STMicroelectronics 2N6668
- Part No.:
- 2N6668
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
2N6668.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP DARL 80V 10A TO-220
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
2N6668 from STMicroelectronics is a silicon PNP power Darlington transistor with integrated antiparallel collector-emitter diode, rated for 80 V VCEO, 10 A IC, and 65 W Ptot at Tc ≤ 25 °C, used in high-current switching and linear amplification circuits such as motor control drivers and industrial power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the 2N6668 datasheet, 2N6668 pinout, 2N6668 application, or 2N6668 equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed hFE ≥ 1000 at 5 A, VCE(sat) ≤ 2 V at IC = 5 A / IB = 10 mA, integrated flyback diode, TO-220 package thermal resistance (Rthj-case = 1.92 °C/W), and junction temperature limit of 150 °C.
Technical Context
This PNP Darlington combines two cascaded transistors (R1 ≈ 8 kΩ, R2 ≈ 120 Ω) to deliver high DC current gain (hFE = 1000–20000) while maintaining low saturation voltage under heavy load. Its integrated antiparallel diode enables bidirectional current handling without external components in inductive load switching.
The device operates with negative polarity voltage/current conventions: VCBO = –80 V, VCEO = –80 V, IC = –10 A. Pulse operation supports ICM = –15 A with 300 µs pulse width and 1.5% duty cycle, enabling short-term surge capability beyond DC ratings.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | –80 V: Maximum reverse-biased collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines safe operating range in PNP switching applications. |
| IC | –10 A: Continuous DC collector current; determines maximum steady-state load drive capability in power stages. |
| Ptot | 65 W at Tc ≤ 25 °C: Total power dissipation limit; requires heatsinking to maintain junction temperature ≤ 150 °C. |
| hFE | 1000–20000 at IC = 5 A / VCE = 3 V: High DC current gain reduces required base drive current, easing driver design. |
| VCE(sat) | –2 V at IC = –5 A / IB = –10 mA: Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss and heat generation during on-state. |
| Rthj-case | 1.92 °C/W: Junction-to-case thermal resistance; enables calculation of heatsink requirements for thermal management. |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-220 (3-lead, straight lead, insulated tab). Mounting surface is electrically isolated from collector terminal. Standard mechanical dimensions per STMicroelectronics drawing P011C.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Emitter) | Emitter terminal of PNP Darlington pair | Connected to positive rail in high-side switch configurations; carries full load current. |
| 2 (Base) | Control input for Darlington pair | Drives internal R1–R2 bias network; requires ~10 mA for full turn-on at 5 A load. |
| 3 (Collector) | Collector terminal of PNP Darlington pair | Connected to load return path; internally tied to antiparallel diode anode for inductive kickback protection. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated antiparallel diode | Eliminates need for external flyback diode in relay/motor driver circuits, reducing BOM count and PCB area. |
| High hFE (≥1000) | Reduces base drive current requirement by >10× versus single PNP, simplifying gate/driver IC selection. |
| Low VCE(sat) (≤2 V @ 5 A) | Limits conduction loss to ≤10 W at 5 A, improving efficiency and easing thermal design in continuous-duty applications. |
| TO-220 package with insulated tab | Enables direct mounting to heatsink without electrical isolation hardware, lowering assembly cost and thermal interface resistance. |
Applications
| Motor Control Driver | Relay Driver Circuit |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 24 V DC brushed motors in industrial actuators with PWM switching up to 20 kHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side PNP Darlington switch controlling motor current path to ground. Use Value: Integrated antiparallel diode clamps inductive flyback, eliminating external diode and reducing component count by one. | Use Scenario: Controlling 120 V AC solenoid relays via microcontroller GPIO through optocoupler-isolated base drive. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: General-purpose power switch providing galvanically isolated load switching with fast turn-off. Use Value: Guaranteed hFE ≥ 1000 ensures reliable turn-on with ≤10 mA base current, compatible with standard logic-level drivers. |
| Linear Power Regulator | DC-DC Converter Output Stage |
Use Scenario: Pass element in adjustable 5–30 V, 5 A linear regulator for lab bench power supply. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Series pass transistor dissipating variable power based on output load and dropout voltage. Use Value: Rthj-case = 1.92 °C/W allows stable operation at 65 W with moderate heatsinking, supporting wide input-output differentials. | Use Scenario: Synchronous rectifier replacement in non-isolated buck converter output stage operating at 100 kHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-saturation PNP switch replacing Schottky diode to reduce conduction loss. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 2 V at 5 A cuts forward drop by >0.3 V versus typical 45 V Schottky, improving efficiency by ~2% at full load. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP Darlington switching applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJD6227G | Higher VCEO (–100 V), lower hFE (min 750), TO-263 package | Preferred for higher-voltage industrial systems requiring >80 V blocking; surface-mount only | Select when board space constraints favor SMT or system voltage exceeds 80 V. |
| TIP127 | Same VCEO (–80 V), lower IC (–5 A), no integrated diode, TO-220 | Requires external flyback diode; suitable for cost-sensitive designs where diode integration is not critical | Choose when thermal budget allows lower current rating and BOM flexibility justifies added component. |
Compared with MJD6227G and TIP127, the 2N6668 uniquely balances 10 A current capability, integrated diode, and through-hole TO-220 packaging-making it optimal for medium-power, serviceable, and thermally demanding industrial switching where reliability and repairability matter.
Availability
2N6668 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control drivers, relay driver circuits, linear power regulators, and DC-DC converter output stages requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for 2N6668 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, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing analog, digital, and mixed-signal ICs, discrete devices, and MEMS sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The 2N6668 belongs to ST's legacy power bipolar transistor family, engineered specifically for robust, high-current linear and switching applications in industrial controls and power conversion where reliability under thermal stress is critical.
FAQ
Is the 2N6668 pin-compatible with the TIP127?
No. While both are PNP Darlington transistors in TO-220 packages, the 2N6668 has emitter-base-collector pinout (E-B-C), whereas the TIP127 uses emitter-collector-base (E-C-B). Swapping them without verifying pin assignment will cause circuit failure or device damage.
Does the integrated antiparallel diode support bidirectional current flow?
Yes-the internal diode connects anode to collector and cathode to emitter, allowing reverse current from emitter to collector during inductive flyback. It is rated for the same peak current (15 A) and junction temperature (150 °C) as the transistor itself.
What is the minimum base current needed to saturate the 2N6668 at 10 A collector current?
Per datasheet, VCE(sat) = –3 V is specified at IC = –10 A and IB = –0.1 A. Therefore, 100 mA base current is required for guaranteed saturation at full rated current; design margin suggests using ≥120 mA for reliability across temperature.
Can the 2N6668 be used in parallel for higher current handling?
Not recommended without individual emitter resistors. The 2N6668 exhibits positive thermal feedback due to its Darlington structure, causing current hogging if paralleled directly. If required, use matched units with 0.1–0.22 Ω emitter ballast resistors and shared heatsinking.
2N6668 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- PNP - 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
2N6668 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 2N6668 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 2N6668 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 2N6668 reliable?
The price and inventory of 2N6668 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 2N6668 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 2N6668?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 2N6668 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 2N6668?
2N6668 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 2N6668 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 2N6668?
For technical support, including 2N6668 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 2N6668 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 2N6668 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 2N6668 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 2N6668 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 2N6668?
All 2N6668 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 2N6668, 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 2N6668 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 2N6668:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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