onsemi BC337-16RL1G
- Part No.:
- BC337-16RL1G
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
BC337-16RL1G.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 45V 0.8A TO92
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,732
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Product details
Overview
BC337-16RL1G from onsemi is an NPN silicon general-purpose amplifier transistor in TO-92 package, rated for 45 VCEO, 800 mA continuous collector current, and 625 mW power dissipation at TA = 25°C, with DC current gain (hFE) of 100–250 at IC = 100 mA and VCE = 1.0 V - widely used in low-voltage switching and linear amplification stages of consumer and industrial control circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BC337-16RL1G datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal limits, safe operating area boundaries, Pb-free packaging confirmation, and validated alternative transistors for discrete BJT replacement scenarios.
Technical Context
The BC337-16RL1G operates as a medium-power, low-frequency NPN bipolar junction transistor optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching. Its hFE binning (16) guarantees minimum DC current gain of 100 at IC = 100 mA, VCE = 1.0 V, and supports reliable operation up to fT = 210 MHz under small-signal conditions.
Thermal design is constrained by RJA = 200°C/W and RJC = 83.3°C/W, with maximum junction temperature of +150°C and storage range down to −55°C. Safe operating area (SOA) is defined by second-breakdown limits above 1 ms and thermal-limited conduction below 100 µs, requiring explicit derating above 25°C ambient.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 45 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; sets upper rail limit for switch/amplifier stage design. |
| IC (continuous) | 800 mA - Continuous collector current rating; defines max steady-state load drive capability. |
| PD @ TA = 25°C | 625 mW - Ambient-referenced power dissipation; requires heatsinking or derating above 25°C. |
| hFE (min) | 100 - Guaranteed DC current gain at IC = 100 mA, VCE = 1.0 V; ensures predictable base drive sizing. |
| fT | 210 MHz - Transition frequency; confirms suitability for audio and low-MHz signal amplification. |
| VCE(sat) | 0.7 V @ IC = 500 mA, IB = 50 mA - Saturation voltage determines on-state power loss in switching applications. |
| Cob | 15 pF @ VCB = 10 V - Output capacitance affects high-frequency gain roll-off and switching speed. |
Pinout & Package
BC337-16RL1G uses the industry-standard TO-92 (Case 29, Style 17) plastic package with 3 leads, lead-free (Pb-free) construction, and JEDEC-compliant dimensions (max height 5.20 mm, body width 4.45 mm). Pin 1 is Collector, Pin 2 is Base, Pin 3 is Emitter - confirmed per marking diagram and package outline on page 4 of ON Semiconductor BC337/D Rev. 5.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - Collector | Main current output terminal | Carries full load current; connects to supply rail or load return path in common-emitter configuration. |
| 2 - Base | Control input terminal | Receives bias current to regulate collector current; requires current-limiting resistor in most designs. |
| 3 - Emitter | Reference/return terminal | Serves as common node for emitter-follower or grounded-emitter topologies; often tied to ground or sense resistor. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Pb-free TO-92 package | Complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU; enables lead-free reflow soldering without contamination risk. |
| Guaranteed hFE bin (16) | Ensures hFE ≥ 100 at IC = 100 mA, eliminating need for gain screening in production assemblies. |
| Low VCE(sat) | 0.7 V max at IC/IB = 10 enables efficient saturated switching with <100 mW conduction loss at 500 mA. |
| High VCEO | 45 V rating supports operation across 24 V industrial rails and 36 V automotive subsystems without derating. |
| Wide TJ range | −55°C to +150°C junction operation allows deployment in outdoor enclosures and engine-bay-adjacent modules. |
Applications
| Audio Pre-amplifier Stage | DC Motor On/Off Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Amplifying line-level signals (≤1 VPP) from microphones or sensors prior to ADC sampling in battery-powered IoT nodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN BJT configured in common-emitter topology to deliver 20–30 dB voltage gain with minimal distortion. Use Value: Low noise floor (<5 nV/√Hz typical), stable hFE, and 210 MHz fT ensure fidelity up to 20 kHz without phase shift or clipping. |
Use Scenario: Driving 12 V, 300 mA brushed DC motors in smart home actuators using MCU GPIO pins with 5 mA max output. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch with base resistor limiting IB to 30 mA, ensuring IC/IB ≤ 10 for robust turn-on. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 0.7 V minimizes heat generation; 45 V VCEO accommodates inductive kickback without snubber. |
| LED Current Regulator | Power Supply Enable Switch |
Use Scenario: Constant-current driving of high-brightness white LEDs (3.2 V, 350 mA) from 5 V USB supplies in portable lighting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Emitter-follower configured with sense resistor to set precise LED current independent of VBE variation. Use Value: Tight hFE bin (100–250) and low VBE(on) (≤1.2 V) enable ±5% current accuracy across temperature. |
Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling 3.3 V LDO outputs in multi-rail embedded systems via microcontroller logic-level signals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side or low-side pass transistor controlled by MCU GPIO to gate power to peripheral ICs. Use Value: 800 mA IC rating supports >1 A peak loads with margin; TO-92 footprint simplifies layout in space-constrained PCBs. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC337-25RL1G | Higher hFE bin (160–400 min), same VCEO/IC/package | Better suited for low-base-drive designs where IB < 1 mA is required | Select when higher gain reduces MCU GPIO loading or improves noise immunity in sensor interfaces. |
| PN2222A (Pb-free) | Lower VCEO (40 V), same IC (800 mA), TO-92, but hFE min = 75 at IC = 10 mA | Less suitable for 24 V rail switching due to tighter voltage margin | Choose only if legacy compatibility or cost sensitivity outweighs 45 V headroom and guaranteed hFE stability. |
Compared with BC337-25RL1G and PN2222A, the BC337-16RL1G offers optimal balance of guaranteed gain, voltage margin, and thermal performance for mid-current switching and amplification - making it preferred for new designs requiring predictable base drive and SOA compliance at 24 V.
Availability
BC337-16RL1G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor controls, battery-powered audio preamps, LED lighting drivers, and power sequencing circuits requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for BC337-16RL1G 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 IoT applications.
The BC337-16RL1G belongs to onsemi's legacy general-purpose BJT family, designed for cost-sensitive, high-volume applications demanding reliability, consistent gain binning, and broad temperature operation - especially in consumer, appliance, and industrial control hardware.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous collector current for BC337-16RL1G?
The BC337-16RL1G has a maximum continuous collector current (IC) of 800 mA at TA = 25°C. This rating assumes proper PCB copper area for heat dissipation and must be derated linearly above 25°C ambient using the 5.0 mW/°C derating factor specified in the datasheet. At 70°C ambient, usable IC drops to approximately 575 mA.
Is BC337-16RL1G RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, BC337-16RL1G is explicitly marked as Pb-free in the ON Semiconductor BC337/D datasheet Rev. 5 (2005), with "G" suffix denoting lead-free TO-92 packaging. It meets EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU requirements and supports standard lead-free reflow profiles without special processing.
What does the "16" in BC337-16RL1G indicate?
The "16" in BC337-16RL1G denotes the hFE gain bin: devices are tested and binned to guarantee a minimum DC current gain of 100 at IC = 100 mA and VCE = 1.0 V, with typical values reaching 250. This binning ensures predictable base drive requirements across production lots of BC337-16RL1G.
Can BC337-16RL1G replace BC337-25RL1G in existing designs?
BC337-16RL1G can replace BC337-25RL1G only if the circuit tolerates lower minimum hFE (100 vs. 160). In base-current-limited or high-gain-critical applications (e.g., low-noise preamps), gain reduction may increase distortion or require resistor value adjustments. Always verify IB margin and VCE(sat) under load for BC337-16RL1G in such cases.
What is the thermal resistance junction-to-ambient (RJA) for BC337-16RL1G?
The thermal resistance junction-to-ambient (RJA) for BC337-16RL1G is 200°C/W, measured under standard JEDEC test conditions (single-layer PCB, 1 in² copper pad). Actual RJA in end equipment depends on PCB layout, copper area, airflow, and nearby heat sources - so system-level thermal validation is required for sustained 625 mW operation.
BC337-16RL1G Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 800 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 45 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 700mV @ 50mA, 500mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 100 @ 100mA, 1V
- Power - Max:
- 625 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 210MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92 (TO-226)
BC337-16RL1G FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC337-16RL1G through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC337-16RL1G 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 BC337-16RL1G reliable?
The price and inventory of BC337-16RL1G are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC337-16RL1G is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC337-16RL1G?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC337-16RL1G transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC337-16RL1G?
BC337-16RL1G orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC337-16RL1G 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 BC337-16RL1G?
For technical support, including BC337-16RL1G datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC337-16RL1G requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC337-16RL1G is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC337-16RL1G 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 BC337-16RL1G meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC337-16RL1G?
All BC337-16RL1G units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC337-16RL1G, 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 BC337-16RL1G part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC337-16RL1G:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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