STMicroelectronics BD533
- Part No.:
- BD533
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
BD533.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 45V 8A TO-220
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
BD533 from STMicroelectronics is an NPN complementary power transistor in TO-220 package, designed for high-current linear and switching applications. It delivers 8 A collector current, 45 V collector-emitter sustaining voltage (VCEO(sus)), and low 0.8 V saturation voltage at IC = 2 A / IB = 0.2 A, enabling efficient operation in audio output stages and DC motor drivers.
For engineers reviewing the BD533 datasheet, BD533 pinout, BD533 application, or BD533 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 50 W total dissipation at Tcase = 25°C, 150 °C maximum junction temperature, high hFE (20–40 at IC = 10 mA), and compatibility with BD534 PNP for push-pull amplifier configurations.
Technical Context
The BD533 uses Planar technology with "Base Island" layout to achieve exceptional DC current gain and low VCE(sat). Its safe operating area supports pulsed operation up to 300 ms with ≥1.5% duty cycle, and it is rated for continuous operation at 150 °C junction temperature.
Electrical characteristics are specified at Tcase = 25°C, with ICBO ≤ 0.1 mA at rated VCBO and VEBO = 5 V. The device exhibits hFE = 20 min (IC = 10 mA, VCE = 5 V) and hFE = 15 min (IC = 2 A, VCE = 2 V), confirming stable gain across operating ranges.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Collector current (IC) | 8 A - supports high-power load switching and amplification without external parallel devices |
| VCEO(sus) | 45 V - defines maximum sustainable collector-emitter voltage under open-base conditions for reliable breakdown margin |
| VCE(sat) | 0.8 V @ IC = 2 A, IB = 0.2 A - minimizes conduction loss and thermal stress in linear and saturated switching modes |
| hFE | 20–40 - ensures predictable base drive requirements and stable biasing in Class AB audio and power control circuits |
| PTOT | 50 W @ Tcase = 25°C - enables high-power operation with appropriate heatsinking in industrial and consumer power stages |
| TJ max | 150 °C - allows sustained operation in thermally demanding environments such as enclosed motor drives |
Pinout & Package
BD533 is housed in a standard TO-220 package with three leads: Collector (pin 1), Base (pin 2), Emitter (pin 3), mounted on the metal tab which is electrically connected to the collector. The package features ECOPACK® lead-free second-level interconnect and complies with JEDEC JESD97 marking standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 (Tab side) | Collector | Electrically tied to metal tab; requires isolation from heatsink unless common-collector configuration is intended |
| Pin 2 | Base | Low-impedance control input; 1 A max base current rating supports robust driver stage design |
| Pin 3 | Emitter | Reference node for output stage; low-inductance path critical for fast switching and thermal stability |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Planar "Base Island" layout | Enables high hFE uniformity and low VCE(sat) across production lots for consistent amplifier biasing |
| ECOPACK® packaging | Lead-free second-level interconnect compliant with JEDEC JESD97, supporting RoHS-compliant manufacturing |
| Safe operating area (SOA) | Rated for 300 ms pulses at ≥1.5% duty cycle, enabling short-term overload tolerance in motor start-up |
| High fT capability | Supports audio-frequency switching (up to ~1 MHz) per resistive load switching time curves (Fig. 14–17) |
Applications
| Audio Power Amplifiers | DC Motor Drivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Output stage in Class AB hi-fi amplifiers delivering 20–100 W into 4–8 Ω loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN power switch providing current gain and voltage swing with minimal crossover distortion. Use Value: Low 0.8 V VCE(sat) reduces heat generation and improves efficiency over competing 40–60 V transistors. | Use Scenario: H-bridge half-bridge leg in 24–48 V brushed DC motor controllers for industrial actuators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current switching element handling bidirectional load current during PWM commutation. Use Value: 8 A IC rating and 150 °C TJ max allow continuous operation under stall conditions without derating. |
| Linear Voltage Regulators | Power Supply Pass Transistors |
Use Scenario: Series pass element in adjustable 3–40 V, 3–5 A linear regulators for lab bench supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Controlled conduction device dissipating variable power based on load and input-output differential. Use Value: 50 W PTOT and low VCE(sat) enable stable regulation with moderate heatsink size at full load. | Use Scenario: Main pass transistor in high-reliability 12 V/5 A telecom power modules requiring long-term stability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary power-handling component regulating output voltage via feedback-controlled base bias. Use Value: Tight hFE distribution (20–40) simplifies feedback loop compensation and improves load transient response. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN power transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJE13009 | Higher VCEO = 400 V, lower hFE = 8–40, TO-220 package | Better suited for flyback SMPS primary switches; less optimal for linear audio due to higher VCE(sat) | Select when high-voltage isolation is required over low-saturation performance |
| TIP31C | Lower VCEO = 100 V, same TO-220, hFE = 10–50, PTOT = 40 W | Marginally lower power handling and gain consistency; widely available but less optimized for audio linearity | Choose for cost-sensitive, non-critical linear applications where 50 W dissipation is not required |
Compared with MJE13009 and TIP31C, BD533 offers superior combination of low VCE(sat), tight hFE range, and SOA-rated pulse capability-making it preferred for high-fidelity audio output and thermally constrained linear regulator designs.
Availability
BD533 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio power amplifiers, DC motor drivers, and linear voltage regulators requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.
Supply support for BD533 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing analog, microcontroller, power, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The BD533 belongs to ST's complementary bipolar power transistor family, engineered specifically for high-fidelity audio output stages, industrial motor control, and linear power regulation where low saturation voltage and stable DC gain are critical.
FAQ
Is BD533 pin-compatible with BD534?
No-BD533 is NPN while BD534 is PNP; they share identical TO-220 mechanical pinout (C-B-E), but polarity reversal means direct substitution without circuit redesign is unsafe. Their complementary pairing is intentional for push-pull topologies, not drop-in replacement.
What is the recommended heatsink thermal resistance for BD533 at 5 A continuous?
At IC = 5 A, VCE(sat) ≈ 0.85 V (interpolated), yielding ~4.25 W conduction loss. With TJ max = 150 °C and ambient at 50 °C, RθJA must be ≤ 23.5 °C/W. A typical 20 mm × 20 mm extruded aluminum heatsink with forced airflow achieves ~15 °C/W, satisfying this requirement.
Does BD533 support avalanche energy rating?
No-ST's datasheet does not specify single-pulse avalanche energy (EAS) or ruggedness testing. The device is rated for SOA-limited operation only; external clamping (e.g., TVS diodes) is required for inductive load switching to prevent secondary breakdown.
Can BD533 be used in Class D amplifier output stages?
No-it is a bipolar junction transistor optimized for linear and quasi-saturated operation, not high-speed switching. Its resistive-load switching times (tON/tOFF ≈ 1–2 µs) and lack of gate-drive interface make it unsuitable for >200 kHz Class D modulation; MOSFETs like STP55NF06L are preferred.
BD533 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 8 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 45 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 800mV @ 600mA, 6A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100µA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 25 @ 2A, 2V
- Power - Max:
- 50 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220
BD533 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BD533 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BD533 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 BD533 reliable?
The price and inventory of BD533 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BD533 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BD533?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BD533 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BD533?
BD533 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BD533 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 BD533?
For technical support, including BD533 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BD533 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BD533 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BD533 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 BD533 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BD533?
All BD533 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BD533, 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 BD533 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BD533:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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