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onsemi 2N6487
- Part No.:
- 2N6487
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
2N6487.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 60V 15A TO-220
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:9,297
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Product details
Overview
2N6487 from onsemi is an NPN silicon power transistor in a TO-220 package, rated for 60 VCEO, 15 A continuous collector current, and 75 W power dissipation at TC = 25°C. It delivers high DC current gain (hFE ≥ 20 at IC = 5 A) and 5 MHz fT, supporting robust switching and linear amplification in industrial motor drives and power supply output stages.
For engineers reviewing the 2N6487 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 60 V VCEO, 1.67 °C/W RJC, TO-220 thermal performance, and complementary PNP pairing with 2N6490 - all critical for discrete power stage design and thermal margin validation.
Technical Context
The 2N6487 operates as a medium-power NPN bipolar junction transistor optimized for linear amplification and hard-switching applications up to 5 MHz bandwidth. Its safe operating area (SOA) is limited by second breakdown and thermal constraints, with derating starting above 25°C case temperature.
It features a single-base, dual-collector TO-220 configuration (pins 2 and 4 both connected to collector), enabling low-inductance mounting and high-current routing. The device is Pb-free, RoHS-compliant, and specified across −65°C to +150°C junction temperature range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 60 Vdc - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown under open-base conditions; defines upper rail limit in switch-mode topologies. |
| IC (continuous) | 15 Adc - Sustained collector current capability at TC = 25°C; requires heatsinking for full-load operation. |
| PD @ TC = 25°C | 75 W - Total power dissipation limit with case directly mounted to heatsink; derates 0.6 W/°C above 25°C. |
| hFE @ IC = 5 A | 20–150 - DC current gain range enabling predictable base drive sizing for saturation in switching circuits. |
| fT | 5.0 MHz - Current-gain-bandwidth product; supports audio-frequency amplification and moderate-speed switching (e.g., <100 kHz PWM). |
| RJC | 1.67 °C/W - Junction-to-case thermal resistance; determines minimum heatsink requirement when case temperature is controlled. |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-220 (Case 221A, Style 1), plastic, through-hole, with metal tab electrically connected to collector. Mounting hole enables mechanical fixation and thermal conduction to heatsink.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base | Control electrode; requires ~0.5 A base current to saturate at 15 A collector load (IC/IB = 10). |
| 2 & 4 | Collector | Dual-terminal collector connection; reduces lead inductance and improves current sharing in high-di/dt switching. |
| 3 | Emitter | Power return path; tied to ground or low-side reference; carries full load current and must be routed with low impedance. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High DC current gain | hFE ≥ 20 at IC = 5 A ensures stable biasing and reduced base drive complexity in Class AB amplifiers. |
| High fT | 5 MHz bandwidth supports wideband analog amplification and fast switching in SMPS output stages up to ~100 kHz. |
| TO-220 thermal performance | RJC = 1.67 °C/W enables 75 W dissipation with modest heatsinking - suitable for compact industrial power modules. |
| Complementary PNP pairing | Directly matched with 2N6490 (same package, symmetric ratings) for push-pull and H-bridge output stages. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Control | DC-DC Converter Output Stage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 24–48 V brushed DC motors in factory automation systems with PWM frequencies up to 20 kHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN power switch in half-bridge configuration, handling peak currents up to 15 A during stall conditions. Use Value: 60 V VCEO and 75 W dissipation provide margin against inductive kickback and thermal overload during transient loads. |
Use Scenario: High-current synchronous rectifier or pass transistor in 12 V/10 A isolated DC-DC converters for telecom power shelves. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear regulator or switching element in secondary-side power delivery, operating in saturation or active region. Use Value: Low VCE(sat) ≤ 1.3 V at IC/IB = 10 reduces conduction loss and improves efficiency at full load. |
| Audio Power Amplifier | Overcurrent Protection Circuit |
Use Scenario: Output stage in 20 W Class AB audio amplifiers for public address and instrumentation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-power NPN emitter-follower driver delivering low-impedance signal to speaker load. Use Value: hFE stability over −55°C to +150°C ensures consistent gain and distortion performance across environmental extremes. |
Use Scenario: Current-sensing switch in programmable electronic fuse modules protecting 48 V battery backup systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-turn-off transistor triggered by comparator output during overcurrent events (>12 A threshold). Use Value: 500 ns turn-off time (tf) and SOA-rated pulse handling enable reliable fault interruption without secondary breakdown. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN power transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJD127G | Higher VCEO (80 V), lower IC (8 A), SOT-223 package - surface-mount, no heatsink tab. | Suitable for space-constrained PCBs but lacks TO-220 thermal mass; not drop-in for high-power thermal designs. | Select MJD127G only when board area is critical and power dissipation stays below 2.5 W without external heatsink. |
| 2N6284 | Same TO-220 package, higher VCEO (100 V), same IC (15 A), but lower fT (1 MHz) and higher VCE(sat) (2.0 V). | Better for high-voltage, low-frequency switching (e.g., AC line control); less suitable for audio or fast PWM. | Choose 2N6284 when system voltage exceeds 60 V but bandwidth and saturation loss are secondary concerns. |
Compared with 2N6487, MJD127G trades thermal robustness for compactness and 2N6284 extends voltage headroom at the cost of switching speed and conduction efficiency - making 2N6487 optimal for balanced 60 V, 15 A, medium-frequency power applications.
Availability
2N6487 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, DC-DC converter output stages, and audio amplifier designs requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and RoHS-compliant discrete power transistors.
Supply support for 2N6487 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, analog, sensing, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.
The 2N6487 belongs to onsemi's legacy silicon power transistor family designed for general-purpose amplifier and switching applications - emphasizing ruggedness, thermal reliability, and direct replacement compatibility within complementary NPN/PNP pairs.
FAQ
What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for the 2N6487?
The 2N6487 has a maximum collector-emitter sustaining voltage (VCEO(sus)) of 60 Vdc at IC = 200 mAdc and IB = 0. This rating defines the absolute upper limit for safe operation in switching applications and must include margin for voltage transients and inductive spikes. Exceeding 60 V risks avalanche breakdown and permanent device failure.
Does the 2N6487 have a built-in heatsink interface?
Yes - the 2N6487 uses a TO-220 package with an electrically active metal tab that serves as the collector terminal and provides direct thermal conduction to an external heatsink. The tab must be electrically isolated from other circuit nodes using mica or polymer insulators unless the heatsink is grounded to the collector potential.
Can the 2N6487 be used as a direct replacement for the 2N6488?
No - the 2N6487 and 2N6488 are distinct NPN devices with different voltage ratings: 2N6487 is rated for 60 V VCEO, while 2N6488 is rated for 80 V. They share the same TO-220 package and pinout, but substituting one for the other without verifying voltage stress margins may result in premature failure in 70–80 V applications.
What is the typical base-emitter on voltage for the 2N6487 at full load?
At IC = 15 A and VCE = 4.0 Vdc, the 2N6487 exhibits a base-emitter on voltage (VBE(on)) of up to 3.5 Vdc. This elevated VBE reflects high-current forward-bias behavior and must be accounted for when designing base drive circuits to ensure sufficient voltage headroom for full saturation.
Is the 2N6487 RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes - the 2N6487G variant is explicitly marked as Pb-free and RoHS compliant per onsemi's documentation. The "G" suffix in the ordering code (e.g., 2N6487G) denotes compliance with EU Directive 2011/65/EU and related restrictions on hazardous substances.
2N6487 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 15 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 60 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 3.5V @ 5A, 15A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 1mA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 20 @ 5A, 4V
- Power - Max:
- 1.8 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 5MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220
2N6487 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 2N6487 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 2N6487 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 2N6487 reliable?
The price and inventory of 2N6487 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 2N6487 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 2N6487?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 2N6487 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 2N6487?
2N6487 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 2N6487 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 2N6487?
For technical support, including 2N6487 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 2N6487 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 2N6487 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 2N6487 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 2N6487 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 2N6487?
All 2N6487 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 2N6487, 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 2N6487 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 2N6487:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
2N6487 Tags
-
MMBT3906LT1G
onsemi
-
MMBT3904-7-F
Diodes Incorporated
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MMBT3904LT1G
onsemi
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MMBT3906-7-F
Diodes Incorporated
-
MMBT3904-TP
Micro Commercial Co
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MMBT2222A-7-F
Diodes Incorporated
-
BC846BLT1G
onsemi
-
BC847B,215
Nexperia USA Inc.
-
SMMBT3904LT1G
onsemi
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MMBT2222A-TP
Micro Commercial Co
-
MMBTA06LT1G
onsemi
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MMBT2222ALT1G
onsemi
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