2SC5338-AZ RF Transistor NPN Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2SC5338-AZ is an RF transistor NPN manufactured by CEL, designed for high-frequency applications operating at 6GHz with a maximum power dissipation of 1.8W. This device is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. The 2SC5338-AZ operates at 12V collector-emitter breakdown voltage with a maximum collector current of 150mA and is packaged in a surface mount TO-243AA configuration.

Substiute Parts

2SC5338-AZ

CELIn Stock: 7702SC5338-AZ Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

2SC4215-Y(TE85L,F)

Toshiba Semiconductor and StorageIn Stock: 26702SC4215-Y(TE85L,F) Datasheet

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BFP840ESDH6327XTSA1

Infineon TechnologiesIn Stock: 1737BFP840ESDH6327XTSA1 Datasheet

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BFS 17P E6433

Infineon TechnologiesIn Stock: 788BFS 17P E6433 Datasheet

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MMBTH10LT1G

onsemiIn Stock: 62479MMBTH10LT1G Datasheet

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MRF327

MACOM Technology SolutionsIn Stock: 1398MRF327 Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2SC5338-AZ is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Transistor Type: NPN (mandatory match)
• Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): ≥12V (equal or higher rating required)
• Frequency - Transition: ≥6GHz (equal or higher frequency capability required)
• Power - Max: ≥1.8W (equal or higher power dissipation capability required)
• Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): ≥150mA (equal or higher current handling required)
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount (package form factor compatibility)
• Operating Temperature: ≥150°C (thermal rating compatibility)

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Noise Figure and Gain characteristics within acceptable application ranges
• DC Current Gain (hFE) sufficient for circuit biasing requirements
• Moisture Sensitivity Level and compliance certifications (RoHS, REACH)

The substitute parts listed below meet the mandatory criteria for direct functional replacement in RF applications requiring 6GHz operation at 12V or higher voltage ratings.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BFP840ESDH6327XTSA1 (Infineon Technologies)

This part offers the highest frequency capability at 80GHz, exceeding the 6GHz requirement of the 2SC5338-AZ. However, the collector-emitter breakdown voltage is 2.25V, which is significantly lower than the 12V rating of the main part. This substitute is suitable only for applications where the 12V voltage rating is not a circuit requirement. The part is ROHS3 compliant and carries active product status with full availability.

MMBTH10LT1G (onsemi)

This substitute provides a 25V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, exceeding the 12V requirement. Operating frequency is 650MHz, which is below the 6GHz specification. The part is ROHS3 compliant, carries active product status, and offers the highest inventory availability (62,400 pcs). This substitute is applicable for lower-frequency RF applications where 6GHz operation is not required.

2SC4215-Y(TE85L,F) (Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage)

This part provides 30V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 550MHz frequency capability. Operating temperature maximum is 125°C, which is below the 150°C rating of the main part. The part is ROHS3 compliant and carries active product status. This substitute is suitable for applications not requiring the full 150°C thermal rating.

BFS 17P E6433 (Infineon Technologies)

This substitute provides 15V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 1.4GHz frequency capability. Maximum collector current is 25mA, significantly lower than the 150mA of the main part. The part is ROHS3 compliant, carries active product status, and maintains the 150°C operating temperature rating. This substitute is applicable for lower-current RF applications.

MRF327 (MACOM Technology Solutions)

This part provides 33V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 80W power dissipation, significantly exceeding the 1.8W rating of the main part. However, the mounting type is chassis mount rather than surface mount, and frequency transition data is not provided. The part is ROHS3 compliant and carries active product status. This substitute is suitable only for applications requiring high-power discrete component implementation with different PCB integration requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MMBTH10LT1G directly replace 2SC5338-AZ in all applications?

A: No. While MMBTH10LT1G meets the voltage and current requirements with higher ratings, its operating frequency of 650MHz is below the 6GHz specification of the 2SC5338-AZ. Direct substitution is valid only for applications where the circuit does not require 6GHz operation.

Q: What is the primary limitation of BFP840ESDH6327XTSA1 as a substitute?

A: The collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 2.25V is significantly lower than the 12V rating of the 2SC5338-AZ. This part is suitable only for applications where the circuit operates at lower voltage levels. Use of this part in a 12V circuit will result in device failure.

Q: Why is MRF327 listed as a substitute if it uses chassis mount packaging?

A: MRF327 is listed based on the provided substitute data, but its chassis mount package (316-01) differs fundamentally from the surface mount TO-243AA package of the 2SC5338-AZ. PCB integration and layout requirements will differ significantly. This part is not recommended for direct surface mount replacement.

Q: Which substitute part maintains the closest thermal operating range to the 2SC5338-AZ?

A: BFP840ESDH6327XTSA1 and BFS 17P E6433 both maintain the 150°C maximum operating temperature rating of the main part. MMBTH10LT1G extends the range to -55°C, and 2SC4215-Y(TE85L,F) is limited to 125°C.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All active substitute parts listed (MMBTH10LT1G, 2SC4215-Y(TE85L,F), BFP840ESDH6327XTSA1, BFS 17P E6433, and MRF327) carry ROHS3 compliance certification. The 2SC5338-AZ main part does not specify RoHS status.

Q: What is the moisture sensitivity level for all parts in this comparison?

A: All parts, including the main 2SC5338-AZ and all substitute parts, carry MSL 1 (Unlimited) rating, indicating no moisture sensitivity restrictions during storage and handling.

Q: Can BFS 17P E6433 handle the full 150mA collector current of the 2SC5338-AZ?

A: No. BFS 17P E6433 has a maximum collector current rating of 25mA, which is significantly lower than the 150mA requirement. This part is suitable only for applications requiring lower collector current levels.

Q: Which substitute offers the best frequency match to the 6GHz specification?

A: BFP840ESDH6327XTSA1 offers the highest frequency capability at 80GHz, far exceeding the 6GHz requirement. However, its 2.25V voltage rating is incompatible with 12V circuit operation. For applications requiring both 6GHz operation and 12V voltage rating, no direct substitute from the provided list fully satisfies both criteria.