selection across production batches for predictable turn-on behavior. |
| Wide operating temperature | −65 °C to +150 °C storage and ambient range supports deployment in automotive engine compartments and industrial outdoor enclosures. |
| Through-hole reliability | SOT54A wide-pitch lead spacing (5.08 mm) prevents solder bridging and improves mechanical retention in vibration-prone environments. |
Applications
| LED Driver Circuit | Microcontroller I/O Expander |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 20 mA–350 mA indicator or status LEDs from 3.3 V or 5 V MCU outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN switch configured in common-emitter mode, sinking current from LED anode to ground. Use Value: Low VCE(sat) (<700 mV) preserves forward voltage headroom for red/green/blue LEDs; hFE ≥100 ensures <5 mA base drive suffices for 500 mA loads. |
Use Scenario: Extending GPIO count by controlling external peripherals (e.g., sensors, displays) via discrete logic-level signals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Level-shifting buffer between 3.3 V MCU and 5 V/12 V peripheral supply rails. Use Value: 45 V VCEO and 500 mA IC allow safe interfacing with higher-voltage peripherals; TO-92 package simplifies hand-soldered prototyping. |
| Relay Coil Driver | Audio Pre-amplifier Stage |
Use Scenario: Switching 5 V–24 V DC relay coils requiring 20–100 mA holding current in PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch with flyback diode protection, controlled by optocoupler-isolated logic. Use Value: 1 A peak ICM absorbs relay turn-off inductive kick; 625 mW Ptot accommodates intermittent 100% duty cycle without heatsinking. |
Use Scenario: Building discrete Class-A pre-amplifier stages for electret microphone biasing or sensor signal conditioning. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier with emitter degeneration resistor for stable gain and linearity. Use Value: 100 MHz fT supports bandwidth up to 20 kHz; hFE consistency (100–250) enables repeatable gain calibration across units. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN general-purpose transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC337-16,412 | Same electrical specs and SOT54 (standard pitch) package; differs only in packing (bulk vs. tape-and-reel). | Identical functional performance; suitable for manual assembly or low-volume prototyping where reel feeding is unnecessary. | Select BC337-16,412 when cost-sensitive, non-automated production or evaluation board builds are required. |
| BC337-25,126 | Higher hFE range (160–400) but identical VCEO, IC, package, and thermal specs. | Better suited for low-base-drive applications (e.g., weak MCU outputs); may require recalculation of base resistors in existing designs. | Choose BC337-25,126 only when higher gain is explicitly needed; avoid drop-in replacement without verifying bias stability. |
Compared with BC337-16,126, BC337-16,412 offers identical performance in bulk form for lab use, while BC337-25,126 trades guaranteed lower base drive for potential gain-related instability - making BC337-16,126 the optimal choice for deterministic, production-ready switching where base current budget is fixed.
Availability
BC337-16,126 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control panels, LED lighting systems, and embedded sensor interface modules requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for BC337-16,126 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
Nexperia is a global leader in discrete semiconductors, spun off from NXP in 2017, specializing in high-volume, high-reliability components for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The BC337 series belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for robustness, consistent parametric binning, and compatibility with legacy through-hole manufacturing infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the package type of BC337-16,126?
The BC337-16,126 uses the SOT54A (TO-92 wide-pitch) through-hole package with 3 leads and 5.08 mm lead spacing. This variant is distinct from standard SOT54 (2.54 mm pitch) and is designed for improved mechanical stability and reduced solder bridging during wave soldering - confirmed in Nexperia's official package outline documentation.
What is the DC current gain (hFE) range for BC337-16,126?
The BC337-16,126 has a DC current gain (hFE) range of 100 to 250 when measured at IC = 100 mA and VCE = 1 V. This gain binning is explicitly defined in Table 2 and Table 8 of the Nexperia BC817/BC337 datasheet Rev. 06, and applies specifically to the "-16" suffix variant across all package types including BC337-16,126.
Can BC337-16,126 replace BC337-16,412 in a design?
Yes - BC337-16,126 and BC337-16,412 share identical electrical specifications, thermal characteristics, and pinout. The only difference is packaging: BC337-16,126 is supplied in tape-and-reel (ammopack) format for automated assembly, while BC337-16,412 is bulk-packed. No circuit or layout changes are required for substitution.
What is the maximum power dissipation of BC337-16,126?
The BC337-16,126 has a total power dissipation (Ptot) of 625 mW at ambient temperature ≤25 °C, as specified in Table 6 of the Nexperia datasheet. This value assumes mounting on an FR4 PCB with single-sided copper and standard footprint - sufficient for continuous 500 mA operation without heatsinking under typical board-level thermal conditions.
Does BC337-16,126 support automotive-grade temperature operation?
Yes - BC337-16,126 is rated for ambient temperatures from −65 °C to +150 °C and junction temperature up to +150 °C (Table 6), meeting extended temperature requirements for under-hood automotive applications. While not AEC-Q101 qualified out-of-box, its parametric limits align with Tier-2 automotive subsystems when used within derated conditions and validated in system-level testing.
BC337-16,126 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Cut Tape (CT)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 500 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 45 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 700mV @ 50mA, 500mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 100 @ 100mA, 1V
- Power - Max:
- 625 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 100MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92-3
BC337-16,126 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC337-16,126 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC337-16,126 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for BC337-16,126 reliable?
The price and inventory of BC337-16,126 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC337-16,126 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC337-16,126?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC337-16,126 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC337-16,126?
BC337-16,126 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC337-16,126 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for BC337-16,126?
For technical support, including BC337-16,126 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC337-16,126 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC337-16,126 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC337-16,126 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that BC337-16,126 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC337-16,126?
All BC337-16,126 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC337-16,126, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The BC337-16,126 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC337-16,126:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC337-16,126 Tags

-
MMBT3906LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT3904-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
MMBT3904LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT3906-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
MMBT3904-TP
Micro Commercial Co

-
MMBT2222A-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
BC846BLT1G
onsemi

-
BC847B,215
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
SMMBT3904LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT2222A-TP
Micro Commercial Co

-
MMBTA06LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT2222ALT1G
onsemi
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…

,TO-226_straightlead.jpg)