onsemi BC337TFR

Overview

BC337TFR from ON Semiconductor is an NPN epitaxial silicon transistor in TO-92 package, rated for 45 V V_CEO, 800 mA I_C, and 625 mW power dissipation, with h_FE of 100–250 (Class 16), used in low-power switching and AF-driver stages.

For engineers reviewing the BC337TFR datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include DC current gain classification, saturation voltage at 500 mA, thermal resistance (200 °C/W), and compatibility with complementary BC327/BC328 pairs in push-pull configurations.

Technical Context

The BC337TFR operates as a general-purpose bipolar junction transistor optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching in low-voltage, low-current circuits. Its 100–250 h_FE range (Class 16) ensures predictable biasing in discrete amplifier stages, while its 0.7 V V_CE(sat) at I_C = 500 mA / I_B = 50 mA supports efficient on-state conduction.

Designed for ambient operation up to 150 °C junction temperature, it features 5 V V_EBO, 2 nA I_CES (max), and 100 MHz f_T, enabling use in audio-frequency signal paths and digital logic interfacing where bandwidth and leakage are critical.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BC337TFR is housed in a JEDEC TO-92 3-lead plastic package with straight leads, designed for through-hole mounting and manual or automated insertion. Pin 1 is Collector, Pin 2 is Base, Pin 3 is Emitter - verified per Fairchild/ON Semiconductor mechanical drawings and ordering documentation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BC337-16 and MPSA18, BC337TFR offers tape-and-reel delivery for automated manufacturing and a balanced combination of 800 mA current handling, 0.7 V saturation voltage, and 100–250 h_FE-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, medium-current switching and amplification where assembly efficiency matters.

Availability

BC337TFR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio driver stages, low-voltage switching loads, complementary pair output stages, and signal-level translation requiring stable component supply and consistent h_FE classification.

Supply support for BC337TFR 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

ON Semiconductor is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power and signal management solutions, with roots in Fairchild Semiconductor's discrete transistor legacy.

The BC337TFR belongs to ON Semiconductor's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for reliability and consistency in consumer, industrial, and automotive-qualified auxiliary circuits-not safety-critical systems.

FAQ

What is the h_FE range for BC337TFR?

The BC337TFR is classified as h_FE Class 16, with a guaranteed DC current gain range of 100 to 250 when measured at V_CE = 1 V and I_C = 100 mA. This classification is confirmed in the Fairchild/ON Semiconductor BC337/BC338 datasheet Rev. 1.5 and applies specifically to the BC337TFR variant. The h_FE value remains stable across its rated operating temperature range and supports predictable bias design in both switching and linear applications using BC337TFR.

Is BC337TFR pin-compatible with BC337-25 or BC337-40?

No, BC337TFR is not pin-compatible in function with BC337-25 or BC337-40 because those variants differ in h_FE classification (160–400 and 250–630 respectively), affecting base drive requirements and circuit stability. While all share identical TO-92 pinout (C-B-E), substituting BC337TFR for BC337-25 in a design calibrated for higher gain may cause underdrive and incomplete saturation. Always verify h_FE-dependent bias networks when replacing BC337TFR with other BC337 suffix variants.

What is the maximum continuous collector current for BC337TFR?

The maximum continuous collector current (I_C) for BC337TFR is 800 mA at T_A = 25 °C, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table of the official BC337/BC338 datasheet. This rating assumes proper PCB thermal relief and derating of 5 mW/°C above 25 °C ambient. Exceeding 800 mA risks thermal runaway or permanent degradation. For sustained 500 mA operation, BC337TFR delivers reliable performance with V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.7 V - a key parameter validated for BC337TFR in production testing.

Does BC337TFR support switching applications up to what frequency?

BC337TFR has a current gain–bandwidth product (f_T) of 100 MHz, indicating usable switching performance up to approximately 10 MHz in well-designed circuits with controlled layout and minimal parasitic capacitance. Its 12 pF output capacitance (C_ob) and 0.7 V V_CE(sat) support clean turn-on/turn-off edges in digital logic interfacing and PWM-driven loads. However, BC337TFR is not characterized for RF or high-speed switching above 20 MHz; for such use cases, dedicated RF transistors or MOSFETs are recommended instead of BC337TFR.

Can BC337TFR be used as a direct replacement for BC337-16TA?

Yes, BC337TFR can serve as a functional replacement for BC337-16TA in most circuit contexts, as both share identical electrical specifications (V_CEO = 45 V, h_FE Class 16, TO-92 package, C-B-E pinout) and originate from the same Fairchild/ON Semiconductor product family. The only differences are packaging format (tape-and-reel vs. ammo pack) and orderable part number syntax. No schematic or layout changes are needed when substituting BC337TFR for BC337-16TA, provided the assembly process accommodates tape-and-reel feed. BC337TFR maintains full specification compliance per the BC337/BC338 Rev. 1.5 datasheet.