onsemi BC337-16ZL1
- Part No.:
- BC337-16ZL1
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
BC337-16ZL1.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 45V 0.8A TO92
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,114
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Product details
Overview
BC337-16ZL1 from onsemi is an NPN silicon general-purpose amplifier transistor in TO-92 package, rated for 45 VCEO, 800 mA continuous collector current, and DC current gain (hFE) of 100–250 at IC = 100 mA / VCE = 1.0 V. It operates across −55°C to +150°C junction temperature and is commonly used in low-voltage switching and linear amplification stages in power supplies, signal conditioning circuits, and interface drivers.
For engineers reviewing the BC337-16ZL1 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include verified hFE binning (16-series), TO-92 thermal resistance (RJA = 200°C/W), VCE(sat) ≤ 0.7 V at IC/IB = 10, and Pb-free Ammo Box packaging configuration.
Technical Context
The BC337-16ZL1 is a discrete bipolar junction transistor optimized for medium-current linear amplification and saturated switching. Its hFE range of 100–250 (min–max) at IC = 100 mA ensures predictable biasing in Class-A amplifiers and reliable turn-on in digital logic interfaces. The device features VCEO = 45 V and VCBO = 50 V, supporting operation in 24 V and 36 V industrial control rails with margin.
Thermal performance is defined by RJA = 200°C/W (free-air) and RJC = 83.3°C/W, enabling dissipation up to 625 mW at TA = 25°C before derating. Its fT = 210 MHz and Cob = 15 pF support stable operation in audio-frequency amplifiers and low-speed digital switching up to ~10 MHz.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 45 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; supports 24 V systems with 87% headroom. |
| IC (continuous) | 800 mA - Sustained load current capability; suitable for driving relays, LEDs, or small solenoids. |
| hFE (min–max) | 100–250 @ IC = 100 mA - Tighter gain binning than BC337 standard; reduces base drive design margin variance. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ 0.7 V @ IC = 500 mA, IB = 50 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes power loss in switching applications. |
| fT | 210 MHz - Enables stable small-signal amplification up to mid-VHF range without oscillation risk. |
| RJA | 200°C/W - Defines thermal rise per watt in PCB-mounted free-air conditions; requires heatsinking above ~312 mW. |
Pinout & Package
BC337-16ZL1 uses the TO-92 (Case 29, Style 17) through-hole plastic package with 3.43 mm height, 4.45–5.20 mm body width, and 2.54 mm lead pitch. Leads are tin-plated copper, Pb-free compliant, and marked "7−16" on the package face.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Collector) | Main current output terminal | Connected to load or supply rail; carries full switched/signal current; must be routed with adequate copper area for thermal relief. |
| 2 (Base) | Control input terminal | Receives bias current to regulate conduction; requires series resistor to limit IB and prevent thermal runaway. |
| 3 (Emitter) | Current return path | Typically grounded or tied to reference node; forms common-emitter configuration with fixed gain and phase inversion. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Pb-free TO-92 package | Complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU; compatible with lead-free reflow and wave soldering profiles. |
| hFE binned 100–250 | Reduces need for individual gain calibration in production assemblies; improves consistency in analog gain stages. |
| VCEO = 45 V | Enables use in 36 V automotive subsystems and 24 V industrial PLC I/O modules without external clamping. |
| RJC = 83.3°C/W | Allows direct case-to-heatsink mounting for >1 W pulsed operation; supports intermittent high-current loads. |
| fT = 210 MHz | Permits stable unity-gain bandwidth in emitter-follower buffers and low-noise preamplifier designs. |
Applications
| LED Driver Circuit | Microcontroller GPIO Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving 20–100 mA indicator or status LEDs from 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN switch operating in saturation mode to sink LED current to ground. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 0.7 V ensures >90% efficiency at 5 V supply; hFE ≥ 100 allows <5 mA base drive from MCU pins. |
Use Scenario: Level-shifting and current boosting between 3.3 V logic and 12 V peripheral control lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digital buffer transistor configured as common-emitter inverter or open-collector driver. Use Value: 45 V VCEO safely isolates MCU from 12 V bus transients; TO-92 footprint simplifies layout in space-constrained boards. |
| Linear Audio Preamp Stage | Relay Coil Driver |
|
Use Scenario: Low-noise, single-stage voltage amplification for electret microphone signals in portable audio devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier biased in active region with emitter degeneration resistor. Use Value: fT = 210 MHz and Cob = 15 pF ensure flat frequency response to 20 kHz; hFE stability minimizes distortion at 1–10 mV input. |
Use Scenario: Energizing 12 V or 24 V electromagnetic relay coils requiring 20–80 mA holding current. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch controlling coil current path; flyback diode integrated externally. Use Value: 800 mA IC rating accommodates relay inrush currents up to 3× steady-state; TO-92 mechanical robustness withstands vibration in industrial enclosures. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC337-16RL1 | Same die, identical hFE bin, but supplied in tape-and-reel (2000 pcs) instead of Ammo Box (2000 pcs). | No functional difference; selected for automated SMT placement rather than manual/hand-soldered assembly. | Choose BC337-16RL1 only when using pick-and-place equipment; BC337-16ZL1 is preferred for prototyping or low-volume hand assembly. |
| BC337-25ZL1 | Higher hFE bin (160–400), same VCEO, IC, and package; otherwise electrically identical. | Delivers lower base drive requirement in high-gain analog stages; may overdrive in digital switch applications if not recalculated. | Select BC337-25ZL1 where tighter gain control or reduced IB is critical; verify base resistor values to avoid excessive IB in saturation. |
Compared with BC337-16ZL1, BC337-16RL1 offers identical electrical behavior but differs in packaging format for automation, while BC337-25ZL1 provides higher hFE for improved current gain sensitivity-requiring updated bias network design to maintain optimal saturation and thermal stability.
Availability
BC337-16ZL1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, microcontroller interface modules, linear audio preamplifiers, and relay coil drivers requiring stable component supply, consistent hFE binning, and RoHS-compliant TO-92 packaging.
Supply support for BC337-16ZL1 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 manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power, analog, sensor, 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-sensitive, high-reliability linear amplification and switching applications in industrial controls, power management, and interface circuitry.
FAQ
What is the hFE range specified for BC337-16ZL1?
The BC337-16ZL1 has a guaranteed DC current gain (hFE) range of 100 to 250 when tested at IC = 100 mA and VCE = 1.0 V. This binned gain range is tighter than the standard BC337 and ensures more predictable biasing in production-grade amplifier and switching circuits. The BC337-16ZL1 datasheet confirms this specification under Electrical Characteristics, "DC Current Gain" row.
Is BC337-16ZL1 RoHS-compliant and Pb-free?
Yes, BC337-16ZL1 is Pb-free and RoHS-compliant. The "G" suffix (e.g., BC337-16ZL1G) explicitly denotes Pb-free packaging, but even the non-G variant BC337-16ZL1 meets RoHS requirements per onsemi's Pb-Free Strategy documentation referenced in the datasheet. The device uses matte tin lead plating and complies with EU Directive 2011/65/EU.
What is the maximum power dissipation for BC337-16ZL1 at room temperature?
BC337-16ZL1 has a maximum total device dissipation (PD) of 625 mW at ambient temperature (TA) = 25°C. Above 25°C, it must be derated at 5.0 mW/°C. This value assumes free-air mounting on a standard PCB; actual dissipation depends on board layout, copper area, and airflow. The thermal resistance RJA = 200°C/W directly relates to this rating.
Can BC337-16ZL1 replace BC337-25ZL1 in an existing design?
BC337-16ZL1 can replace BC337-25ZL1 only if the circuit tolerates lower hFE (100–250 vs. 160–400). In switching applications, this may require increasing base drive current to maintain saturation. In linear amplifiers, gain reduction may necessitate feedback network adjustment. Always verify VCE(sat), IC, and thermal margin after substitution.
What does the "ZL1" suffix mean in BC337-16ZL1?
The "ZL1" suffix in BC337-16ZL1 indicates an Ammo Box packaging format containing 2000 units per box. "Z" denotes Ammo Box, "L1" specifies the standard packing configuration per onsemi's ordering nomenclature. This contrasts with "RL1" (tape-and-reel) and plain "BC337-16" (bulk box). The die, electrical specs, and TO-92 package remain identical across these variants.
BC337-16ZL1 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- 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)
BC337-16ZL1 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC337-16ZL1 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC337-16ZL1 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 BC337-16ZL1 reliable?
The price and inventory of BC337-16ZL1 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC337-16ZL1 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC337-16ZL1?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC337-16ZL1 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC337-16ZL1?
BC337-16ZL1 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC337-16ZL1 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 BC337-16ZL1?
For technical support, including BC337-16ZL1 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC337-16ZL1 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC337-16ZL1 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC337-16ZL1 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 BC337-16ZL1 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC337-16ZL1?
All BC337-16ZL1 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC337-16ZL1, 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 BC337-16ZL1 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC337-16ZL1:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC337-16ZL1 Tags

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