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Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Transistors > Bipolar (BJT) > Single Bipolar Transistors

STMicroelectronics BUL7216

Name: BUL7216
Brand: STMicroelectronics
SKU: BUL7216
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BUL7216

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-220-3

Datasheet:: BUL7216.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 700V 3A TO-220

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:1,920

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Product details

Overview

BUL7216 from STMicroelectronics is a high-voltage fast-switching NPN power transistor designed for electronic ballast circuits in fluorescent lighting systems. It delivers V_CES = 1600 V, I_C = 3 A, P_tot = 80 W at T_c = 25°C, and switching times (t_d/t_r/t_s/t_f) as low as 0.3/1.1/0.9/0.35 µs under resistive load conditions - enabling reliable operation in 277 V push-pull and 347 V half-bridge topologies.

For engineers reviewing the BUL7216 datasheet, BUL7216 pinout, BUL7216 application, or BUL7216 equivalent, this device is selected for high-voltage switching where tight h_FE spread, wide RBSOA, and low dynamic parameter variation are critical to system reliability and thermal stability in lighting control stages.

Technical Context

The BUL7216 uses diffused collector technology to simultaneously optimize switching speed and DC current gain consistency across production lots. Its 1600 V V_CES rating supports operation with high transient voltage margins, while its 1.56 °C/W R_thj-case enables effective thermal management in TO-220-mounted ballast drivers.

Designed for hard-switched topologies, it exhibits low storage time (0.9 µs) and fast fall time (0.35 µs), minimizing switching losses during high-frequency (typically 20–60 kHz) operation. The device maintains stable h_FE (7–35) across I_C = 0.5–2 A and V_CE = 1–10 V, supporting predictable base drive design.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CES	1600 V - Enables safe operation with 277/347 V AC line-derived DC bus voltages plus safety margin against transients.
I_C	3 A continuous - Supports lamp currents up to ~2.5 A in push-pull ballasts with headroom for surge conditions.
t_s (Storage time)	0.9 µs - Reduces turn-off delay in high-frequency switching, limiting overlap losses in complementary stage designs.
R_thj-case	1.56 °C/W - Allows 80 W dissipation with ≤125°C case temperature rise, compatible with standard TO-220 heatsinks.
h_FE @ I_C=2 A	11–19 - Ensures stable base drive requirements across manufacturing lots for consistent gate/base driver sizing.
E_AR	8 mJ - Specifies single-pulse avalanche energy capability under defined L-C test conditions (2 mH/1.8 nF).

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-220 (standard variant for BUL7216). Mounting surface is electrically connected to collector (pin 2). Pin 1 = emitter, pin 2 = collector (tab), pin 3 = base.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Pin 1	Emitter	Low-side return path; connects to ground or current-sense resistor in common-emitter switch configuration.
Pin 2 (Tab)	Collector	High-voltage output node; thermally and electrically tied to heatsink; requires isolation washer if heatsink is grounded.
Pin 3	Base	Control input; driven by low-impedance source (e.g., transformer-coupled or IC-based driver) to ensure fast turn-on/turn-off.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Low spread of dynamic parameters	Tight lot-to-lot consistency in t_d, t_r, t_s, t_f ensures predictable timing behavior across production batches.
Wide RBSOA	Robust secondary breakdown immunity allows safe operation at high V_CE and moderate I_C without derating in linear regions.
Diffused collector technology	Enables simultaneous optimization of switching speed and h_FE uniformity - not achievable with epitaxial base processes alone.
ECOPACK® compliance	Lead-free second-level interconnect meets JEDEC JESD97; RoHS-compliant without compromising thermal or electrical performance.

Applications

Fluorescent Lamp Ballast (277 V Push-Pull)

Fluorescent Lamp Ballast (347 V Half-Bridge)

Use Scenario: High-efficiency magnetic-less ballast driving T5/T8 lamps from 277 V AC mains via full-wave rectified DC bus.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main switching transistor in push-pull topology; handles bidirectional current flow and high-voltage flyback transients.

Use Value: 1600 V V_CES withstands 2× peak line voltage + margin; low t_s minimizes cross-conduction loss during dead-time transitions.

Use Scenario: Compact half-bridge ballast for commercial high-bay fixtures operating from 347 V AC distribution networks.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side switch in asymmetrical half-bridge; commutates resonant tank current with controlled dv/dt.

Use Value: Tight h_FE spread ensures matched conduction between paired devices; 8 mJ E_AR absorbs inductive kickback during freewheeling.

UV-C Germicidal Lamp Driver

Induction Heating Pre-regulator

Use Scenario: High-frequency (≈50 kHz) driver for mercury-vapor UV-C lamps requiring stable arc ignition and regulation.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary switch regulating resonant inverter input; operates in ZVS-capable hard-switched mode.

Use Value: 1.56 °C/W R_thj-case sustains 75 W average dissipation during extended duty cycles; low ICBO (<0.5 mA at 125°C) prevents thermal runaway.

Use Scenario: Front-end DC-DC pre-regulator stage in medium-power induction cooktops converting rectified 347 V AC to stabilized 300 V DC bus.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-switching series pass element controlling bulk capacitor charging rate and ripple suppression.

Use Value: 0.35 µs t_f limits switching loss at 20–40 kHz; V_CEO = 700 V provides sufficient margin above 480 V peak transients.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-voltage NPN switching applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
STBUL7216	Same die, TO-220FP (full-pack) variant with insulated tab; R_thj-case = 2.0 °C/W vs. 1.56 °C/W.	Eliminates need for insulating washer but reduces power handling at same heatsink temperature.	Select when electrical isolation from heatsink is required and thermal budget permits 20% lower P_tot.
BU508A	V_CES = 1500 V (vs. 1600 V); t_s = 1.2 µs (vs. 0.9 µs); h_FE min = 5 (vs. 7); R_thj-case = 1.75 °C/W.	Suitable for 277 V systems but marginal for 347 V half-bridge due to lower voltage rating and slower storage time.	Acceptable only in cost-sensitive 277 V designs where tighter dynamic parameter control is not required.

Compared with STBUL7216 and BU508A, BUL7216 offers superior voltage margin, faster switching, and tighter parametric consistency - making it the preferred choice for 347 V ballasts and designs demanding long-term reliability under thermal stress.

Availability

BUL7216 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electronic ballast development, UV-C lamp driver qualification, and industrial high-voltage DC-DC pre-regulator prototyping requiring stable component supply and documented thermal performance.

Supply support for BUL7216 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, specializing in power discrete, analog, microcontrollers, and automotive ICs.

BUL7216 belongs to ST's high-voltage bipolar transistor product line, engineered specifically for lighting and industrial power conversion applications demanding ruggedness, consistency, and high-voltage switching integrity.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended case temperature for continuous operation?

The BUL7216 has a maximum junction temperature of 150°C and a thermal resistance of 1.56 °C/W. To maintain T_J ≤ 150°C, the case temperature must be held at or below 70°C when dissipating 51.3 W (calculated as 150 − (51.3 × 1.56)). Derating curves in the datasheet confirm 80 W is only permissible at T_c = 25°C.

Can BUL7216 be used in avalanche mode for energy clamping?

Yes - the datasheet specifies a repetitive avalanche energy (E_AR) of 8 mJ under defined test conditions (L = 2 mH, C = 1.8 nF, V_BE(off) = −5 V). This rating applies only to single-pulse, non-repetitive events unless validated per ST's AN2658 application note; sustained avalanche operation is not recommended.

Is base-emitter reverse voltage protection required?

Yes - the V_EBO rating is only 12 V. In push-pull or half-bridge configurations, negative base spikes exceeding this value can occur during switching transitions. A clamping diode (e.g., BAT54) from base to emitter is strongly advised to prevent junction breakdown and parameter degradation.

Does the TO-220 package variant include lead-free finish?

Yes - per the datasheet's ECOPACK® section, the BUL7216 in TO-220 packaging uses lead-free second-level interconnect and complies with JEDEC Standard JESD97. The inner box label indicates the lead-free category, and soldering profiles follow IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020 guidelines for MSL1 handling.

BUL7216 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-220-3

Packaging:: Tube

Product Status:: Active

Transistor Type:: NPN

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 3 A

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 700 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 3V @ 80mA, 800mA

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 100µA

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 4 @ 2A, 5V

Power - Max:: 80 W

Frequency - Transition:: -

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-220

BUL7216 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BUL7216 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BUL7216 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 BUL7216 reliable?

The price and inventory of BUL7216 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BUL7216 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BUL7216?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BUL7216 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BUL7216?

BUL7216 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BUL7216 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 BUL7216?

For technical support, including BUL7216 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BUL7216 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BUL7216 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BUL7216 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 BUL7216 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BUL7216?

All BUL7216 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BUL7216, 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 BUL7216 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BUL7216:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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