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Complete BC338-25 transistor datasheet and practical usage for hobby & professional circuits. Specs, wiring, local alternatives & buying guidance at Communica.
Understand voltage, current, gain, and package for confident circuit design.
How to choose, wire, and test BC338-25 transistors for local builds.
Where to source authentic BC338-25s and alternatives at Communica.
The BC338-25 is a widely used NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) recognized for its mid-range current handling and robust switching performance in general-purpose circuits. Suitable for signal amplification, small relay driving, LED indicators, and logic interfacing, the BC338-25 is a favourite among South African students, makers, and engineers thanks to its reliability and ready local availability.
This device is part of the BC337/BC338 series, offered with varying gain groups. The -25 suffix indicates a typical DC current gain (hFE) of 160-400, ideal for discrete amplification and switching tasks where moderate current gain is preferred. Its common TO-92 plastic package simplifies breadboarding and PCB mounting.
| Parameter | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Type | NPN BJT | Standard polarity |
| VCE max | 45 V | Collector-Emitter voltage |
| IC max | 800 mA | Collector current (continuous) |
| Ptot max | 625 mW | Power dissipation (at Tamb = 25 degreesC) |
| hFE | 160-400 | DC current gain (-25 group @ IC = 2 mA) |
| fT | 100 MHz (typ) | Transition frequency |
| Package | TO-92 | Plastic, through-hole |
Looking at the flat side of the BC338-25 (pins down), the pinout is:
(front/flat side)
_______
| |
| BC338 |
|_______|
| | |
| | |
C B E
(1)(2)(3)For switching loads like relays or LEDs, position the BC338-25 with the load in series with the collector, connected to positive supply, and emitter to ground. A current-limiting resistor on the base (typically 1 kOhm-10 kOhm) is required based on input logic level and load current.
To drive a relay coil of 100 mA with a microcontroller output (3.3 V logic):
Communica stocks branded BC338-25 transistors from trusted manufacturers like STMicroelectronics, Fairchild, and ON Semiconductor. Equivalent options (e.g., BC337, BC548-note pinout differences) are available for footprint-compatible replacements or upgrades. Visit All Products or Shop by Brand for current inventory and data links.
Delivery and collection is possible from Samrand (Centurion), Pretoria CBD, and Cape Town. For education and industry bulk orders, VAT quotes can be requested directly on the Communica site.
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Get a full refund if you had the product for less than 7 days.
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