onsemi 2N6042
- Part No.:
- 2N6042
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
2N6042.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP DARL 100V 8A TO-220
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,179
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Product details
Overview
2N6042 from onsemi is a PNP silicon Darlington power transistor in TO-220 package, rated for 100 VCEO(sus), 8 A continuous collector current, and 75 W power dissipation at TC = 25°C. It features monolithic construction with built-in base-emitter shunt resistors, low VCE(sat) ≤ 2.0 V at IC = 3.0 A, and high DC current gain (hFE ≥ 1000 at IC = 3.0 A), suited for medium-power linear amplification and low-speed switching in industrial control circuits.
For engineers reviewing the 2N6042 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its 100 V sustaining voltage rating, thermal resistance of 1.67°C/W (junction-to-case), complementary PNP pairing with 2N6043/2N6045, and Pb-free RoHS-compliant TO-220 packaging suitable for heatsink-mounted motor drive stages and relay drivers.
Technical Context
The 2N6042 operates as a monolithic PNP Darlington pair with integrated base-emitter shunt resistors to improve turn-off speed and reduce external component count. Its safe operating area (SOA) is thermally limited at TC = 25°C and second-breakdown constrained at pulse widths ≥ 100 μs, with maximum junction temperature of +150°C.
Electrical behavior is characterized by VBE(on) ≤ 2.8 V at IC = 4.0 A, VBE(sat) ≤ 4.5 V at IC = 8.0 A / IB = 80 mA, and Cob = 300 pF at VCB = 10 V - parameters critical for snubber design and frequency response in amplifier output stages.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO(sus) | 100 V min - supports operation in 80 V rail systems with margin against transients |
| IC (continuous) | 8.0 A - enables direct drive of solenoids, small motors, and lamp loads without external current boosting |
| PD @ TC = 25°C | 75 W - requires mechanical heatsinking for sustained >3 A conduction |
| hFE | ≥1000 @ IC = 3.0 A - reduces required base drive current to ≤3 mA for 3 A load control |
| VCE(sat) | ≤2.0 V @ IC = 3.0 A / IB = 12 mA - limits conduction loss to ≤6 W at full rated current |
| RθJC | 1.67°C/W - dictates minimum heatsink thermal resistance of ≤2.5°C/W for TJ ≤ 125°C at 75 W |
| Cob | 300 pF @ VCB = 10 V - sets upper bandwidth limit in common-emitter amplifier configurations |
Pinout & Package
2N6042 uses the standard TO-220 (Case 221A, Style 1) package with metal tab electrically connected to collector. The device has three leads: Emitter (pin 1), Base (pin 2), Collector (pin 3 / tab). Mounting hole aligns with pin 2 centerline; tab must be insulated from chassis unless collector is at system ground potential.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 (left) | Emitter | Main current return path; tied to load low-side; requires low-impedance PCB trace for <100 mV drop at 8 A |
| Pin 2 (center) | Base | Control input; internal shunt resistor enables passive turn-off; drive circuit must source ≥12 mA for full saturation |
| Pin 3 / Tab | Collector | High-current input node; electrically connected to metal tab; must be isolated from heatsink unless referenced to system ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Monolithic Darlington with built-in B-E shunt resistor | Reduces external base resistor count and improves turn-off time vs discrete pair designs |
| 100 VCEO(sus) rating | Enables use in 72–80 V industrial DC bus applications (e.g., PLC output modules) without derating |
| hFE ≥ 1000 @ 3 A | Lowers base drive requirements to ≤3 mA, compatible with microcontroller GPIO or logic-level drivers |
| RoHS-compliant Pb-free epoxy (UL 94 V-0) | Meets IPC-J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 1 and reflow profile compatibility up to 260°C peak |
| ESD robustness (HBM > 8 kV) | Survives handling and board assembly without special ESD precautions beyond standard Class 1B practices |
Applications
| Industrial Relay Drivers | DC Motor Speed Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 24–48 V DC electromagnetic relays with coil currents up to 6 A in programmable logic controller (PLC) output modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-gain PNP switch providing galvanically isolated load switching via optocoupler-driven base. Use Value: 100 VCEO(sus) withstands inductive kickback from relay coils; VCE(sat) ≤ 2.0 V minimizes self-heating during continuous duty cycling. |
Use Scenario: Low-frequency PWM-based speed regulation of brushed 24–48 V DC motors in material handling equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Power stage switch in emitter-follower configuration, sinking motor current to ground. Use Value: 8 A continuous rating supports 50 W motor loads; built-in B-E shunt resistor ensures reliable turn-off between PWM pulses. |
| Linear Power Supply Pass Transistors | High-Current Lamp Dimmers |
Use Scenario: Series pass element in adjustable 0–30 V, 5 A bench power supplies requiring low-noise regulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-controlled current source operating in active region with feedback from op-amp error amplifier. Use Value: High hFE ≥ 1000 reduces base drive error current; 75 W dissipation allows 5 A × 15 V dropout = 75 W worst-case thermal load. |
Use Scenario: Phase-angle dimming of 12–24 V halogen lamps drawing up to 7 A in architectural lighting controls. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Synchronous rectifier replacement in half-wave AC line-switching topology with zero-cross detection. Use Value: 100 V rating accommodates 24 V RMS × √2 ≈ 34 V peak plus safety margin; TO-220 tab enables direct heatsink mounting for thermal stability. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP Darlington power transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJD6039G | TO-252 (DPAK) package, lower RθJA (60°C/W vs 57°C/W), same VCEO = 100 V, hFE = 750 min @ 3 A | Suitable for surface-mount PCBs with limited heatsink area; less thermal mass than TO-220 | Select when automated assembly and space-constrained layouts outweigh need for highest hFE |
| BDW20 | TO-126 package, VCEO = 60 V, hFE = 500 min @ 3 A, no built-in shunt resistor | Requires external base pull-down resistor; limited to ≤48 V systems due to lower voltage rating | Choose only for cost-sensitive legacy designs where 60 V rating suffices and layout allows discrete base network |
Compared with MJD6039G and BDW20, the 2N6042 offers superior DC current gain and integrated turn-off assistance - making it preferred for microcontroller-driven switching where base drive current is constrained and inductive load suppression is critical.
Availability
2N6042 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial relay drivers, DC motor speed control, linear power supply pass elements, and high-current lamp dimmers requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for 2N6042 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 supplier specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, sensors, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.
The 2N6042 belongs to onsemi's legacy plastic medium-power complementary transistor family, designed specifically for cost-effective, robust switching and amplification in industrial control, power conversion, and electromechanical interface applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the 2N6042?
The 2N6042 is rated for 8.0 A continuous collector current at case temperature TC = 25°C. Derating is required above this temperature - power dissipation drops linearly at 0.60 W/°C. At TC = 100°C, maximum allowable IC reduces to approximately 4.5 A based on thermal limits and SOA curves in the official datasheet.
Does the 2N6042 have a built-in base-emitter shunt resistor?
Yes, the 2N6042 features monolithic construction with a built-in base-emitter shunt resistor. This internal resistor aids in faster turn-off by discharging stored base charge, reducing dependence on external pull-down networks - a key differentiator from standard bipolar transistors like the BDW20.
What is the collector-emitter saturation voltage (VCE(sat)) specification for the 2N6042?
The 2N6042 has VCE(sat) ≤ 2.0 V at IC = 3.0 A and IB = 12 mA. This value is measured under DC conditions and reflects conduction loss during saturated switching. At higher currents (e.g., 8 A), VCE(sat) rises to ≤ 4.0 V per datasheet limits - critical for thermal design in high-duty-cycle applications.
Is the 2N6042 RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the 2N6042G variant is explicitly marked as Pb-free and RoHS compliant per onsemi documentation. The "G" suffix denotes lead-free packaging, and the epoxy meets UL 94 V-0 flammability rating at 0.125 inch thickness. No exemptions or exceptions apply to this part number.
What package type does the 2N6042 use, and how is the collector terminal connected?
The 2N6042 uses the TO-220 (Case 221A, Style 1) package. Its collector is electrically connected to the metal tab - a critical layout consideration. When mounted to a heatsink, electrical isolation (e.g., mica washer + thermal grease) is mandatory unless the collector node is at chassis ground potential.
2N6042 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- PNP - Darlington
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 8 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 100 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 2V @ 12mA, 3A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 20µA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 1000 @ 3A, 4V
- Power - Max:
- 75 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220
2N6042 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 2N6042 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 2N6042 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 2N6042 reliable?
The price and inventory of 2N6042 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 2N6042 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 2N6042?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 2N6042 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 2N6042?
2N6042 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 2N6042 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 2N6042?
For technical support, including 2N6042 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 2N6042 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 2N6042 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 2N6042 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 2N6042 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 2N6042?
All 2N6042 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 2N6042, 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 2N6042 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 2N6042:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
2N6042 Tags

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