BC338 Transistor Pinout, Equivalent, Characteristics & Other Details

This article defines Information about BC338 transistor pinout, equivalent, characteristics & and other details about this transistor.

Features / technical specifications:

• Package Type: TO-92
• Transistor Type: NPN
• Max Collector Current(I_C): 800mA
• Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CE): 30V
• Max Collector-Base Voltage (V_CB): 25V
• Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO): 5V
• Max Collector Dissipation (Pc):  625 miliWatt
• Max Transition Frequency (fT): 200 MHz
• Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (h_FE): 100 – 630
• Max Storage & Operating temperature Should Be: -55 to +150 Centigrade

PNP Complementary:

PNP Complementary of BC338 is BC328

Replacement and Equivalent:

BC337, 2N2222, 2N4401, S8050, SS9013, 2N3705, 2N3706, 2N7051, BC877 (The Pin Configuration of the equivalent transistors shown here may be different from BC338 therefore it is suggested to always check the pinout of the transistor before replacing in the circuit.)

BC338 Transistor Explained / Description:

BC338 is a TO-92 package NPN BJT transistor, the max collector current of transistor is 0.8A or 800mA due to which it can drive variety of loads in the electronic circuits. The collector-emitter voltage is 30V therefore is can easily drive loads from 12V to 24V. Apart part from that BC338 max collector dissipation of 0.625 miliwatt and max current gain is 630 due to these characteristics it can perform well in audio frequency related applications. The max transition frequency (fT) of the transistor is 200 MHz therefore it can perform smooth under the 200 MHz frequency band region.

Where & How to Use BC338 Transistor:

BC338 can be used in wide number of switching and audio related applications. When using as a switch or controlling load it can handle 800mA due to which one can use it to control variety of different devices in the circuit. For example it can be used to drive high current relay switches, power transistors, high power LEDs etc. Moreover BC338 can also be used in audio applications for example it can be used in different audio amplifier stages, audio preamplifier stages etc. Due to its good collector dissipation and DC current gain characteristics it can also be used to amplify any type of signal. With emitter-base voltage of only 5V this transistor can also be used at the output of microcontrollers.

Applications:

Switching loads under 800mA

Darlington pairs

Audio amplifier

Audio amplifier stages

Audio Preamplifier

Audio Preamplifier stages

Sensor circuits

How to Get Long Term Performance with BC338

To get long term performance with BC338 it is recommended to always check pin configuration before placing in a circuit, do not drive load which require more than 30V and 800mA. Always use a suitable base resistor, and do not store in temperature below -55 centigrade and above +150 centigrade.