STMicroelectronics 2N5191

Overview

2N5191 from STMicroelectronics is a medium-power silicon NPN bipolar junction transistor in SOT-32 (TO-126) package, rated for 60 V V_CEO, 4 A I_C, and 40 W P_tot at T_c ≤ 25 °C, designed for linear amplification and hard-switching in industrial power supplies and motor control stages.

For engineers reviewing the 2N5191 datasheet, 2N5191 pinout, 2N5191 application, or 2N5191 equivalent, key selection criteria include V_CEO/I_C derating at elevated case temperature, h_FE consistency at 1.5 A, V_CE(sat) under 0.6 V at I_C = 1.5 A/I_B = 0.15 A, and thermal resistance R_thj-case = 3.12 °C/W for heatsink-limited designs.

Technical Context

The 2N5191 operates as a single-element NPN BJT with epitaxial base construction, supporting both analog linear mode (e.g., Class-A/B amplifier output stage) and digital switching mode (e.g., relay driver or PWM-controlled DC load). Its 150 °C max junction temperature and 100 °C/W R_thj-amb define thermal limits in non-heatsinked PCB layouts.

It features pulsed V_CEO(sus) = 60 V at I_C = 100 mA, DC h_FE = 25–100 at I_C = 1.5 A, and f_T = 2 MHz - confirming suitability for audio-frequency amplification and low-speed (<100 kHz) switching, but not RF or high-frequency SMPS gate driving.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-32 (TO-126) plastic package with three leads: emitter (E), base (B), collector (C); collector tab is electrically connected to lead 2 and serves as primary thermal path.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 2N5192, the 2N5191 trades 20 V voltage margin for tighter h_FE consistency at mid-current; versus MJE13003, it delivers 2.7× higher continuous current but lacks HV insulation - making it optimal for 24–48 V industrial switching where gain and thermal efficiency matter most.

Availability

2N5191 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, DC motor drivers, linear audio amplifiers, and relay interface circuits requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for 2N5191 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, designing and manufacturing analog, MCU, power, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The 2N5191 belongs to ST's legacy bipolar power transistor product line, engineered specifically for ruggedized industrial linear and switching applications where reliability, thermal performance, and proven process maturity are essential.

FAQ

Is the 2N5191 RoHS compliant?

Yes, the 2N5191 manufactured by STMicroelectronics after 2006 conforms to RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU, with lead-free terminations and halogen-free molding compound. Date codes ≥2006 indicate compliance; earlier lots may contain lead per exemption 7a.

What is the recommended minimum heatsink size for continuous 3 A operation?

At I_C = 3 A and V_CE = 1.2 V (typical linear mode), power dissipation is ~3.6 W. With R_thj-case = 3.12 °C/W and max T_j = 150 °C, a heatsink with R_th ≤ 20 °C/W is required for 70 °C ambient - e.g., Wakefield 622-1A or equivalent 25 cm² aluminum finned extrusion.

Can the 2N5191 replace the 2N3055 in existing designs?

No - the 2N3055 has higher I_C (15 A) and P_tot (115 W), different TO-3 package, and lower h_FE. The 2N5191 fits SOT-32 footprints only and is not a drop-in substitute; redesign of biasing, thermal layout, and drive circuitry would be required.

Does the 2N5191 have built-in ESD protection?

No, the 2N5191 has no integrated ESD protection diodes. Per ST's datasheet, it exhibits typical human-body-model ESD sensitivity of <2 kV. External protection (e.g., series base resistor + parallel Zener) is required in handling and PCB layout for automated assembly or field-replaceable modules.