onsemi 2SC4169

Overview

2SC4169 from SANYO is an NPN epitaxial planar silicon transistor designed for inductive load switching in motor, relay, and printer hammer drivers. It features an on-chip 60±10 V Zener diode between collector and base, h_FE ≥ 1000 at I_C = 500 mA / V_CE = 5 V, E_s/b ≥ 15 mJ, I_C = 1.2 A DC, and P_C = 1 W at T_a = 25 °C.

For engineers reviewing the 2SC4169 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its integrated Zener clamping capability, high DC current gain for low-base-drive designs, inductive energy handling (15 mJ), saturation voltage behavior under pulsed loads, and thermal derating curve up to 150 °C junction temperature.

Technical Context

The 2SC4169 integrates a 60±10 V Zener diode across collector–base to suppress inductive kickback without external components. Its high h_FE (min 1000) enables efficient drive with low base current, reducing driver-stage complexity in discrete switching circuits.

Designed for single-pulse and repetitive inductive switching, it supports E_s/b ≥ 15 mJ at L = 100 µH, R_BE = 100 Ω, and T_c = 25 °C. Switching times are t_on = 2.0 µs, t_stg = 2.2 µs, and t_off = 4.0 µs under standardized test conditions (V_CC = 20 V, I_C = 500 mA).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

2SC4169 is housed in a TO-92MP (SANYO MP) plastic package with 3 leads: emitter (pin 1), collector (pin 2), base (pin 3). The package supports through-hole mounting and provides adequate thermal conduction for 1 W dissipation at ambient temperatures ≤ 70 °C with minimal heatsinking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 2SC4169, the 2SC4081 lacks Zener clamping and gain uniformity, increasing system-level component count and timing variability; BCX56-16 offers higher V_CEO but no E_s/b rating or integrated protection-making 2SC4169 uniquely suited for compact, high-reliability L-load drivers where snubber-free operation is mandatory.

Availability

2SC4169 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for printer hammer drivers, relay interface modules, and DC motor starter circuits requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and traceable sourcing for industrial control OEMs.

Supply support for 2SC4169 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 Electric Co., Ltd. was a Japanese semiconductor manufacturer known for high-performance discrete transistors and analog ICs before its acquisition by Panasonic in 2012. Its legacy products emphasize ruggedness and application-specific optimization.

The 2SC4169 belongs to SANYO's MP-series of medium-power switching transistors, engineered specifically for inductive load control in office automation and industrial electromechanical systems where integrated protection and gain consistency reduce system-level design risk.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current for the 2SC4169?

The 2SC4169 has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) of 1.2 A at T_a = 25 °C. This rating decreases with rising ambient temperature per the derating curve in the datasheet, reaching zero at T_a = 150 °C. For reliable long-term operation, design should maintain I_C ≤ 1.2 A only when heatsinking and airflow ensure case temperature remains within specification limits. The 2SC4169 also supports 2.5 A peak pulses (10 ms) within its ASO boundary.

Does the 2SC4169 require an external flyback diode when driving inductive loads?

No, the 2SC4169 does not require an external flyback diode because it integrates a 60±10 V Zener diode between collector and base. This on-chip Zener actively clamps inductive flyback voltage during turn-off, limiting V_CB to safe levels and protecting both the transistor and upstream driver circuitry. The 2SC4169's validated E_s/b ≥ 15 mJ confirms this capability under defined test conditions (L = 100 µH, R_BE = 100 Ω).

What is the DC current gain (h_FE) specification for the 2SC4169?

The 2SC4169 guarantees a minimum DC current gain (h_FE) of 1000 at V_CE = 5 V and I_C = 500 mA. This high gain enables low base drive current-typically under 0.5 mA for 500 mA collector load-reducing loading on microcontroller GPIOs or logic buffers. Gain remains stable across temperature (–40 °C to +120 °C), as confirmed by published h_FE vs. I_C curves in the 2SC4169 datasheet.

Can the 2SC4169 be used in surface-mount designs?

No, the 2SC4169 is packaged exclusively in the through-hole TO-92MP (SANYO MP) case and is not available in surface-mount variants. Its leaded construction requires PCB through-hole mounting and wave or hand soldering. For SMT-compatible alternatives with similar performance, engineers should evaluate functionally comparable parts such as the PBSS4041T (SOT-223) or MMBT4401 (SOT-23), though neither integrates a Zener diode like the 2SC4169.

What is the safe operating area (SOA) limitation for the 2SC4169 during inductive switching?

The 2SC4169's safe operating area is defined by its E_s/b ≥ 15 mJ rating under standardized test conditions (L = 100 µH, R_BE = 100 Ω, T_c = 25 °C), and its ASO boundary extends to 2.5 A peak current at V_CE = 20 V for 10 ms pulses. Operation beyond these limits risks second breakdown or thermal runaway. Designers must verify actual circuit L, R, and V_CC values against the published SOA graph (No.2476–3/3) to ensure the 2SC4169 remains within safe margins during all expected transients.