onsemi 2N6387

Overview

2N6387 from onsemi is a Darlington NPN silicon power transistor in TO-220AB package, rated for 10 A continuous collector current, 60 Vdc minimum collector-emitter sustaining voltage (VCEO(sus)), and 65 W total power dissipation at TC = 25°C. It delivers high DC current gain (hFE = 1000–20,000) and low saturation voltage (VCE(sat) ≤ 2.0 V at IC = 5.0 A), suited for medium-power linear amplification and low-speed switching in industrial control circuits.

For engineers reviewing the 2N6387 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its Darlington configuration with built-in base-emitter shunt resistors, thermal resistance (RJC = 1.92°C/W), safe operating area (SOA) limits up to 150°C junction temperature, and Pb-free RoHS-compliant TO-220 packaging.

Technical Context

The 2N6387 employs monolithic Darlington construction with integrated base-emitter shunt resistors to ensure reliable turn-off and reduce external bias complexity. Its SOA is constrained by both thermal limits (bonding wire and case temperature) and second breakdown, with pulse operation validated up to 10% duty cycle at TJ(pk) < 150°C.

Electrical behavior is characterized across temperature: hFE remains ≥1000 at IC = 5.0 A and VCE = 3.0 V from −55°C to +150°C; VCE(sat) exhibits positive temperature coefficient (−2.0 mV/°C from −55°C to 25°C, +3.0 mV/°C from 25°C to 150°C); Cob is 200 pF max at VCB = 10 Vdc.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

2N6387 is housed in a TO-220AB (Case 221A) package with 3 leads and an electrically isolated metal tab. Pin configuration follows Style 1: Pin 1 = Base, Pin 2 = Collector, Pin 3 = Emitter, Pin 4 = Collector (dual-collector configuration).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TIP122 and MJ11016, the 2N6387 offers unique dual-collector pinout in a thermally efficient, electrically isolated TO-220AB package-ideal for space-constrained industrial drivers needing redundancy or simplified PCB routing without sacrificing 60 V/10 A capability.

Availability

2N6387 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, DC power supply regulation, and heating element driver applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 2N6387 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 IoT markets.

The 2N6387 belongs to onsemi's legacy plastic medium-power silicon transistor product line, designed specifically for robust, cost-effective linear amplification and low-speed switching in harsh industrial environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the 2N6387?

The 2N6387 is rated for 10 Adc continuous collector current at case temperature TC = 25°C. Derating is required above 25°C at 0.52 W/°C, and actual usable current depends on heatsink performance and ambient conditions. The 2N6387 datasheet specifies this limit under JEDEC-standard test conditions and must be applied with SOA curve validation for pulsed loads.

Does the 2N6387 have built-in base-emitter resistors?

Yes, the 2N6387 features monolithic construction with built-in base-emitter shunt resistors. This design ensures reliable turn-off behavior without requiring external pull-down components, reducing bill-of-materials count and improving noise immunity in industrial control applications using the 2N6387.

What is the thermal resistance from junction to case (RJC) for the 2N6387?

The 2N6387 has a maximum junction-to-case thermal resistance (RJC) of 1.92°C/W. This value is critical for heatsink sizing: for example, to maintain TJ ≤ 150°C at 65 W dissipation with TC = 25°C, the heatsink-to-ambient thermal resistance must be ≤ (150 − 25)/65 ≈ 1.92°C/W - meaning the 2N6387's RJC dominates the thermal path.

Can the 2N6387 be used in linear regulator applications?

Yes, the 2N6387 is suitable for linear regulator designs due to its high hFE (1000–20,000), low VCE(sat) (≤2.0 V at 5 A), and stable SOA up to 150°C. In emitter-follower configurations, the 2N6387 delivers precise voltage regulation with minimal base drive overhead, though thermal management must account for continuous power dissipation.

Is the 2N6387 pin-compatible with the 2N6388?

No, the 2N6387 and 2N6388 are not pin-compatible replacements. While both share the same TO-220AB package and pinout (Style 1), they differ in VCEO(sus) (60 V vs. 80 V), ICEO (1.0 mAdc vs. 1.0 mAdc), and SOA boundaries. Substituting the 2N6387 for the 2N6388 may result in premature failure under 70–80 V transient conditions - always verify voltage margin per application before using the 2N6387.