BC337-025 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC337-025 is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 45 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 800 mA maximum collector current. This device is packaged in the TO-92 (TO-226-3) through-hole configuration and is suitable for general-purpose switching and amplification applications in the 625 mW power class.

The BC337-025 carries an obsolete product status. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production or repair requirements for legacy systems utilizing this component.

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
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	700mV @ 50mA, 500mA	—
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	160 @ 100mA, 1V	—
Frequency - Transition	210	MHz
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	100	nA
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC337-025 is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Transistor Type: NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 45 V minimum
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 800 mA minimum
Power - Max: 625 mW minimum
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic: 700mV @ 50mA, 500mA or better
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max): 100 nA maximum
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package / Case: TO-92 or TO-92-compatible configuration

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

DC Current Gain (hFE): Minimum 100 @ specified conditions
Frequency - Transition: 100 MHz minimum
Operating Temperature Range: Support for -55°C to 150°C or equivalent

Substitute parts must satisfy all primary criteria. Variations in secondary parameters are acceptable provided they do not degrade circuit performance in the intended application context.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BC337-025 (onsemi)	BC33716BU (Fairchild)	BC33725BU (Fairchild)	BC33740BU (onsemi)	BC337-25-AP (MCC)	ZTX450 (Diodes Inc.)
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	45 V	45 V	45 V	45 V	45 V	45 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	800 mA	800 mA	800 mA	800 mA	800 mA	1 A
Power - Max	625 mW	625 mW	625 mW	625 mW	625 mW	1 W
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	700mV @ 50mA, 500mA	700mV @ 50mA, 500mA	700mV @ 50mA, 500mA	700mV @ 50mA, 500mA	700mV @ 50mA, 500mA	250mV @ 15mA, 150mA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	160 @ 100mA, 1V	100 @ 100mA, 1V	160 @ 100mA, 1V	250 @ 100mA, 1V	160 @ 100mA, 1V	100 @ 150mA, 10V
Frequency - Transition	210 MHz	100 MHz	100 MHz	100 MHz	210 MHz	150 MHz
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	100 nA	100 nA	100 nA	100 nA	200 nA	100 nA
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 150°C	to 150°C	to 150°C	to 150°C	-55 to 150°C	-55 to 200°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-226-3, TO-92-3	TO-226-3, TO-92-3	TO-226-3, TO-92-3	TO-226-3, TO-92-3	TO-226-3, TO-92-3	E-Line-3 (TO-92 compatible)
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Obsolete	Active
RoHS Status	Non-compliant	Not specified	Not specified	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Active Product Alternatives (Preferred for New Designs and Ongoing Supply):

The BC33740BU (onsemi), BC33725BU (Fairchild), and BC33716BU (Fairchild) are active products meeting all primary substitution criteria. These devices maintain the 45 V / 800 mA / 625 mW electrical envelope and TO-92 package compatibility. The BC33740BU offers the highest DC current gain (250 @ 100mA, 1V) and carries ROHS3 compliance certification, making it suitable for applications requiring modern regulatory adherence. The BC33725BU and BC33716BU provide equivalent performance with lower DC current gain specifications (160 and 100 respectively) and are available in higher inventory quantities.

Extended Performance Alternative:

The ZTX450 (Diodes Incorporated) exceeds the primary electrical specifications with 1 A maximum collector current and 1 W power dissipation. This device operates across an extended temperature range (-55°C to 200°C) and features improved saturation characteristics (250 mV @ 15mA, 150mA). The ZTX450 is housed in an E-Line package that maintains TO-92 mechanical compatibility. This part is suitable for applications requiring higher current capacity or enhanced thermal performance.

Obsolete Product Alternative:

The BC337-25-AP (Micro Commercial Co) is also obsolete but maintains identical electrical specifications to the BC337-025, including 210 MHz transition frequency and -55°C to 150°C operating range. This part is not recommended for new designs due to its obsolete status, though it may serve as a temporary supply source for legacy system maintenance.

Compliance Considerations:

For applications subject to RoHS3 compliance requirements, the BC33740BU, BC33725BU, BC337-25-AP, and ZTX450 are compliant. The BC33716BU compliance status is not specified in available documentation. All substitute parts carry REACH Unaffected status and EAR99 export classification, matching the BC337-025 regulatory profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the BC33716BU directly replace the BC337-025 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The BC33716BU meets all primary substitution criteria: 45 V breakdown voltage, 800 mA maximum collector current, 625 mW power rating, and TO-92 package configuration. The DC current gain is lower (100 vs. 160 @ 100mA, 1V) and transition frequency is reduced (100 MHz vs. 210 MHz), but these parameters remain within acceptable ranges for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. Circuit performance should be verified if the design relies on high-frequency response or specific gain characteristics.

Q: What is the primary difference between BC33725BU and BC33716BU?

A: Both devices are Fairchild Semiconductor products with identical electrical ratings (45 V, 800 mA, 625 mW, TO-92 package). The BC33725BU specifies a minimum DC current gain of 160 @ 100mA, 1V, while the BC33716BU specifies 100 @ 100mA, 1V. Both operate at 100 MHz transition frequency. The BC33725BU is preferred when higher current gain is required for the application.

Q: Is the ZTX450 a suitable substitute for the BC337-025?

A: The ZTX450 exceeds the BC337-025 specifications in current capacity (1 A vs. 800 mA) and power dissipation (1 W vs. 625 mW). It maintains the 45 V breakdown voltage and TO-92-compatible package. The ZTX450 features superior saturation characteristics and extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 200°C). This device is suitable for applications requiring higher current or thermal performance. Pin-for-pin compatibility is maintained in standard TO-92 configurations.

Q: Why is the BC33740BU recommended over other active alternatives?

A: The BC33740BU is manufactured by onsemi, the original BC337-025 manufacturer, ensuring design continuity and supply chain consistency. It carries ROHS3 compliance certification and offers the highest DC current gain specification (250 @ 100mA, 1V) among active alternatives. These factors make it the preferred choice for new designs and ongoing production requiring regulatory compliance and performance consistency.

Q: Can I use BC337-25-AP as a long-term substitute?

A: The BC337-25-AP is classified as obsolete and is not recommended for long-term supply planning. While it maintains identical electrical specifications to the BC337-025 (210 MHz transition frequency, 160 DC current gain, -55°C to 150°C operating range), its obsolete status indicates limited future availability. Current inventory (8,300 pcs) may support short-term requirements, but migration to active alternatives such as BC33740BU is advised for sustained production.

Q: Are there package compatibility concerns when substituting these parts?

A: All substitute parts are housed in TO-92 or TO-92-compatible packages (E-Line for ZTX450). Standard TO-92 footprints accommodate all listed alternatives without modification. The BC337-025 specifies TO-92-3 Long Body configuration; verify that substitute parts fit within the physical space constraints of legacy PCB designs, particularly if component density is high or clearance is limited.

Q: What is the impact of lower transition frequency in BC33716BU and BC33725BU?

A: Both Fairchild alternatives operate at 100 MHz transition frequency compared to the BC337-025 specification of 210 MHz. This reduction affects high-frequency switching performance and may limit application in circuits requiring rapid switching transitions or operation at frequencies approaching the transition frequency limit. For general-purpose switching and low-frequency amplification, the 100 MHz specification is adequate. Verify circuit requirements before substitution in frequency-sensitive applications.

Q: How do saturation characteristics differ among the substitute parts?

A: The BC337-025, BC33716BU, BC33725BU, and BC33740BU specify identical saturation characteristics: 700 mV @ 50mA, 500mA. The ZTX450 features superior saturation performance at 250 mV @ 15mA, 150mA, resulting in lower power dissipation during saturation. This difference is significant in switching applications where saturation time and power loss are critical design parameters. The ZTX450 is preferred for high-efficiency switching circuits.

Q: What inventory considerations should guide part selection?

A: BC33725BU offers the highest inventory availability (25,400 pcs), followed by BC33716BU (73,196 pcs). BC33740BU inventory is lower (5,861 pcs) but remains adequate for most applications. ZTX450 inventory is limited (1,600 pcs). For high-volume production, BC33725BU or BC33716BU are preferred. For compliance-critical applications, BC33740BU is recommended despite lower inventory levels.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message