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Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Transistors > Bipolar (BJT) > Single Bipolar Transistors

onsemi 2N5038G

Name: 2N5038G
Brand: onsemi
SKU: 2N5038G
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: 2N5038G

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-204AA, TO-3

Datasheet:: 2N5038G.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 90V 20A TO204

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

2N5038G from onsemi is an NPN silicon power transistor in TO-204AA (TO-3) package, rated for 90 V_CEO, 30 A peak collector current, and 140 W total dissipation at T_C = 25°C. It delivers fast switching (t_f ≤ 0.5 µs), low saturation voltage (V_CE(sat) ≤ 2.5 V @ I_C = 20 A), and high DC current gain (h_FE = 20–100), making it suitable for industrial switching regulators and power oscillators.

For engineers reviewing the 2N5038G datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 90 V_CEO rating, 20 A continuous collector current, thermal resistance of 1.25°C/W (junction-to-case), safe operating area validated up to 20 A/70 V at 25°C, and Pb-free TO-204AA packaging with base-emitter-collector terminal assignment.

Technical Context

This device operates as a high-current, medium-voltage NPN bipolar junction transistor optimized for hard-switching power conversion. Its design emphasizes low V_CE(sat) under high I_C and fast turn-off (t_f ≤ 0.5 µs), supported by robust second-breakdown immunity and thermal performance via metal-can TO-204AA mounting.

Electrical behavior is defined across wide temperature (−65°C to +200°C) and pulse conditions (e.g., 10 ms pulses at 50% duty cycle for I_CM). Dynamic gain |h_fe| ≥ 12 at 5 MHz confirms usable bandwidth for wideband amplifier use, while V_BE(sat) ≤ 3.3 V ensures predictable base drive requirements at full load.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	90 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines upper voltage limit in switching regulator flyback or inverter topologies.
I_C (continuous)	20 A - Sustained collector current capability at T_C = 25°C; determines heatsink sizing for continuous conduction mode operation.
P_D	140 W - Total power dissipation at case temperature 25°C; requires thermal interface design to maintain junction below 200°C.
t_f	≤ 0.5 µs - Maximum fall time under specified test conditions; enables >500 kHz switching in resonant or PWM converters.
h_FE	20–100 - DC current gain range at I_C = 12 A, V_CE = 5 V; informs base drive current selection (e.g., 5 A base current for 20 A collector).
R_JC	1.25°C/W - Junction-to-case thermal resistance; directly links case temperature rise to internal power loss for mechanical thermal modeling.

Pinout & Package

2N5038G uses the TO-204AA (TO-3) metal-can package with case acting as collector terminal. The device follows Style 1 pin assignment: Pin 1 = Base, Pin 2 = Emitter, Case = Collector.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Pin 1	Base	Control input requiring ~5 A DC drive at full 20 A collector current; low-impedance path for switching signal injection.
Pin 2	Emitter	Current return path tied to ground or low-side switch node; must handle full load current with minimal parasitic inductance.
Case	Collector	High-current output terminal electrically connected to metal can; requires insulated mounting hardware when not referenced to chassis ground.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Fast switching speed	t_f ≤ 0.5 µs enables high-frequency operation in SMPS designs without excessive switching loss penalties.
High current capacity	30 A peak collector current supports surge-tolerant inverters and motor drive half-bridge legs.
Low saturation voltage	V_CE(sat) ≤ 2.5 V at 20 A reduces conduction loss to <50 W, improving thermal efficiency in linear or quasi-saturated modes.
Pb-free TO-204AA package	RoHS-compliant metal-can construction ensures compatibility with lead-free reflow and industrial environmental standards.

Applications

Switching Regulators	Inverters
Use Scenario: High-efficiency 48 V to 12 V DC-DC converter in telecom power systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main switching transistor in forward or push-pull topology, driven by PWM controller. Use Value: 90 V_CEO margin accommodates reflected transients; 20 A continuous rating supports >240 W output with forced-air cooling.	Use Scenario: 1 kVA single-phase DC-AC inverter for UPS backup systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Output stage power switch in half-bridge configuration, commutated at 20 kHz. Use Value: Fast t_f ≤ 0.5 µs minimizes overlap loss; SOA curve validates 50 V/15 A operation at 10% duty cycle.
Wideband Amplifiers	Power Oscillators
Use Scenario: RF driver stage in 2–30 MHz HF transmitter final amplifier. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Class C tuned amplifier transistor biased for high-efficiency RF amplification. Use Value: \|h_fe\| ≥ 12 at 5 MHz ensures stable gain; V_CEV = 150 V supports high-voltage tank circuit swing.	Use Scenario: Self-oscillating induction heater driver at 100 kHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Cross-coupled oscillator switch in Royer or push-pull topology. Use Value: Low V_CE(sat) reduces heating during sustained oscillation; TO-3 case enables direct heatsinking to aluminum chassis.

Switching Regulators

Inverters

Use Scenario: High-efficiency 48 V to 12 V DC-DC converter in telecom power systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main switching transistor in forward or push-pull topology, driven by PWM controller.

Use Value: 90 V_CEO margin accommodates reflected transients; 20 A continuous rating supports >240 W output with forced-air cooling.

Use Scenario: 1 kVA single-phase DC-AC inverter for UPS backup systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Output stage power switch in half-bridge configuration, commutated at 20 kHz.

Use Value: Fast t_f ≤ 0.5 µs minimizes overlap loss; SOA curve validates 50 V/15 A operation at 10% duty cycle.

Wideband Amplifiers

Power Oscillators

Use Scenario: RF driver stage in 2–30 MHz HF transmitter final amplifier.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Class C tuned amplifier transistor biased for high-efficiency RF amplification.

Use Value: |h_fe| ≥ 12 at 5 MHz ensures stable gain; V_CEV = 150 V supports high-voltage tank circuit swing.

Use Scenario: Self-oscillating induction heater driver at 100 kHz.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Cross-coupled oscillator switch in Royer or push-pull topology.

Use Value: Low V_CE(sat) reduces heating during sustained oscillation; TO-3 case enables direct heatsinking to aluminum chassis.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN power transistor applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
MJ15003G	Higher V_CEO (120 V), lower h_FE (5–30), same TO-3 package and pinout.	Better suited for higher bus voltage inverters (>100 V); less gain requires stronger base drive.	Select MJ15003G when system voltage exceeds 90 V but thermal budget allows reduced gain margin.
2N6277	Lower V_CEO (60 V), higher I_C (40 A), different TO-3 pinout (Style 2: Pin 1 = Base, Pin 2 = Collector).	Optimized for low-voltage, high-current motor drives; incompatible pinout requires PCB redesign.	Choose 2N6277 only if voltage stress stays below 60 V and layout accommodates emitter-as-case configuration.

Compared with MJ15003G and 2N6277, the 2N5038G offers balanced 90 V/20 A capability with verified SOA at 25°C, making it optimal for mid-range industrial switching where voltage margin and thermal predictability are prioritized over extreme current or voltage ratings.

Availability

2N5038G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for switching regulators, inverters, wideband amplifiers and power oscillators requiring stable component supply despite its discontinued status through legacy channel sourcing and controlled inventory release.

Supply support for 2N5038G includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

onsemi (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power, analog, sensor, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.

The 2N5038G belongs to onsemi's legacy NPN power transistor product line, engineered for rugged, high-reliability linear and switching power applications demanding proven thermal stability and high-current pulse handling.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the 2N5038G?

The 2N5038G has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 20 A at case temperature T_C = 25°C. This value decreases with rising case temperature at a derating rate of 0.8 W/°C, and the device supports up to 30 A peak current under pulsed conditions (10 ms, 50% duty cycle). Thermal design must ensure the junction remains within −65°C to +200°C limits.

Is the 2N5038G pin-compatible with other TO-3 NPN transistors like the 2N3055?

No, the 2N5038G is not pin-compatible with the 2N3055. While both use TO-3 packages, the 2N5038G follows Style 1 pinout (Pin 1 = Base, Pin 2 = Emitter, Case = Collector), whereas the 2N3055 uses Style 2 (Pin 1 = Base, Pin 2 = Collector, Case = Emitter). Swapping them without board revision risks incorrect biasing and catastrophic failure.

What does the 'G' suffix indicate in the 2N5038G part number?

The 'G' suffix in 2N5038G denotes a Pb-free (RoHS-compliant) version of the device, packaged in the TO-204AA (TO-3) metal can. This marking aligns with onsemi's Pb-Free Packaging standard and confirms compliance with JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level and lead-free soldering profiles.

Can the 2N5038G be used in linear amplifier applications?

Yes, the 2N5038G is qualified for linear amplifier use, as confirmed by its wide SOA curve (Figure 2), |h_fe| ≥ 12 at 5 MHz, and V_CE(sat) specification. However, linear operation demands strict thermal management due to its 1.25°C/W R_JC; sustained dissipation above 50 W requires active cooling to avoid second breakdown.

Why is the 2N5038G marked as discontinued, and is it still available for purchase?

onsemi officially discontinued the 2N5038G per Revision 14 (January 2026), citing end-of-life status. However, Aetrix Electronics maintains limited legacy inventory and supports controlled distribution for existing production programs, backed by traceable sourcing and lifecycle coordination-enabling continued use where redesign is impractical.

2N5038G Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-204AA, TO-3

Packaging:: Tray

Product Status:: Active

Transistor Type:: NPN

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 20 A

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 90 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 2.5V @ 5A, 20A

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: -

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 20 @ 12A, 5V

Power - Max:: 140 W

Frequency - Transition:: -

Operating Temperature:: -65°C ~ 200°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-204 (TO-3)

2N5038G FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 2N5038G through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 2N5038G on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.

2.Are the price and stock information for 2N5038G reliable?

The price and inventory of 2N5038G are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 2N5038G is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 2N5038G?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 2N5038G transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 2N5038G?

2N5038G orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 2N5038G order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.

Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.

5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 2N5038G?

For technical support, including 2N5038G datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 2N5038G requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 2N5038G is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 2N5038G products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 2N5038G meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 2N5038G?

All 2N5038G units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 2N5038G, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:

1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.

2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.

3.The 2N5038G part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 2N5038G:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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