BC338-40-AP Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC338-40-AP is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by Micro Commercial Co, designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. This device features a maximum collector current of 800 mA, collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 25 V, and maximum power dissipation of 625 mW in a Through Hole TO-92 package.

The BC338-40-AP is classified as obsolete. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production requirements for applications utilizing this transistor.

Substiute Parts

BC338-40-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 892BC338-40-AP Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BC33740TA

onsemiIn Stock: 21199BC33740TA Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC338-40-AP is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

• Transistor type must be NPN
• Collector current (Ic) must be equal to or greater than 800 mA
• Collector-emitter breakdown voltage must be equal to or greater than 25 V
• Maximum power dissipation must be equal to or greater than 625 mW
• DC current gain (hFE) characteristics must support the intended application

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

• Mounting type must be Through Hole
• Package must be TO-92-3 or equivalent TO-226-3 form factor
• Lead configuration must be compatible with existing PCB layouts

Compliance Requirements:

• RoHS3 compliance required
• ECCN and HTSUS classifications must align with regulatory requirements

The BC33740TA from onsemi meets all substitution criteria. This part maintains NPN configuration, 800 mA collector current capability, and 625 mW power rating. The BC33740TA provides enhanced voltage rating (45 V versus 25 V), ensuring operation in applications designed for the BC338-40-AP. Both devices share identical TO-92-3 packaging and RoHS3 compliance.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BC33740TA Selection Basis:

The BC33740TA is a direct substitute for the BC338-40-AP based on the following factors:

1. Product Status: The BC338-40-AP is obsolete, while the BC33740TA is active. Selection of the BC33740TA ensures ongoing component availability and supply chain continuity.

2. Electrical Equivalence: Both devices share identical maximum collector current (800 mA), maximum power dissipation (625 mW), and saturation voltage characteristics (700 mV @ 50 mA, 500 mA). The BC33740TA provides a higher collector-emitter breakdown voltage (45 V versus 25 V), which is compatible with applications designed for the BC338-40-AP and provides additional voltage margin.

3. Mechanical Compatibility: Both transistors utilize the TO-92-3 package with Through Hole mounting, ensuring direct PCB layout compatibility without redesign.

4. Regulatory Compliance: Both devices are ROHS3 compliant and share identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8541.21.0075) classifications, meeting regulatory requirements for equivalent component substitution.

5. Inventory Availability: The BC33740TA has significantly higher inventory availability (21,100 pieces) compared to the BC338-40-AP (796 pieces), supporting production continuity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the BC33740TA directly replace the BC338-40-AP without circuit modifications?

A: Yes. The BC33740TA is electrically and mechanically compatible with the BC338-40-AP. Both devices share identical collector current (800 mA), power dissipation (625 mW), saturation voltage characteristics, and TO-92-3 package configuration. The higher breakdown voltage of the BC33740TA (45 V versus 25 V) provides additional voltage margin and does not require circuit modifications.

Q: What are the key differences between the BC338-40-AP and BC33740TA?

A: The primary differences are: (1) Collector-emitter breakdown voltage: BC338-40-AP is 25 V, BC33740TA is 45 V; (2) Transition frequency: BC338-40-AP is 210 MHz, BC33740TA is 100 MHz; (3) Collector cutoff current: BC338-40-AP is 200 nA, BC33740TA is 100 nA; (4) Product status: BC338-40-AP is obsolete, BC33740TA is active; (5) Manufacturer: BC338-40-AP is Micro Commercial Co, BC33740TA is onsemi.

Q: Are there any thermal or operating temperature considerations when substituting these parts?

A: Both devices support identical maximum operating junction temperature of 150°C. The BC338-40-AP specifies an operating range of -55°C to 150°C. No thermal derating adjustments are required when substituting the BC33740TA.

Q: Does the BC33740TA meet the same regulatory and compliance standards as the BC338-40-AP?

A: Yes. Both devices are ROHS3 compliant and share identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8541.21.0075) classifications. The BC33740TA is REACH unaffected, meeting all regulatory requirements for equivalent component substitution.

Q: What is the significance of the higher transition frequency in the BC338-40-AP (210 MHz versus 100 MHz)?

A: The BC338-40-AP has a higher transition frequency, which may provide better performance in high-frequency switching applications. However, for applications operating at or below 100 MHz, the BC33740TA is fully compatible. Applications requiring frequencies above 100 MHz should evaluate the reduced transition frequency of the BC33740TA against specific circuit requirements.

Q: Can the BC33740TA be used in applications originally designed for the BC338-40-AP if the circuit operates below 25 V?

A: Yes. The BC33740TA is suitable for all applications designed for the BC338-40-AP operating at or below 25 V. The higher breakdown voltage (45 V) of the BC33740TA provides additional safety margin and does not negatively impact performance in lower voltage applications.

Q: What packaging considerations should be evaluated when substituting these parts?

A: Both devices use identical TO-92-3 Through Hole packaging with formed leads. No PCB layout modifications are required. The BC33740TA is supplied in Cut Tape (CT) packaging, while the BC338-40-AP packaging format is not specified. Verify tape specifications with your supplier if automated assembly is required.