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onsemi BC338-25ZL1G
- Part No.:
- BC338-25ZL1G
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
BC338-25ZL1G.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 25V 0.8A TO92
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,108
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Product details
Overview
BC338-25ZL1G from onsemi is an NPN silicon general-purpose amplifier transistor in TO-92 package, rated for VCEO = 25 V, IC = 800 mA, hFE = 160–400 (at IC = 100 mA), PD = 625 mW at TA = 25°C, and fT = 210 MHz - used in low-voltage switching and linear amplification stages of consumer audio preamps, LED drivers, and sensor interface circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BC338-25ZL1G datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 25 V VCEO rating, 160–400 DC current gain range, TO-92 thermal resistance (RJA = 200°C/W), safe operating area up to 500 mA in saturation, and Pb-free compliance per J-STD-609.
Technical Context
The BC338-25ZL1G operates as a medium-power NPN bipolar junction transistor optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching. Its design supports continuous collector currents up to 800 mA with VCE(sat) ≤ 0.7 V at IC = 500 mA / IB = 50 mA and VBE(on) ≤ 1.2 V at IC = 300 mA.
Thermal performance is defined by RJA = 200°C/W and RJC = 83.3°C/W, enabling operation from −55°C to +150°C junction temperature. Small-signal behavior includes Cob = 15 pF and fT = 210 MHz, confirming suitability for audio-frequency and low-MHz signal conditioning.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 25 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines safe DC/peak swing headroom in low-voltage amplifier or switch stages. |
| IC (max) | 800 mA - Continuous collector current limit; supports driving small relays, LEDs, or pre-driver stages without forced cooling. |
| hFE | 160–400 - DC current gain at IC = 100 mA, VCE = 1 V; enables predictable base drive sizing in Class-A amplifiers or digital logic interfaces. |
| fT | 210 MHz - Transition frequency; ensures stable gain down to ~100 kHz with margin for audio-band distortion control and RF decoupling stability. |
| PD @ TA | 625 mW - Power dissipation at 25°C ambient; requires heatsinking or derating above 25°C (5.0 mW/°C) for sustained >300 mA operation. |
| RJA | 200°C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; confirms need for PCB copper area or airflow in enclosed enclosures above 200 mW dissipation. |
Pinout & Package
BC338-25ZL1G uses the standard TO-92 (Case 29, Style 17) through-hole plastic package with 3 leads. Lead spacing matches JEDEC TO-92 footprint (P = 2.54 mm), and mechanical dimensions comply with Case 29-11 Issue AL.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Collector) | Main current output terminal | Connected to load or next stage input; must remain within 25 V and 800 mA limits; routed away from sensitive analog traces. |
| 2 (Base) | Control input for current amplification | Requires current-limited drive (e.g., 5–50 mA typical); base resistor selection depends on hFE min and desired saturation level. |
| 3 (Emitter) | Current return path and reference node | Usually tied to ground or emitter degeneration resistor; critical for bias stability and thermal feedback in linear applications. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Pb-free construction | Complies with J-STD-609 Class 3 moisture sensitivity and RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU; suitable for lead-free reflow (peak 260°C). |
| High hFE bin (25) | Guaranteed hFE ≥ 160 at IC = 100 mA, enabling lower base drive power and improved noise immunity in amplifier bias networks. |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤ 0.7 V at IC = 500 mA / IB = 50 mA - minimizes conduction loss and self-heating in switching applications like relay drivers. |
| Wide TJ range | −55°C to +150°C operation - supports deployment in automotive under-hood modules, industrial controllers, and outdoor sensor nodes. |
Applications
| Audio Pre-amplifier Stage | LED Constant-Current Driver |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Low-noise voltage amplification of microphone or line-level signals prior to ADC sampling in portable audio recorders. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN transconductance amplifier configured in common-emitter topology with emitter degeneration. Use Value: hFE ≥ 160 ensures stable gain across temperature; fT = 210 MHz provides bandwidth margin beyond 20 kHz audio band. |
Use Scenario: Driving high-brightness LEDs from 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller GPIO pins in signage and indicator panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch controlling LED anode current via emitter-follower or common-emitter configuration. Use Value: VCEO = 25 V accommodates supply variations and transient spikes; VCE(sat) ≤ 0.7 V keeps power loss below 350 mW at 500 mA. |
| Sensor Signal Conditioning | Industrial Relay Interface |
|
Use Scenario: Amplifying millivolt-level outputs from thermistors, RTDs, or bridge-based pressure sensors in PLC input modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear amplifier with DC-coupled feedback network to scale and offset sensor voltage into ADC range. Use Value: Low ICBO ≤ 100 nA prevents leakage-induced offset drift; wide TJ range ensures accuracy over −40°C to +85°C operating zones. |
Use Scenario: Isolating and amplifying MCU output signals to energize 12 V/24 V electromagnetic relays in HVAC control panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-current switch interfacing between low-power logic and inductive relay coil. Use Value: IC = 800 mA supports relay coils up to ~300 Ω at 24 V; built-in safe operating area avoids second-breakdown failure during coil turn-off. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC337-25ZL1G | VCEO = 45 V (vs. 25 V), same hFE bin, identical TO-92 package and pinout | Supports higher supply rails (e.g., 36 V industrial buses); less optimal for 3.3/5 V systems due to higher capacitance | Select BC337-25ZL1G when VCC > 28 V; BC338-25ZL1G preferred for <25 V rails to minimize Cob and improve fT margin |
| MPSA18 | VCEO = 45 V, hFE = 100–300 (min 100), RJA = 200°C/W, TO-92 but different internal die structure | Higher VCEO and broader hFE spread; not binned to "25" gain grade | Use MPSA18 where wider voltage margin is needed and gain tolerance ≥100 is acceptable; BC338-25ZL1G offers tighter hFE control for precision biasing |
Compared with BC337-25ZL1G and MPSA18, the BC338-25ZL1G delivers optimized performance at ≤25 V supply rails with guaranteed high hFE, lower Cob, and consistent saturation behavior - making it preferable for space-constrained, low-voltage linear and switching designs where gain predictability and thermal efficiency matter.
Availability
BC338-25ZL1G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, LED drivers, sensor signal conditioners, and industrial relay interfaces requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and Pb-free compliance.
Supply support for BC338-25ZL1G 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 management, analog, sensing, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.
The BC338-25ZL1G belongs to onsemi's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor family, engineered for cost-sensitive, high-reliability linear amplification and switching in industrial controls, audio equipment, and sensor subsystems.
FAQ
What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for BC338-25ZL1G?
The BC338-25ZL1G has a maximum collector-emitter voltage (VCEO) rating of 25 VDC. This value is tested at IC = 10 mA with base open and represents the absolute maximum voltage that can be applied between collector and emitter before breakdown occurs. Exceeding this rating risks permanent device failure, and design margins should maintain at least 20% derating in production circuits using BC338-25ZL1G.
Is BC338-25ZL1G pin-compatible with BC337-25ZL1G?
Yes, BC338-25ZL1G is pin-compatible with BC337-25ZL1G - both use identical TO-92 (Case 29, Style 17) packaging with Collector/Base/Emitter assigned to pins 1/2/3 respectively. However, BC338-25ZL1G has a lower VCEO (25 V vs. 45 V) and slightly different Cob and fT characteristics, so direct substitution requires verification of voltage headroom and small-signal performance in the target BC338-25ZL1G application.
What is the DC current gain (hFE) range specified for BC338-25ZL1G?
The BC338-25ZL1G is binned to the "25" gain group, with hFE guaranteed between 160 and 400 when measured at IC = 100 mA and VCE = 1.0 V. This range is confirmed in the official onsemi datasheet BC337/D Rev. 5. Designers should use hFE(min) = 160 for worst-case base resistor calculations and verify thermal stability at hFE(max) = 400 in linear amplifier configurations using BC338-25ZL1G.
Does BC338-25ZL1G support lead-free soldering processes?
Yes, BC338-25ZL1G is manufactured in a Pb-free package compliant with J-STD-609 and RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. It supports standard lead-free reflow profiles with peak temperatures up to 260°C. The device marking "ZL1G" explicitly denotes Pb-free construction, and thermal performance data (RJA, RJC) applies directly to lead-free assembly conditions for BC338-25ZL1G.
What is the safe operating area (SOA) limitation for BC338-25ZL1G in switching mode?
The BC338-25ZL1G SOA curve (Figure 2 in BC337/D) shows a second-breakdown limit of 500 mA at VCE = 10 V for DC operation, decreasing to ~100 mA at VCE = 25 V. In switching applications, designers must ensure pulse width, duty cycle, and heat sinking keep instantaneous power within this boundary - especially during turn-on/turn-off transients - to avoid localized thermal runaway in BC338-25ZL1G.
BC338-25ZL1G Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 800 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 25 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 700mV @ 50mA, 500mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 160 @ 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)
BC338-25ZL1G FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC338-25ZL1G through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC338-25ZL1G 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 BC338-25ZL1G reliable?
The price and inventory of BC338-25ZL1G are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC338-25ZL1G is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC338-25ZL1G?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC338-25ZL1G transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC338-25ZL1G?
BC338-25ZL1G orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC338-25ZL1G 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 BC338-25ZL1G?
For technical support, including BC338-25ZL1G datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC338-25ZL1G requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC338-25ZL1G is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC338-25ZL1G 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 BC338-25ZL1G meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC338-25ZL1G?
All BC338-25ZL1G units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC338-25ZL1G, 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 BC338-25ZL1G part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC338-25ZL1G:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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