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

STMicroelectronics 2N6388

Name: 2N6388
Brand: STMicroelectronics
SKU: 2N6388
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: 2N6388

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-220-3

Datasheet:: 2N6388.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN DARL 80V 10A TO-220

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:2,954

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Product details

Overview

2N6388 from STMicroelectronics is a silicon NPN power Darlington transistor in TO-220 package, designed for low-to-medium-frequency switching and linear power applications. It features 10 A continuous collector current, 80 V V_CEO, integrated antiparallel collector-emitter diode, and DC current gain (h_FE) of 1000–20000 at 5 A. Used in motor control circuits, lamp dimmers, and industrial relay drivers.

For engineers reviewing the 2N6388 datasheet, 2N6388 pinout, 2N6388 application, or 2N6388 equivalent, key selection criteria include sustained V_CE(sus) rating under R_BE = 100 Ω, second-breakdown energy (120 mJ), thermal resistance (1.92 °C/W), and integrated diode forward voltage (4 V @ 10 A).

Technical Context

The 2N6388 implements a monolithic Darlington pair with built-in base-emitter resistors (R1 = 10 kΩ, R2 = 160 Ω) enabling simplified biasing and improved turn-off speed. Its internal antiparallel diode supports inductive load commutation without external flyback components.

Rated for T_j up to 150 °C and featuring 65 W total dissipation at T_c ≤ 25 °C, it operates reliably in pulsed and DC power stages where second-breakdown immunity (I_s/b = 2.6 A @ V_CE = 25 V) and safe operating area (SOA) compliance are critical.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	80 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines maximum blocking capability in switch-off state.
I_C	10 A - Continuous collector current; sets steady-state power handling limit for motor drive or regulator output stages.
h_FE	1000–20000 - DC current gain at I_C = 5 A / V_CE = 3 V; enables low-base-drive-current operation in high-current amplification.
R_thj-case	1.92 °C/W - Junction-to-case thermal resistance; determines heatsink sizing requirement for 65 W dissipation at T_c ≤ 25 °C.
V_F	4 V @ 10 A - Forward voltage of integrated antiparallel diode; reduces component count in inductive load snubbing.
E_s/b	120 mJ - Second-breakdown energy (100 ms pulse); defines single-pulse ruggedness under inductive switching stress.

Pinout & Package

Package: JEDEC TO-220 plastic case with metal tab (pin 2 = collector, electrically connected to tab). Standard 3-pin vertical mounting configuration.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1 (Emitter)	Emitter terminal of Darlington pair	Low-impedance output node; connects to load return path or ground reference in high-side switch configurations.
2 (Collector)	Collector terminal and heatsink interface	Electrically tied to metal tab; requires insulated mounting when referenced to non-ground potentials.
3 (Base)	Input control terminal	Drives Darlington pair via internal R1/R2 network; accepts TTL/CMOS-compatible logic-level signals with minimal external components.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Integrated antiparallel diode	Enables self-contained inductive load freewheeling without external diode; reduces BOM count and PCB footprint.
Monolithic Darlington structure	Delivers ultra-high h_FE (≥1000) while maintaining tight parameter matching between input/output transistors.
Built-in base-emitter resistors	R1 = 10 kΩ and R2 = 160 Ω provide stable biasing and accelerate turn-off, reducing storage time in switching applications.
Second-breakdown rated	Guaranteed 120 mJ single-pulse energy handling at V_CE = 25 V, supporting robust operation in relay and solenoid drive.

Applications

Motor Control Driver

Lamp Dimmer Circuit

Use Scenario: Driving 12 V/5 A DC brushed motors in industrial actuators with PWM frequency ≤ 5 kHz.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current switching element in low-side configuration; handles continuous conduction and inductive flyback via integrated diode.

Use Value: Eliminates need for external flyback diode and reduces gate-drive complexity compared to MOSFET solutions requiring level-shifting.

Use Scenario: Phase-angle AC dimming for incandescent lamps using triac-triggered leading-edge control.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Darlington output stage driving triac gate; provides high current gain to trigger triac with microcontroller GPIO.

Use Value: Enables direct MCU interfacing without discrete pre-driver stages, improving system integration and reliability.

Industrial Relay Driver

DC Power Regulator Output Stage

Use Scenario: Solid-state replacement for electromechanical relays controlling 24 V/8 A solenoids in PLC I/O modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Sustained-current switch with V_CE(sus) = 80 V under R_BE ≤ 100 Ω; withstands inductive kick during de-energization.

Use Value: Achieves >100,000 cycle life vs. mechanical relay wear-out, with no contact arcing or bounce issues.

Use Scenario: Series pass element in linear 5 V/3 A regulated power supply for analog instrumentation.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear-mode power transistor dissipating up to 30 W; leverages high h_FE for precise current mirror-based feedback control.

Use Value: Maintains regulation stability across temperature due to matched monolithic Darlington characteristics and low V_CE(sat) (2 V @ 5 A).

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
TIP122	V_CEO = 100 V, h_FE = 1000–8000, no integrated diode, R_thj-case = 2.0 °C/W	Requires external flyback diode; higher V_CEO suits 100 V bus systems but lacks on-chip diode integration.	Select when higher voltage margin is needed and board space allows external diode placement.
MJD122G	TO-220F package (isolated tab), V_CEO = 100 V, h_FE = 1000–12000, no integrated diode	Electrically isolated tab eliminates need for insulating hardware; lacks integrated diode and has lower P_tot (50 W).	Choose for grounded-heatsink designs where electrical isolation is mandatory and diode can be added externally.

Compared with TIP122 and MJD122G, the 2N6388 uniquely combines 80 V rating, integrated diode, and 120 mJ second-breakdown energy-making it optimal for compact, high-ruggedness 24–48 V industrial switching where diode omission would increase layout complexity and failure risk.

Availability

2N6388 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control drivers, lamp dimmers, industrial relay replacements, and linear regulator output stages requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial lifecycle support.

Supply support for 2N6388 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, power, microcontroller, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The 2N6388 belongs to ST's legacy power bipolar transistor family, engineered specifically for rugged, cost-sensitive industrial switching applications where high current gain, integrated protection, and proven SOA performance are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum safe continuous collector current for 2N6388 at 75°C case temperature?

The 2N6388 is rated for 10 A continuous collector current only at T_c ≤ 25 °C. At 75 °C case temperature, derating applies: using the 1.92 °C/W thermal resistance and 150 °C max junction temperature, the allowable power dissipation drops to ~39 W, limiting I_C to approximately 6.2 A under typical V_CE(sat) conditions.

Does the integrated antiparallel diode support bidirectional current flow?

No-the integrated diode is unidirectional and oriented anode-to-collector, cathode-to-emitter, enabling only collector-to-emitter freewheeling current during inductive turn-off. It does not conduct emitter-to-collector, so reverse-biased operation or H-bridge use requires external diodes.

Can 2N6388 be used in parallel configurations for higher current?

Parallel operation is not recommended without individual emitter resistors and matched devices. The 2N6388 exhibits positive thermal coefficient in V_BE, but gain variation and thermal coupling in TO-220 packages can cause current imbalance. ST does not specify parallel derating curves or matching tolerances for this part.

What is the significance of the V_CEV rating versus V_CEO?

V_CEV = 80 V is measured with V_BE = −1.5 V (reverse-biased base), ensuring safe operation under active turn-off conditions with negative base drive. V_CEO = 80 V assumes zero base current. V_CEV confirms robustness during fast switching transitions where base charge removal is critical.

2N6388 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-220-3

Packaging:: Tube

Product Status:: Obsolete

Transistor Type:: NPN - Darlington

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 10 A

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 80 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 3V @ 100mA, 10A

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 1mA

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 1000 @ 5A, 3V

Power - Max:: 65 W

Frequency - Transition:: -

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-220

2N6388 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 2N6388 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 2N6388 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 2N6388 reliable?

The price and inventory of 2N6388 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 2N6388 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 2N6388?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 2N6388 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 2N6388?

2N6388 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 2N6388 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 2N6388?

For technical support, including 2N6388 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 2N6388 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 2N6388 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 2N6388 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 2N6388 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 2N6388?

All 2N6388 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 2N6388, 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 2N6388 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 2N6388:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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