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

onsemi 2SC3746S

Name: 2SC3746S
Brand: onsemi
SKU: 2SC3746S
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: 2SC3746S

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-220-3 Full Pack

Datasheet:: 2SC3746S.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 60V 5A TO-220ML

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

2SC3746S from SANYO Semiconductor is an NPN epitaxial planar silicon transistor designed for high-speed switching in power amplifiers, inverters, and lamp drivers. It delivers 5 A continuous collector current, 60 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, and 0.4 V saturation voltage at 2.5 A/0.125 A drive - enabling efficient operation in automotive stereo power stages and fluorescent lighting circuits.

For engineers reviewing the 2SC3746S datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 100 MHz gain-bandwidth product, short 0.1 µs turn-on time, low 0.5 µs storage time, TO-220ML micaless package thermal performance, and hFE classification (Rank S: 140–280 at IC = 1 A).

Technical Context

The 2SC3746S employs a planar epitaxial structure optimized for fast switching with minimal charge storage. Its low V_CE(sat) and high f_T support stable high-current gain across temperature (–40°C to +120°C), while the micaless TO-220ML package enables direct heatsink mounting without insulating washers.

It operates as a single-element NPN switch with fixed emitter-base and collector-base junction ratings. No integrated protection diodes, bias networks, or driver circuitry are present - requiring external base current limiting and flyback suppression in inductive load applications.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	60 V - supports operation in 48 V automotive and 40 V DC bus inverter stages without derating
I_C (continuous)	5 A - sufficient for 50–100 W audio output stages or 30–60 W lamp ballast drivers
V_CE(sat)	–0.4 V @ I_C=2.5 A, I_B=0.125 A - reduces conduction loss to <1 W at rated current
f_T	100 MHz - ensures stable gain up to ~10 MHz switching frequencies in SMPS and flash drivers
t_on/t_f	0.1 µs / 0.1 µs - enables clean square-wave switching at ≥1 MHz with minimal overlap loss
P_C @ T_c=25°C	20 W - allows 5 A operation with moderate heatsinking (e.g., 2°C/W thermal resistance)
h_FE Rank S	140–280 @ V_CE=2 V, I_C=1 A - provides predictable base drive requirements in linear and saturated modes

Pinout & Package

2SC3746S uses the TO-220ML (micaless) package: a 3-lead, through-hole, thermally enhanced variant of TO-220 with exposed collector tab for direct heatsink attachment and no insulating mica required.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1 (Base)	Current-controlled input terminal	Receives forward-biased base current (I_B) to saturate or cut off the transistor; requires external series resistor for current limiting
2 (Collector)	Main high-current output terminal	Connected to heatsink via metal tab; electrically tied to case - must be isolated from other potentials unless system ground reference permits
3 (Emitter)	Common return path for collector and base currents	Serves as low-impedance current sink; typically connected to system ground or negative rail in low-side switch configurations

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Low saturation voltage	V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.4 V at 2.5 A enables >95% efficiency in Class AB amplifier output stages
Short switching time	Combined t_on + t_stg + t_f < 0.7 µs minimizes switching loss in 500 kHz–1 MHz DC-DC converters
High h_FE consistency	Rank S (140–280) ensures tight base drive tolerance across production lots for automated BOM planning
Micaless TO-220ML package	Eliminates thermal interface resistance from mica insulator - improves thermal impedance by ~1.2°C/W vs standard TO-220

Applications

Automotive Audio Power Amplifier	Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Use Scenario: Driving 4 Ω speaker loads in OEM car stereo head units with ±24 V rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN output switch in complementary push-pull stage, operating in Class AB with 10–20 kHz signal bandwidth. Use Value: Low V_CE(sat) and high h_FE reduce heat generation and simplify bias network design versus lower-gain alternatives.	Use Scenario: High-frequency AC generation (20–60 kHz) for instant-start fluorescent tubes in industrial lighting fixtures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary switching element in Royer or half-bridge resonant inverter topology. Use Value: 100 MHz f_T and sub-µs switching times maintain waveform fidelity and minimize core losses in ferrite transformers.
DC-DC Switching Regulator	Motor Controller Output Stage
Use Scenario: 48 V input, 12 V/3 A output buck converter in telecom power supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main power switch controlling energy transfer into output inductor at 300–500 kHz. Use Value: Fast turn-off (t_f = 0.1 µs) prevents shoot-through in synchronous designs and reduces gate drive complexity.	Use Scenario: H-bridge leg driver for 24 V brushed DC motors in industrial actuators (5–10 A peak). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side NPN switch handling bidirectional current during PWM commutation. Use Value: Robust 7 A pulse rating (I_CP) accommodates motor stall currents without secondary overcurrent protection.

Automotive Audio Power Amplifier

Fluorescent Lamp Inverter

Use Scenario: Driving 4 Ω speaker loads in OEM car stereo head units with ±24 V rails.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN output switch in complementary push-pull stage, operating in Class AB with 10–20 kHz signal bandwidth.

Use Value: Low V_CE(sat) and high h_FE reduce heat generation and simplify bias network design versus lower-gain alternatives.

Use Scenario: High-frequency AC generation (20–60 kHz) for instant-start fluorescent tubes in industrial lighting fixtures.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary switching element in Royer or half-bridge resonant inverter topology.

Use Value: 100 MHz f_T and sub-µs switching times maintain waveform fidelity and minimize core losses in ferrite transformers.

DC-DC Switching Regulator

Motor Controller Output Stage

Use Scenario: 48 V input, 12 V/3 A output buck converter in telecom power supplies.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main power switch controlling energy transfer into output inductor at 300–500 kHz.

Use Value: Fast turn-off (t_f = 0.1 µs) prevents shoot-through in synchronous designs and reduces gate drive complexity.

Use Scenario: H-bridge leg driver for 24 V brushed DC motors in industrial actuators (5–10 A peak).

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side NPN switch handling bidirectional current during PWM commutation.

Use Value: Robust 7 A pulse rating (I_CP) accommodates motor stall currents without secondary overcurrent protection.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-speed switching transistor applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
2SC4793	Same TO-220ML package; V_CEO = 60 V, I_C = 5 A, but f_T = 80 MHz and V_CE(sat) = 0.5 V @ 2.5 A	Marginally slower switching and higher conduction loss - suitable where 20% lower f_T is acceptable	Prefer 2SC3746S when >10 MHz signal integrity or <0.45 V saturation is required
MJD127	TO-252 (DPAK) surface-mount; V_CEO = 60 V, I_C = 5 A, f_T = 100 MHz, but V_CE(sat) = 0.6 V @ 2 A and P_C = 15 W @ T_c = 25°C	Lower thermal capability and higher saturation voltage - best for space-constrained PCBs where heatsink area is limited	Choose 2SC3746S for through-hole assembly, higher power density, or direct heatsink mounting

Compared with 2SC4793 and MJD127, the 2SC3746S offers superior combination of speed (100 MHz f_T), low-loss switching (0.4 V V_CE(sat)), and thermal robustness (20 W at T_c = 25°C), making it optimal for high-reliability 5 A switching nodes demanding minimal conduction and switching loss.

Availability

2SC3746S is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive audio amplifiers, fluorescent lamp inverters, DC-DC switching regulators, and motor controller output stages requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for 2SC3746S 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

SANYO Semiconductor was a Japanese semiconductor manufacturer specializing in analog, power, and discrete devices before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2013. Known for high-reliability power transistors and optoelectronics.

The 2SC3746S belongs to SANYO's legacy high-speed bipolar transistor family targeting industrial switching and audio power applications - engineered for thermal stability, consistent h_FE, and rugged TO-220ML packaging.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the 2SC3746S?

The 2SC3746S has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 5 A at T_c = 25°C. This rating assumes proper heatsinking - derating applies above 25°C case temperature per the PC–Tc curve in the datasheet. At 100°C case temperature, usable I_C drops to approximately 3.2 A to maintain safe junction temperature.

Does the 2SC3746S have built-in protection features such as thermal shutdown or overcurrent sensing?

No, the 2SC3746S is a bare silicon bipolar junction transistor with no integrated protection circuitry. It relies entirely on external design elements - including base current limiting resistors, snubber networks, heatsinking, and system-level current monitoring - to prevent thermal runaway or secondary breakdown. Safe operation requires adherence to absolute maximum ratings and proper SOA compliance.

What is the pin configuration of the 2SC3746S in the TO-220ML package?

The 2SC3746S uses a standard TO-220ML pinout: Pin 1 is Base, Pin 2 is Collector (electrically connected to the metal tab), and Pin 3 is Emitter. The metal tab is not insulated - it must be electrically isolated from the heatsink unless the collector node is referenced to chassis ground. Mounting requires non-conductive hardware or insulating pads only if collector isolation is needed.

Can the 2SC3746S replace the 2SC3746 without modification?

Yes, the 2SC3746S is a screened version of the 2SC3746 with tighter h_FE distribution (Rank S: 140–280) and identical absolute maximum ratings, electrical characteristics, and package. No PCB or schematic changes are required - it is a direct drop-in replacement offering improved binning consistency for production line yield and bias stability.

What is the typical gain-bandwidth product (f_T) of the 2SC3746S and how does it affect switching performance?

The 2SC3746S has a typical f_T of 100 MHz at V_CE = 5 V and I_C = 1 A. This high f_T ensures strong current gain at frequencies up to ~10 MHz, supporting clean, low-distortion switching in high-frequency inverters and SMPS. It directly correlates with short minority-carrier transit time, contributing to the device's 0.1 µs turn-on and fall times.

2SC3746S Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-220-3 Full Pack

Packaging:: Bulk

Product Status:: Active

Transistor Type:: NPN

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 5 A

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 60 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 400mV @ 125mA, 2.5A

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 100µA (ICBO)

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 140 @ 1A, 2V

Power - Max:: 2 W

Frequency - Transition:: 100MHz

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-220ML

2SC3746S FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 2SC3746S through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 2SC3746S 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 2SC3746S reliable?

The price and inventory of 2SC3746S are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 2SC3746S is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 2SC3746S?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 2SC3746S transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 2SC3746S?

2SC3746S orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 2SC3746S 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 2SC3746S?

For technical support, including 2SC3746S datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 2SC3746S requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 2SC3746S is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 2SC3746S 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 2SC3746S meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 2SC3746S?

All 2SC3746S units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 2SC3746S, 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 2SC3746S part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 2SC3746S:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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