onsemi BD136

Overview

BD136 from onsemi is a PNP epitaxial silicon power transistor in the BD136/138/140 series, rated for −45 V V_CEO, −1.5 A DC collector current, and 12.5 W collector dissipation at T_C = 25°C. It serves as a complementary device to BD135 and is used in linear power supply regulators and audio output stages.

For engineers reviewing the BD136 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its TO−126 package, −45 V breakdown rating, h_FE ≥ 63 at I_C = −150 mA, V_CE(sat) ≤ −0.5 V at I_C = −500 mA/I_B = −50 mA, and Pb−free compliance per J-STD-609.

Technical Context

The BD136 operates as a medium-power PNP bipolar junction transistor with fixed gain structure optimized for linear amplification and switching in low-frequency power circuits. Its safe operating area (SOA) is defined up to 10 s pulse width and DC operation, with thermal derating starting at T_C > 25°C.

It features a single-junction structure with emitter-base and collector-base junctions rated for −5 V and −45 V respectively, and supports base-driven operation with V_BE(on) = −1 V at I_C = −0.5 A - enabling predictable turn-on in discrete driver stages.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BD136 is housed in a TO−126 (Case 340AS) plastic power package with three leads: Emitter (Lead 1), Collector (Lead 2), Base (Lead 3). The package provides mechanical robustness and thermal path via the metal tab (Collector-connected).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BD139 and MJD127, the BD136 offers optimal balance of voltage margin, gain consistency, and through-hole manufacturability for −45 V systems where cost and legacy board compatibility are priorities.

Availability

BD136 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for linear power supply regulators, audio output stages, DC motor drivers, and relay driver circuits requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for BD136 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 (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor supplier delivering energy-efficient, intelligent power and sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, medical, and IoT applications.

The BD136 belongs to onsemi's legacy bipolar power transistor product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, medium-power linear and switching applications in industrial controls and analog power systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for BD136?

The BD136 has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of −1.5 A at T_C = 25°C. This value decreases with rising case temperature per the derating curve in Figure 5. At T_C = 100°C, the usable I_C drops to approximately −0.75 A. Designers must ensure heatsinking maintains T_C within limits to sustain full current in the BD136.

Is BD136 pin-compatible with BD135?

No - BD136 (PNP) and BD135 (NPN) are complementary devices with identical TO−126 packages and matching pinouts (Emitter–Collector–Base), but opposite polarity. Their pin assignments align mechanically and electrically for push-pull use, but BD136 cannot substitute directly for BD135 in circuit function without topology changes.

Does BD136 require a heatsink in typical applications?

Yes - the BD136 dissipates up to 12.5 W at T_C = 25°C, but its thermal resistance (R_θJC) is ~10°C/W. Without a heatsink, even modest power dissipation (e.g., 2 W) raises junction temperature beyond safe limits. A minimum 2°C/W heatsink is recommended for sustained operation above 500 mA in linear mode.

What does the "16" suffix in BD13616STU indicate?

The "16" in BD13616STU denotes the h_FE gain bin: devices marked BD13616 have h_FE = 100–160 at I_C = −150 mA, whereas BD13610 devices specify h_FE = 63–100. Both share identical absolute maximum ratings and package; the suffix enables gain-matched pairing in differential or push-pull circuits using the BD136.

Can BD136 be used in switching power supplies?

The BD136 is not optimized for high-frequency switching due to minority-carrier storage time limitations. It supports low-frequency (<10 kHz) hard-switching in relay drivers or PWM motor control, but for SMPS applications, MOSFETs or faster BJTs like MMBT5401 are preferred. Its SOA and V_CE(sat) make it viable only in quasi-resonant or low-duty-cycle topologies.