BC337A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC337A is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, designed for small-signal switching and amplification applications. The device features a maximum collector current of 800 mA, collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 45 V, and maximum power dissipation of 625 mW in a through-hole TO-92-3 package. The BC337A is classified as obsolete, making identification of active equivalent components necessary for ongoing production and maintenance applications. Substitute parts must maintain identical electrical characteristics and mechanical compatibility to ensure direct replacement without circuit redesign.

Key Parameters

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

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC337A is determined by strict equivalence across all electrical and mechanical parameters. The primary substitute, BC33716BU manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor, qualifies as a parametric equivalent based on the following criteria:

Electrical Parameter Equivalence:

Identical NPN transistor type
Matching maximum collector current: 800 mA
Matching collector-emitter breakdown voltage: 45 V
Identical saturation voltage characteristics: 700 mV @ 50 mA, 500 mA
Matching collector cutoff current: 100 nA
Identical DC current gain specification: 100 @ 100 mA, 1 V
Matching maximum power dissipation: 625 mW
Identical transition frequency: 100 MHz
Matching maximum operating temperature: 150°C

Mechanical Parameter Equivalence:

Identical mounting type: Through Hole
Identical package designation: TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)

The BC33716BU maintains active product status, providing supply continuity for applications currently using the obsolete BC337A.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BC337A (onsemi)	BC33716BU (Fairchild Semiconductor)	Match
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	✓
Current - Collector (Ic) Max	800 mA	800 mA	✓
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	45 V	45 V	✓
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	700 mV @ 50 mA, 500 mA	700 mV @ 50 mA, 500 mA	✓
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	100 nA	100 nA	✓
DC Current Gain (hFE) Min @ Ic, Vce	100 @ 100 mA, 1 V	100 @ 100 mA, 1 V	✓
Power - Max	625 mW	625 mW	✓
Frequency - Transition	100 MHz	100 MHz	✓
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150°C	150°C	✓
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	✓
Package / Case	TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)	TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)	✓
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	—

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The BC33716BU manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor is the direct parametric equivalent for the obsolete BC337A. All electrical specifications, mechanical dimensions, and package configurations are identical, enabling direct substitution in existing circuit designs without modification.

Product Status Consideration: The BC337A is classified as obsolete, while the BC33716BU maintains active product status. Selection of the BC33716BU ensures continued component availability and supply chain reliability for new production builds and field replacements.

Compliance and Certification: Both the BC337A and BC33716BU carry identical export control classifications (ECCN: EAR99) and harmonized tariff codes (HTSUS: 8541.21.0075), confirming regulatory equivalence. The BC33716BU is supplied in bulk packaging, consistent with standard distribution practices for active components.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the BC33716BU be used as a direct replacement for the BC337A without circuit modification?

A: Yes. The BC33716BU is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical and mechanical specifications. Direct substitution is possible without circuit redesign or component layout changes.

Q: What is the primary reason for substituting the BC337A?

A: The BC337A is classified as obsolete. The BC33716BU provides an active alternative with identical performance characteristics and assured supply availability.

Q: Are the package dimensions identical between BC337A and BC33716BU?

A: Yes. Both components use the TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) through-hole package with identical pin configurations and mechanical dimensions.

Q: Do the electrical characteristics differ between these components?

A: No. All electrical parameters are identical, including maximum collector current (800 mA), breakdown voltage (45 V), saturation voltage (700 mV @ 50 mA, 500 mA), DC current gain (100 @ 100 mA, 1 V), power dissipation (625 mW), and transition frequency (100 MHz).

Q: Are there any compliance or export restrictions associated with the BC33716BU?

A: No. The BC33716BU carries the same export control classification (ECCN: EAR99) and tariff code (HTSUS: 8541.21.0075) as the BC337A, confirming regulatory equivalence.

Q: What is the difference in packaging between the BC337A and BC33716BU?

A: The BC337A is supplied in standard packaging, while the BC33716BU is supplied in bulk packaging. This difference affects distribution and handling but does not impact electrical or mechanical performance.

Q: Can the BC33716BU be used in high-frequency switching applications?

A: Yes. The BC33716BU maintains the same transition frequency specification (100 MHz) as the BC337A, supporting identical high-frequency performance in switching and amplification circuits.

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