BC337G Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC337G is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 45V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 800mA maximum collector current in a through-hole TO-92 package. This device is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. The BC337G serves general-purpose switching and amplification applications requiring moderate voltage and current handling in compact through-hole form factors.

Key Parameters

Parameter	BC337G Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Collector Current (Max)	800	mA
Collector-Emitter Breakdown Voltage (Max)	45	V
Power Dissipation (Max)	625	mW
DC Current Gain (hFE Min)	100 @ 100mA, 1V	—
Transition Frequency	210	MHz
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package	TO-92-3 (TO-226)	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC337G is determined by matching the following critical parameters: NPN transistor type, collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 45V, collector current rating of 800mA, power dissipation of 625mW, and through-hole TO-92 package configuration. The transition frequency and DC current gain specifications define performance boundaries but allow for variation within acceptable ranges for most applications.

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories:

Direct Equivalents maintain all critical electrical parameters and identical packaging. These parts are pin-compatible and functionally interchangeable without circuit modification.

Similar Equivalents match the core electrical specifications (voltage, current, power, package) but may differ in transition frequency or DC current gain within acceptable tolerances. These parts require verification of frequency response and gain characteristics for specific applications.

Parametric Equivalents satisfy the primary electrical requirements but may have minor variations in secondary parameters such as saturation voltage or cutoff current. These parts are suitable for general-purpose applications where exact parameter matching is not critical.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Ic (Max) mA	Vce(br) V	Power mW	hFE Min	fT MHz	Package	Status
BC337G	onsemi	800	45	625	100 @ 100mA, 1V	210	TO-92-3	Obsolete
BC337-016	onsemi	800	45	625	100 @ 100mA, 1V	210	TO-92-3	Active
BC337-25-AP	Micro Commercial Co	800	45	625	160 @ 100mA, 1V	210	TO-92-3	Obsolete
BC337-AP	Micro Commercial Co	800	45	625	60 @ 300mA, 1V	210	TO-92-3	Active
BC33716BU	Fairchild Semiconductor	800	45	625	100 @ 100mA, 1V	100	TO-92-3	Active
BC33725BU	Fairchild Semiconductor	800	45	625	160 @ 100mA, 1V	100	TO-92-3	Active
BC33740BU	onsemi	800	45	625	250 @ 100mA, 1V	100	TO-92-3	Active
2N4401BU	onsemi	600	40	625	100 @ 150mA, 1V	250	TO-92-3	Active
BC817-25LT1G	onsemi	500	45	300	160 @ 100mA, 1V	100	SOT-23-3	Active
ZTX450	Diodes Incorporated	1000	45	1000	100 @ 150mA, 10V	150	E-Line (TO-92 compatible)	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: BC337-016

The BC337-016 manufactured by onsemi is the optimal substitute for the obsolete BC337G. This part maintains identical electrical specifications across all critical parameters: 800mA collector current, 45V breakdown voltage, 625mW power dissipation, 210MHz transition frequency, and 100 minimum DC current gain at 100mA and 1V. The TO-92-3 package is pin-compatible with the original BC337G. The BC337-016 carries active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity. RoHS compliance status differs from the original part; applications requiring specific RoHS certification should verify compliance requirements.

Secondary Recommendations for Active Sourcing

BC337-AP (Micro Commercial Co) provides an active alternative with identical voltage, current, and power ratings in the same TO-92-3 package. The transition frequency matches the original specification at 210MHz. DC current gain specification differs (60 @ 300mA, 1V versus 100 @ 100mA, 1V), making this part suitable for applications where gain variation is acceptable. RoHS3 compliance is confirmed.

BC33740BU (onsemi) matches the core electrical requirements with 800mA collector current and 45V breakdown voltage. The transition frequency is reduced to 100MHz, and DC current gain is elevated to 250 minimum. This part is suitable for lower-frequency switching applications where higher gain is beneficial. RoHS3 compliance and active status support procurement continuity.

BC33725BU (Fairchild Semiconductor) provides similar electrical performance to BC33740BU with 800mA current rating, 45V voltage rating, and 160 minimum DC current gain. The 100MHz transition frequency is appropriate for general-purpose switching. Active product status and high inventory availability support design flexibility.

BC33716BU (Fairchild Semiconductor) offers identical electrical specifications to the original BC337G except for reduced transition frequency (100MHz versus 210MHz). This part is suitable for applications where the lower frequency response is acceptable. Active status and substantial inventory availability provide sourcing reliability.

Alternative for Reduced Current Applications

2N4401BU (onsemi) is suitable only when collector current requirements can be reduced to 600mA maximum and breakdown voltage can be reduced to 40V. The 250MHz transition frequency exceeds the original specification. This part is not recommended as a direct substitute but may serve applications with relaxed current and voltage requirements.

Surface Mount Alternative

BC817-25LT1G (onsemi) provides equivalent voltage rating (45V) and similar DC current gain (160 minimum) in a surface-mount SOT-23-3 package. Maximum collector current is reduced to 500mA, and power dissipation is reduced to 300mW. This part is suitable only for designs transitioning to surface-mount technology with reduced current requirements.

Higher Current Alternative

ZTX450 (Diodes Incorporated) accommodates higher collector current (1A maximum) and power dissipation (1W) while maintaining the 45V voltage rating. The E-Line package is mechanically compatible with TO-92 footprints. This part is suitable for applications requiring increased current handling or power dissipation margins. Operating temperature range extends to 200°C, providing thermal margin for high-temperature environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC337-016 be used as a direct replacement for BC337G without circuit modification?

A: Yes. The BC337-016 maintains identical electrical specifications and pin configuration in the same TO-92-3 package. No circuit modification is required for functional substitution. Compliance certifications differ; verify RoHS requirements for your application.

Q: What is the primary difference between BC337-016 and BC33740BU?

A: Both parts share the same 800mA collector current, 45V breakdown voltage, and 625mW power dissipation. The BC337-016 maintains the original 210MHz transition frequency and 100 minimum DC current gain. The BC33740BU operates at 100MHz with 250 minimum DC current gain. Select BC337-016 for frequency-critical applications; select BC33740BU for applications benefiting from higher gain at lower frequencies.

Q: Is BC817-25LT1G compatible with BC337G in existing through-hole designs?

A: No. The BC817-25LT1G uses a surface-mount SOT-23-3 package, which is not compatible with through-hole PCB layouts designed for TO-92 packages. Additionally, the maximum collector current is reduced to 500mA and power dissipation to 300mW. This part is suitable only for new designs using surface-mount technology.

Q: Can 2N4401BU replace BC337G in all applications?

A: No. The 2N4401BU has reduced maximum collector current (600mA versus 800mA) and reduced breakdown voltage (40V versus 45V). Use this part only in applications where these reduced ratings are acceptable. The higher transition frequency (250MHz) may provide performance benefits in some switching applications.

Q: What are the compliance differences between BC337G and recommended substitutes?

A: The original BC337G is RoHS non-compliant and REACH-affected. Active substitutes BC337-016, BC337-AP, BC33740BU, BC33725BU, BC33716BU, and 2N4401BU are RoHS3 compliant and REACH-unaffected. Verify compliance requirements for your application before final part selection.

Q: Is ZTX450 suitable for direct substitution in existing BC337G circuits?

A: ZTX450 is mechanically compatible with TO-92 footprints but has different electrical characteristics. Maximum collector current is increased to 1A, power dissipation to 1W, and operating temperature range extends to 200°C. The E-Line package may have different lead spacing; verify mechanical fit before assembly. Use ZTX450 only when higher current or power handling is required.

Q: How do I select between multiple active substitutes?

A: Prioritize BC337-016 for direct electrical equivalence and long-term availability. If transition frequency below 210MHz is acceptable, BC33740BU or BC33725BU provide active alternatives with higher DC current gain. For surface-mount designs, BC817-25LT1G is suitable with reduced current ratings. For applications requiring higher current capacity, ZTX450 accommodates 1A operation.

Q: Are there inventory considerations when selecting a substitute?

A: Yes. BC817-25LT1G has the highest inventory availability (245,644 pcs), followed by BC337-016 (41,073 pcs) and BC33725BU (25,400 pcs). BC33740BU has lower availability (5,861 pcs). For long-term procurement planning, select parts with higher inventory levels to ensure supply continuity.

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