STMicroelectronics 2STA2121
- Part No.:
- 2STA2121
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-264-3, TO-264AA
- Datasheet:
-
2STA2121.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 250V 17A TO-264
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:243
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
2STA2121 from STMicroelectronics is a high-power PNP epitaxial planar bipolar transistor designed for linear audio power amplification, featuring VCEO = −250 V, IC = −17 A, fT = 25 MHz, and Rthj-case = 0.568 °C/W, deployed in TO-264 package for Class AB output stages.
For engineers reviewing the 2STA2121 datasheet, 2STA2121 pinout, 2STA2121 application, or 2STA2121 equivalent, key selection criteria include safe operating area at 125 °C, gain linearity under large-signal swing, complementary pairing with 2STC5949, and thermal derating above 25 °C case temperature.
Technical Context
This PNP transistor uses ST's BiT-LA (Bipolar transistor for linear amplifier) process to optimize hFE linearity across IC = −1 A to −7 A at VCE = −5 V, with guaranteed V(BR)CEO = −250 V under pulsed conditions (300 µs, ≤1.5% duty cycle).
It operates up to TJ = 150 °C, supports peak collector current of −34 A for <5 ms pulses, and delivers VCE(sat) = −3 V at IC = −8 A / IB = −800 mA-enabling efficient Class AB push-pull output stage design with low conduction loss.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −250 V: Sustains full rail-to-rail voltage swing in high-voltage audio output stages without breakdown. |
| IC | −17 A continuous: Supports ≥100 W RMS audio output into 4 Ω loads with proper heatsinking. |
| fT | 25 MHz: Enables stable wideband operation up to 20 kHz with margin for feedback loop stability. |
| Rthj-case | 0.568 °C/W: Requires minimum 0.5 °C/W heatsink thermal resistance to maintain TJ ≤ 150 °C at 220 W dissipation. |
| hFE | 80–160 @ IC = −1 A: Provides predictable base drive requirements and low distortion in linear biasing networks. |
| VCE(sat) | −3 V @ IC = −8 A: Limits conduction loss to ≤24 W per device in parallel-output configurations. |
Pinout & Package
Delivered in TO-264 (ISOWATT218) package: isolated metal tab, vertical mounting, screw-hole compatible, lead-free second-level interconnect per ECOPACK® standard.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Collector (Tab) | Main current sink terminal, electrically connected to metal case | Must be mounted to heatsink with electrically insulating but thermally conductive interface; defines reference for VCE and VCB. |
| Base | Current-controlled input node | Accepts negative base current to turn on; requires series resistor limiting IB to ≤−800 mA for rated saturation. |
| Emitter | Current source terminal | Connected to positive rail in PNP common-emitter amplifier; carries full load current with minimal voltage drop. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| BiT-LA process technology | Engineered for gain linearity over wide IC range, reducing harmonic distortion in audio output stages. |
| Complementary pairing with 2STC5949 | Enables matched push-pull output stage design with symmetrical VCEO, IC, and fT specs. |
| Full characterization at 125 °C | Guarantees electrical parameters remain valid under sustained high-temperature operation in enclosed amplifiers. |
| ECOPACK® lead-free construction | Meets RoHS and JEDEC JESD97 marking requirements for environmentally compliant manufacturing and assembly. |
Applications
| High-Fidelity Audio Amplifier | Professional PA Output Stage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Dual-rail ±100 V Class AB power amplifier delivering 150 W RMS into 8 Ω with THD <0.05%. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP output transistor in complementary pair with NPN 2STC5949, handling negative half-cycle current delivery. Use Value: VCEO = −250 V ensures 100 V rail margin; hFE linearity minimizes crossover distortion at low output levels. | Use Scenario: 300 W continuous-duty stage in touring-grade loudspeaker management system. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary PNP switching element in quasi-complementary output topology with forced-air cooling. Use Value: Rthj-case = 0.568 °C/W enables thermal stability at 125 °C case temperature during extended high-SPL operation. |
| Studio Monitor Power Module | Industrial Audio Signal Distribution |
Use Scenario: Bi-amplified near-field monitor with discrete analog output stage per frequency band. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final PNP gain stage driving low-impedance woofer section with DC-coupled feedback. Use Value: VCE(sat) = −3 V at −8 A reduces idle heating and improves efficiency in compact chassis designs. | Use Scenario: Centralized 70 V line amplifier feeding distributed ceiling speakers in commercial buildings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-voltage PNP output switch enabling transformerless 70 V line drive with fast transient response. Use Value: fT = 25 MHz supports clean reproduction of speech transients and background music harmonics up to 20 kHz. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-voltage PNP audio amplifier applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJE15034 | VCEO = −250 V, IC = −8 A, fT = 4 MHz, Rthj-case = 1.25 °C/W | Lower current rating and bandwidth; suitable only for ≤50 W designs | Select when lower cost and reduced thermal budget justify trade-offs in output power and fidelity. |
| BDW93C | VCEO = −100 V, IC = −15 A, fT = 3 MHz, Rthj-case = 0.83 °C/W | Half the breakdown voltage; requires dual-rail reduction or added protection circuitry | Choose only for legacy 50–70 V supply systems where board space limits heatsink size. |
Compared with MJE15034 and BDW93C, the 2STA2121 uniquely balances high voltage (−250 V), high current (−17 A), and wide bandwidth (25 MHz) while maintaining low thermal resistance-making it the sole option for new high-fidelity, high-power linear amplifier designs requiring full rail utilization and low distortion.
Availability
2STA2121 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-fidelity audio amplifiers, professional PA systems, and studio monitor power modules requiring stable component supply and long-term BOM continuity.
Supply support for 2STA2121 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 and discrete devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The 2STA2121 belongs to ST's high-power bipolar transistor family developed specifically for linear audio amplifier applications demanding high voltage, high current, and gain linearity-targeting professional and audiophile-grade equipment manufacturers.
FAQ
Is the 2STA2121 still in active production?
No-the official STMicroelectronics datasheet identifies 2STA2121 as "Obsolete Product(s)". However, Aetrix Electronics maintains legacy inventory with full traceability and offers lifecycle coordination support, including last-time buy planning and cross-reference guidance for redesign efforts.
Can the 2STA2121 be used in switching applications?
It is not recommended. The 2STA2121 is optimized for linear operation (BiT-LA process), with specified safe operating area curves and gain linearity-not switching speed or storage time. Its fT = 25 MHz and lack of specified ton/toff make it unsuitable for PWM or SMPS use.
What is the correct mounting orientation for the TO-264 package?
The metal tab is the collector and must be electrically isolated from the heatsink using mica or ceramic washers unless the circuit design intentionally references the heatsink to collector potential. Mounting screws must apply uniform pressure across the full tab surface to ensure optimal thermal transfer per the 0.568 °C/W rating.
How does the 2STA2121 compare to its NPN complement 2STC5949?
Both share identical VCEO (−250 V / +250 V), IC (−17 A / +17 A), fT (25 MHz), and Rthj-case (0.568 °C/W), with matched hFE ranges and 125 °C characterization-enabling true complementary symmetry in push-pull output stages without gain or thermal mismatch.
2STA2121 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-264-3, TO-264AA
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- PNP
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 17 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 250 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 3V @ 800mA, 8A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 5µA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 80 @ 1A, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 220 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 25MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-264
2STA2121 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 2STA2121 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 2STA2121 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 2STA2121 reliable?
The price and inventory of 2STA2121 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 2STA2121 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 2STA2121?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 2STA2121 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 2STA2121?
2STA2121 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 2STA2121 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 2STA2121?
For technical support, including 2STA2121 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 2STA2121 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 2STA2121 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 2STA2121 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 2STA2121 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 2STA2121?
All 2STA2121 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 2STA2121, 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 2STA2121 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 2STA2121:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
2STA2121 Tags

-
MMBT3906LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT3904-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
MMBT3904LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT3906-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
MMBT3904-TP
Micro Commercial Co

-
MMBT2222A-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
BC846BLT1G
onsemi

-
BC847B,215
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
SMMBT3904LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT2222A-TP
Micro Commercial Co

-
MMBTA06LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT2222ALT1G
onsemi
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
