BC338 NPN Transistor: Features, Applications, and FAQ

The BC338 is a generally employed NPN bipolar junction transistor( BJT) that's basically employed in amplification and switching operations in electronic circuits. I believe that there ought to be multitudinous partners who aren't especially familiar with BC338, so the following essay will present BC338 in detail to help you further understand the description and operation of BC338. 

 

 

Product Introduction

 

Blikai Part Number: 276-BC338

Manufacturer: Onsemi

Package Description: TRANS NPN 25V 0.8A TO92-3

Logical Type: NPN (Negative-Positive-Negative) type transistor 

DC Current Gain (hFE): 100 - 630

Datasheet:  Datasheet PDF

 

A Short Overview of the BC338 NPN Transistor

 

In TO-92 packaging, the BC338 is an NPN bipolar transistor. It can drive a broad range of loads in electronic circuits because of its maximum collector current of 800 mA. Its collector-emitter voltage is 30V, so it can easily drive loads from 12V to 24V. In addition to this, the BC338 has a maximum collector dissipation of 0.625 mW and a maximum current gain of 630, making it an excellent performer in audio-related applications. The BC338 transistor has a maximum conversion frequency (fT) of 200 MHz, so it can operate smoothly in the 200 MHz band region.

 

 

Some Key Features of the BC338 NPN Transistor

 

Type of Transistor: Bipolar junction NPN (Negative-Positive-Negative) transistor.

 

Package Type: TO-92 is a compact, through-hole package with three terminals.

 

Maximum Collector Current: 800 mA

 

Maximum Collector-Emitter Voltage: 30 V

 

Maximum Collector-Base Voltage: 25 V

 

Maximum Emitter-Base Voltage: 5V

 

Maximum Collector Dissipation: 625 mW

 

Conversion Frequency: 100 MHz

 

DC Current Gain (hFE): 100 - 630

 

Storage and Operating Temperature: -55 to +150 degrees Celsius

 

Polarity: negative-doped semiconductor material between two positive-doped materials.

 

 

Specifications of the BC338 NPN Transistor

 

 

The Application of BC338 NPN Transistor

 

General switching and amplification applications

1. Amplification: The BC338 is often used as a signal amplifier in audio amplifiers, RF amplifiers, and other low- and medium-frequency amplification circuits due to its moderate gain and frequency response, which makes it suitable for boosting small signals to higher amplitudes.

 

2. Switching: The BC338 is employed in switch circuits because of its rapid transitions between open and closed states. Its base voltage control allows it to manage current in other circuit components. Its uses encompass controlling lights, relays, motors, and various electronic system loads.

 

3. Voltage Regulation: The circuit voltage may be stabilized and regulated by using the BC338 in voltage regulator circuits. It can assist in maintaining a steady output voltage in the case of variations in the input voltage or load by combining it with other parts like resistors and capacitors.

 

4. Oscillation: The BC338 can produce periodic waveforms, including sine, triangle, and square waves, when used in an oscillator circuit. In digital systems, oscillators like this are frequently employed in clock circuits, signal generators, and synthesizers.

 

5. Logic Level Shifting: The BC338 may be utilized in circuits that shift voltage levels in order to move a signal from one level to another. This ensures compatibility and proper signal transmission and is especially helpful when connecting subsystems or components at various voltage levels. 

 

 6. Pulse Circuits: The BC338 may be employed to produce or modify pulse waveforms in pulse circuits. Operations similar to pulse breadth modulation( PAM), pulse position modulation(PPM), and pulse range modulation(PWM) in communication systems and motor control employ pulse circuits. 

 

7. Voltage Amplifier: The BC338 isn't only useful for amplifying sound; it may also be employed as a voltage amplifier in a range of electronic instruments and devices that  need the amplification of minor input voltage changes in order to effectively drive other parts or systems. 

 

 

Comparisons Between BC337 and BC338 NPN Transistor

 

 

Parameter Type	BC337	BC338
Package / Case	TO-92	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
Product Status	Obsolete	Obsolete
Frequency - Transition	210MHz	100MHz
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	45V	25V
Operating Temperature	-55℃~150℃（TJ）	150℃（TJ）

 

 

Conclusion About BC338 

 

With a multitude of uses ranging from voltage control and amplification to switching and amplification, the BC338 NPN transistor is a dependable and adaptable part of electronic circuits. It may be used with a variety of low- and medium-power electronic systems because of its moderate gain, frequency responsiveness, and capacity to manage medium currents. The BC338 shows steady performance and adaptability whether it is utilized in oscillators, voltage regulators, switching circuits, or audio amplifiers. It is a well-liked option for engineers and enthusiasts searching for a dependable transistor solution for their projects because of its small TO-92 package and broad operating temperature range.

 

FAQ about BC338 NPN Transistor

 

1. What's the BC338 NPN transistor? 

The BC338 is an NPN( negative-positive-negative) bipolar transistor( BJT) generally employed for amplification and switching purposes in electronic circuits. It belongs to the BC series of transistors and is broadly employed because of its versatility and reliability. BC338 transistors are regularly accessible in a small three-terminal package called TO-92. The pins are labeled base( B), collector( C), and emitter( E). By applying a small current or voltage to the base, the BC338 can control much larger currents between the collector and emitter, making it applicable for a variety of electronic operations. 

 

2. How are the pins on the BC338 transistor arranged?

Three pins are often seen on BC338 transistors: base (B), collector (C), and emitter (E). Usually, the emitter is attached to the package's tab.

 

3. What is the application of the BC338 NPN transistor?

BC338 transistors are generally employed for amplification and switching in electronic circuits. It can amplify small signals and control large currents, making it reasonable for operations similar to those of audio amplifiers, signal amplifiers, and switching circuits. 

 

4. What are the BC338 transistor's main features? 

A maximum collector current( IC) of around 800 mA and a maximum collector-emitter voltage(VCEo) of roughly 25 volts are typical values for the BC338, independently. Depending on the circumstances of the operation, its gain( hFE) might vary from 110 to 800. 

 

5. From where can I get real BC338 transistors? 

Genuine BC338 transistors can be bought directly from the original manufacturer, through estimable electronics merchants, or through authorized wholesalers. To lessen the threat of fake goods, it's essential to confirm the elements and avoid getting them from dubious suppliers. 

 

6. How does the NPN transistor BC338 operate?

The BC338 NPN transistor functions by regulating the flow of current between its emitting terminal and collector. The transmission of a lesser current from the collector to the emitter is made possible by applying a biting current to its base. Because the transistor is composed of three semiconductor layers that combine to produce two PN junctions that give precise control over the current in an electronic circuit, this amplification effect is caused by the structure of the transistor. 

 

The Manufacturer of BC338 

 

Onsemi is driving an energy-effective invention to help guests reduce their global energy use. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-effective power and signal operation, logic, separate, and custom results that help design engineers overcome unique design challenges in automotive, communications, computing, consumer, artificial, LED lighting, medical, military/aerospace, and power supply operations. Onsemi has a responsive, reliable, world-class supply chain and quality program, as well as a network of manufacturing facilities, trade offices, and design centers in vital markets in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.