BC338-40

Single Bipolar Transistors Overview

The Diotec Semiconductor BC338-40 is a general-purpose NPN silicon epitaxial planar transistor housed in a TO-92 package. It features a maximum collector-emitter voltage (VCEO) of 25 V and a continuous collector current rating of 800 mA. The device offers three selectable DC current gain groups, with the -40 suffix indicating a minimum hFE of 250 at IC = 100 mA. It supports a peak collector current of 1 A and operates within a junction temperature range of -55°C to +150°C.

Single Bipolar Transistors Feature Summary

• Designed for universal signal processing, switching, and amplification applications
• Available in three distinct DC current gain groups for precise circuit matching
• Compliant with RoHS directives, REACH regulations, and conflict mineral standards

Single Bipolar Transistors Applications

• Signal processing circuits
• Electronic switching applications
• General-purpose amplification stages

Single Bipolar Transistors Procurement Notes

Verify that the specific ordering code matches the required current gain group (-40). Confirm compliance requirements such as AEC-Q101 if automotive grade is needed, which requires a different suffix. Ensure the procurement documentation references the correct datasheet version for thermal resistance and absolute maximum ratings.

Single Bipolar Transistors Selection Notes

Select this component when a low-voltage NPN transistor with high current gain is required. The BC338-40 provides a minimum hFE of 250, suitable for sensitive amplification tasks. Compare against the BC337 series if higher voltage ratings up to 45 V are necessary, as the BC338 is limited to 25 V collector-emitter voltage.

Single Bipolar Transistors Part Context

This part belongs to the BC337/BC338 family of general-purpose NPN transistors manufactured by Diotec Semiconductor. While electrically similar to the BC337, the BC338 variant is distinguished by its lower maximum collector-emitter voltage rating of 25 V compared to the 45 V rating of the BC337. Both share identical current handling and power dissipation characteristics.

Single Bipolar Transistors Replacement Considerations

The BC337-40 serves as a direct functional substitute where the higher 45 V voltage rating is acceptable. For complementary PNP operations, the BC328-40 is the recommended counterpart.