BC337-016G Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC337-016G is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 45V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 800mA maximum collector current in a TO-92 through-hole package. This device is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of equivalent and substitute components for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. The BC337-016G serves general-purpose switching and amplification applications in consumer and industrial electronics.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	45	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	800	mA
Power - Max	625	mW
Frequency - Transition	210	MHz
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	100 @ 100mA, 1V	—
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	700mV @ 50mA, 500mA	—
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-92-3 (TO-226)	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC337-016G is determined by electrical and mechanical compatibility across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

Transistor type must be NPN
Collector-emitter breakdown voltage must be ≥45V
Maximum collector current must be ≥800mA
Maximum power dissipation must be ≥625mW
DC current gain (hFE) minimum must be ≥100 at specified test conditions
Vce saturation characteristics must be compatible with application requirements

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

Mounting type must be through-hole
Package must be TO-92 or TO-92-3 compatible form factor

Substitutes are classified into two categories:

Direct Equivalents — Parts meeting all electrical parameters of the BC337-016G with identical or superior specifications
Parametric Equivalents — Parts with minor variations in secondary parameters (transition frequency, current gain) that remain functionally compatible within the defined electrical envelope

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Vce(BR) Max (V)	Ic Max (mA)	Power Max (mW)	fT (MHz)	hFE Min @ Ic, Vce	Package	Status
BC337-016G	onsemi	45	800	625	210	100 @ 100mA, 1V	TO-92-3	Obsolete
BC337-016	onsemi	45	800	625	210	100 @ 100mA, 1V	TO-92-3	Active
BC337-25-AP	Micro Commercial Co	45	800	625	210	160 @ 100mA, 1V	TO-92-3	Obsolete
BC33716BU	Fairchild Semiconductor	45	800	625	100	100 @ 100mA, 1V	TO-92-3	Active
BC33725BU	Fairchild Semiconductor	45	800	625	100	160 @ 100mA, 1V	TO-92-3	Active
BC33740BU	onsemi	45	800	625	100	250 @ 100mA, 1V	TO-92-3	Active
2N4401BU	onsemi	40	600	625	250	100 @ 150mA, 1V	TO-92-3	Active
ZTX450	Diodes Incorporated	45	1000	1000	150	100 @ 150mA, 10V	E-Line (TO-92 compatible)	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Recommended Primary Substitute: BC337-016

The BC337-016 (onsemi, bulk packaging) is the direct parametric equivalent of BC337-016G. This part maintains identical electrical specifications across all critical parameters: 45V breakdown voltage, 800mA collector current, 625mW power rating, and 210MHz transition frequency. The BC337-016 is currently in active production status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability. This part is RoHS non-compliant and REACH-affected, matching the regulatory profile of the original BC337-016G.

Secondary Substitutes for Active Production Designs:

BC33740BU (onsemi) and BC33725BU (Fairchild Semiconductor) are suitable alternatives for new designs. Both parts meet the core electrical requirements with 45V breakdown voltage and 800mA collector current. The transition frequency is reduced to 100MHz (versus 210MHz in the original), which is acceptable for general-purpose switching applications operating below this frequency threshold. BC33740BU offers higher DC current gain (250 minimum), while BC33725BU provides 160 minimum gain. Both are RoHS3 compliant and in active production.

BC33716BU (Fairchild Semiconductor) provides identical electrical performance to BC33725BU with 100MHz transition frequency and 100 minimum DC current gain. This part is suitable where lower current gain is acceptable.

Limited Substitution: 2N4401BU

The 2N4401BU (onsemi) operates at reduced maximum ratings: 40V breakdown voltage and 600mA collector current. This part is suitable only for applications where the BC337-016G operates below these reduced limits. The 2N4401BU offers higher transition frequency (250MHz) and is RoHS3 compliant and in active production.

Enhanced Performance Alternative: ZTX450

The ZTX450 (Diodes Incorporated) provides superior electrical performance with 1A collector current and 1W power dissipation, enabling operation in higher-power applications. The E-Line package is mechanically compatible with TO-92 form factor. This part is RoHS3 compliant and in active production. The ZTX450 is suitable where increased current and power handling are required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC337-016 directly replace BC337-016G in existing designs?

A: Yes. BC337-016 is the parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications. Both parts are NPN transistors with 45V breakdown voltage, 800mA maximum collector current, 625mW power rating, and 210MHz transition frequency. The primary difference is product status: BC337-016G is obsolete while BC337-016 is in active production.

Q: What is the difference between BC33740BU and BC33725BU?

A: Both parts share identical electrical ratings (45V, 800mA, 625mW, 100MHz). The primary difference is DC current gain: BC33740BU specifies 250 minimum hFE while BC33725BU specifies 160 minimum hFE at 100mA collector current and 1V Vce. BC33740BU is manufactured by onsemi; BC33725BU is manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor. Both are RoHS3 compliant and in active production.

Q: Is 2N4401BU a suitable substitute for BC337-016G?

A: 2N4401BU is a partial substitute only. It meets the NPN type requirement and shares the 625mW power rating and TO-92-3 package. However, 2N4401BU has reduced maximum ratings: 40V breakdown voltage (versus 45V) and 600mA collector current (versus 800mA). Use 2N4401BU only in applications where the BC337-016G operates below these reduced limits.

Q: Why does ZTX450 have different electrical specifications?

A: ZTX450 is an enhanced-performance alternative, not a direct equivalent. It provides higher current (1A versus 800mA) and power (1W versus 625mW) ratings, enabling use in higher-power applications. The E-Line package is mechanically compatible with TO-92 form factor. ZTX450 is suitable where increased performance is required.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: No. BC337-016 is RoHS non-compliant, matching the original BC337-016G. BC33740BU, BC33725BU, BC33716BU, 2N4401BU, and ZTX450 are all RoHS3 compliant. Select based on your application's regulatory requirements.

Q: Can I use BC33716BU instead of BC33725BU?

A: Yes, with consideration for DC current gain. Both parts share identical electrical ratings (45V, 800mA, 625mW, 100MHz transition frequency, TO-92-3 package). BC33716BU specifies 100 minimum hFE while BC33725BU specifies 160 minimum hFE. BC33716BU is suitable where lower current gain is acceptable.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for substitute parts?

A: BC337-016, BC337-25-AP, and BC337-016G all operate from -55°C to 150°C. BC33740BU, BC33725BU, and BC33716BU operate to 150°C maximum (lower limit not specified). 2N4401BU operates from -55°C to 150°C. ZTX450 operates from -55°C to 200°C, providing extended high-temperature capability.

Q: Are there packaging differences between substitutes?

A: All substitutes use through-hole mounting in TO-92-3 or E-Line (TO-92 compatible) packages. Mechanical compatibility is maintained across all listed parts. Verify lead spacing and form factor compatibility with your PCB layout.

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