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

onsemi 2N6488

Name: 2N6488
Brand: onsemi
SKU: 2N6488
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: 2N6488

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-220-3

Datasheet:: 2N6488.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 80V 15A TO-220

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

2N6488 from onsemi is an NPN silicon power transistor in TO-220 package, rated for 80 V_CEO, 15 A continuous collector current, and 75 W power dissipation at T_C = 25°C. It delivers high DC current gain (h_FE ≥ 20 at I_C = 5 A), f_T = 5.0 MHz, and V_CE(sat) ≤ 1.3 V at I_C/I_B = 10 - used in linear amplifiers, motor control switches, and DC-DC converter output stages.

For engineers reviewing the 2N6488 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include V_CEO = 80 V, I_C = 15 A, R_JC = 1.67 °C/W, TO-220 thermal performance, and complementary PNP pairing with 2N6491 in power bridge designs.

Technical Context

This NPN bipolar junction transistor operates in active, saturation, and cutoff regions with defined safe operating area (SOA) limits up to 150°C junction temperature. Its design supports both linear amplification (via high h_FE and f_T) and switching (with V_CE(sat) ≤ 1.3 V and fast turn-on/off times).

Thermal management is critical: R_JA = 70 °C/W (free-air), but R_JC = 1.67 °C/W enables high-power operation when mounted to heatsinks. Second-breakdown-limited SOA curves constrain simultaneous high-voltage/high-current pulses per Figure 5.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	80 Vdc - maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown under open-base conditions; defines upper rail voltage limit in switching applications.
I_C (continuous)	15 Adc - steady-state collector current capability; sets load drive capacity in motor drivers and power supplies.
P_D @ T_C = 25°C	75 W - maximum power dissipation with case temperature held at 25°C; requires heatsink for sustained operation.
h_FE (min)	20 at I_C = 5 A, V_CE = 4 V - ensures sufficient base drive efficiency and low base current demand in amplifier stages.
f_T	5.0 MHz - current-gain bandwidth product; supports audio-frequency amplification and medium-speed switching (e.g., <100 kHz PWM).
R_JC	1.67 °C/W - junction-to-case thermal resistance; determines minimum heatsink requirement for thermal stability.

Pinout & Package

2N6488 uses the TO-220 (Case 221A, Style 1) plastic power package with three leads and metal tab connected to collector. Mounting requires electrically isolated heatsinking due to collector-tab connection.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Base	Control input terminal; accepts base current to bias transistor into active/saturation; requires current-limiting resistor in most driver circuits.
2 & 4	Collector	Main high-current output node; internally bonded to metal tab - must be electrically isolated from heatsink unless circuit ground reference permits.
3	Emiter	Common emitter node; serves as return path for collector current; typically grounded or connected to low-side shunt in switching topologies.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
High DC current gain	h_FE ≥ 20 at I_C = 5 A - reduces base drive power and simplifies driver stage design in high-current amplifiers.
High f_T	5.0 MHz - enables stable operation in audio amplifiers and medium-frequency switch-mode power supply output stages.
TO-220 compact package	Standardized mechanical footprint with 1.67 °C/W R_JC - allows drop-in replacement in legacy power designs using industry-common heatsinks.
Pb-free & RoHS compliant	G-suffix marking (2N6488G) - meets environmental compliance requirements for industrial and consumer electronics without lead-based solder concerns.

Applications

Audio Power Amplifier	DC Motor Driver
Use Scenario: Class-AB push-pull output stage delivering 20–50 W into 4–8 Ω speakers in home audio systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN power output transistor handling high peak current and moderate bandwidth signals. Use Value: High h_FE minimizes driver-stage complexity; 80 V_CEO accommodates ±35 V rails; TO-220 mountability supports cost-effective heatsinking.	Use Scenario: H-bridge low-side switch controlling brushed DC motors in industrial actuators (12–48 V, up to 10 A average). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current NPN switch turning motor winding on/off via base-driven saturation. Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ 1.3 V at I_C/I_B = 10 reduces conduction loss; 15 A rating supports surge currents during motor startup.
Linear Voltage Regulator	Switch-Mode Power Supply Output Stage
Use Scenario: Pass transistor in adjustable 0–30 V, 3 A bench power supply with foldback current limiting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Series pass element dissipating variable power based on load and input-output differential. Use Value: 75 W power rating and 1.67 °C/W R_JC enable stable thermal operation with modest heatsinking under worst-case dropout conditions.	Use Scenario: Primary-side switch in flyback or forward converter operating at 50–100 kHz with 24–48 V input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Hard-switched NPN transistor conducting during ON-time, requiring fast turn-on/turn-off and robust SOA. Use Value: 5.0 MHz f_T and defined switching time curves support reliable operation at 100 kHz; SOA curves validate pulse reliability at high V_CE/I_C.

Audio Power Amplifier

DC Motor Driver

Use Scenario: Class-AB push-pull output stage delivering 20–50 W into 4–8 Ω speakers in home audio systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN power output transistor handling high peak current and moderate bandwidth signals.

Use Value: High h_FE minimizes driver-stage complexity; 80 V_CEO accommodates ±35 V rails; TO-220 mountability supports cost-effective heatsinking.

Use Scenario: H-bridge low-side switch controlling brushed DC motors in industrial actuators (12–48 V, up to 10 A average).

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current NPN switch turning motor winding on/off via base-driven saturation.

Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ 1.3 V at I_C/I_B = 10 reduces conduction loss; 15 A rating supports surge currents during motor startup.

Linear Voltage Regulator

Switch-Mode Power Supply Output Stage

Use Scenario: Pass transistor in adjustable 0–30 V, 3 A bench power supply with foldback current limiting.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Series pass element dissipating variable power based on load and input-output differential.

Use Value: 75 W power rating and 1.67 °C/W R_JC enable stable thermal operation with modest heatsinking under worst-case dropout conditions.

Use Scenario: Primary-side switch in flyback or forward converter operating at 50–100 kHz with 24–48 V input.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Hard-switched NPN transistor conducting during ON-time, requiring fast turn-on/turn-off and robust SOA.

Use Value: 5.0 MHz f_T and defined switching time curves support reliable operation at 100 kHz; SOA curves validate pulse reliability at high V_CE/I_C.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
MJE13009	V_CEO = 400 V, I_C = 12 A, f_T = 4 MHz, TO-220 package	Higher voltage rating suits offline SMPS primary side; lower current and slightly reduced f_T limit audio use.	Select MJE13009 when >100 V blocking is required; verify SOA compatibility for pulsed loads.
2N3055	V_CEO = 60 V, I_C = 15 A, f_T ≈ 0.8 MHz, TO-3 package	Lower voltage and much lower bandwidth; larger TO-3 footprint increases PCB area and thermal interface complexity.	Choose 2N3055 only for legacy designs where TO-3 mounting exists; avoid for new audio or SMPS designs needing >2 MHz f_T.

Compared with 2N6488, MJE13009 offers higher voltage headroom but reduced current gain-bandwidth tradeoff, while 2N3055 provides identical current rating but inferior switching speed and outdated packaging - making 2N6488 optimal for modern 80 V, medium-frequency power applications requiring TO-220 standardization.

Availability

2N6488 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio power amplifiers, DC motor drivers, and linear voltage regulators requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and Pb-free compliance.

Supply support for 2N6488 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 is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power, analog, sensing, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.

The 2N6488 belongs to onsemi's complementary silicon power transistor family designed for general-purpose amplifier and switching applications - emphasizing ruggedness, thermal reliability, and standardized TO-220 implementation across NPN/PNP pairs.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for the 2N6488?

The 2N6488 has a maximum collector-emitter sustaining voltage (V_CEO(sus)) of 80 Vdc under specified test conditions (I_C = 200 mAdc, I_B = 0). This rating defines the absolute upper limit for DC or pulsed voltage applied between collector and emitter with base open, and must not be exceeded to prevent avalanche breakdown or device failure.

Is the 2N6488 pin-compatible with the 2N6487?

No - although both are NPN TO-220 transistors from the same onsemi family, the 2N6488 and 2N6487 differ in voltage ratings (V_CEO = 80 V vs. 60 V) and SOA curves. Their pinout is identical (Base-1, Collector-2&4, Emitter-3), but substituting 2N6488 for 2N6487 may be acceptable in higher-voltage designs, whereas replacing 2N6488 with 2N6487 risks overvoltage failure.

What is the thermal resistance from junction to case for the 2N6488?

The 2N6488 has a maximum thermal resistance from junction to case (R_JC) of 1.67 °C/W, measured under standard test conditions. This value enables accurate heatsink sizing when the device is mounted with proper thermal interface material and mechanical pressure - critical for maintaining T_J ≤ 150°C during 75 W dissipation.

Does the 2N6488 have a complementary PNP counterpart?

Yes - the 2N6491 is the designated complementary PNP transistor for the 2N6488, sharing identical package (TO-220), voltage ratings (V_CEO = 80 V), current rating (15 A), and thermal characteristics. They are explicitly paired in onsemi's datasheet for push-pull, H-bridge, and other symmetrical power applications.

What is the typical DC current gain (h_FE) of the 2N6488 at 15 A collector current?

At I_C = 15 A and V_CE = 4.0 Vdc, the 2N6488 guarantees a minimum h_FE of 5.0, with typical values reaching up to 150 at lower currents (e.g., 5 A). This wide h_FE range means base drive must be designed for worst-case gain to ensure saturation under full-load conditions.

2N6488 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):: 80 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

2N6488 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 2N6488 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 2N6488 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 2N6488 reliable?

The price and inventory of 2N6488 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 2N6488 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 2N6488?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 2N6488 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 2N6488?

2N6488 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 2N6488 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 2N6488?

For technical support, including 2N6488 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 2N6488 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 2N6488 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 2N6488 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 2N6488 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 2N6488?

All 2N6488 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 2N6488, 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 2N6488 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 2N6488:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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