STMicroelectronics BD912
- Part No.:
- BD912
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
BD912.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 100V 15A TO-220
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:638
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Product details
Overview
BD912 from STMicroelectronics is a complementary silicon PNP power transistor in TO-220 package, designed for high-current linear and switching applications such as audio output stages and DC motor drivers. It features VCEO = –100 V, IC = –15 A, Ptot = 90 W at Tc ≤ 25 °C, and Rthj-case = 1.4 °C/W, enabling robust thermal performance in industrial power amplifiers.
For engineers reviewing the BD912 datasheet, BD912 pinout, BD912 application, or BD912 equivalent, key selection criteria include its negative-polarity voltage/current ratings, saturation behavior under pulsed conditions (VCE(sat) = –3 V @ IC = –10 A, IB = –2.5 A), DC current gain (hFE = 5–150), and safe operating area derating curves for reliable power stage design.
Technical Context
The BD912 operates as a medium-power PNP bipolar junction transistor with epitaxial-base construction, optimized for linear amplification and hard-switching duty. Its rated VCBO = –100 V and VCEO(sus) = –100 V support high-voltage rail operation, while fT = 3 MHz enables moderate-frequency switching up to ~100 kHz in Class AB or quasi-resonant topologies.
Thermal design is anchored by a low junction-to-case thermal resistance of 1.4 °C/W and a maximum junction temperature of 150 °C. The device exhibits defined cutoff characteristics (ICBO ≤ 500 µA @ VCB = –100 V, Tcase = 150 °C) and controlled saturation behavior (VBE(sat) = –2.5 V @ IC = –10 A, IB = –2.5 A).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | –100 V: Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown with base open; defines safe DC rail headroom in PNP emitter-follower or common-emitter configurations. |
| IC | –15 A: Continuous collector current rating; supports high-power audio output or motor drive stages without forced cooling at Tc ≤ 25 °C. |
| Ptot | 90 W: Total power dissipation at case temperature ≤ 25 °C; requires heatsink sizing based on Rthj-case + Rthcase-ambient. |
| hFE | 5–150: DC current gain range across IC = 0.5–10 A; enables predictable base drive sizing for linear biasing or switch-mode gate driving. |
| Rthj-case | 1.4 °C/W: Junction-to-case thermal resistance; determines minimum heatsink thermal resistance needed to maintain Tj ≤ 150 °C under load. |
| VCE(sat) | –3 V @ IC = –10 A, IB = –2.5 A: Saturation voltage under pulsed conditions; directly impacts conduction loss and thermal rise in switching applications. |
| fT | 3 MHz: Transition frequency at IC = 0.5 A, VCE = 4 V; sets upper limit for small-signal amplification bandwidth and switching speed feasibility. |
Pinout & Package
BD912 is housed in a standard JEDEC TO-220 plastic package with three leads: Collector (pin 1), Base (pin 2), Emitter (pin 3). The metal tab is electrically connected to the collector and serves as the primary thermal path to the heatsink.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Tab/Lead) | Collector | Primary high-current output terminal; electrically tied to metal tab for direct heatsink mounting and low-inductance thermal path. |
| 2 | Base | Control input requiring precise current sourcing/sinking; base-emitter junction must be reverse-biased during off-state to prevent latch-up. |
| 3 | Emitter | Common reference node in PNP configurations; typically connected to positive supply rail in high-side switch or emitter-follower topologies. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Complementary Pairing | Matched with BD911 (NPN) for push-pull amplifier stages, ensuring symmetrical gain, saturation, and thermal tracking. |
| High Safe Operating Area (SOA) | Defined DC and pulsed SOA curves enable reliable operation at high VCE/IC combinations without secondary breakdown. |
| Epitaxial Base Construction | Improves switching speed consistency and reduces storage time versus diffused-base alternatives, supporting stable Class AB biasing. |
| JEDEC TO-220 Standardization | Ensures mechanical compatibility with industry-standard heatsinks, mounting hardware, and PCB footprints across OEM designs. |
Applications
| Audio Power Amplifier | DC Motor Driver |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-fidelity Class AB audio output stage delivering >50 W into 4 Ω loads with low crossover distortion. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP output transistor in complementary pair with BD911, handling negative half-cycle current delivery and thermal sharing. Use Value: VCEO = –100 V and hFE ≥ 15 at IC = –5 A ensure clean signal swing and minimal bias drift over temperature. | Use Scenario: H-bridge arm in industrial DC motor control, operating from 48 V bus with peak currents up to 12 A. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side PNP switch in totem-pole configuration, driven by level-shifted base control logic. Use Value: Rthj-case = 1.4 °C/W and Ptot = 90 W allow sustained 10 A operation with passive heatsinking in enclosed enclosures. |
| Linear Voltage Regulator | Switch-Mode Power Supply |
Use Scenario: Pass transistor in adjustable 3 A, 60 V linear regulator for test equipment power supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Series pass element dissipating up to 75 W under worst-case dropout, thermally coupled to chassis. Use Value: VCEO(sus) = –100 V guarantees safe operation during transient overvoltage events on unregulated input rails. | Use Scenario: Low-frequency (≤50 kHz) flyback or forward converter primary-side switch in auxiliary power supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Hard-switched PNP transistor in self-oscillating or PWM-controlled topology with snubber-assisted turn-off. Use Value: fT = 3 MHz and defined ICBO/ICEO support stable switching with minimal timing jitter and leakage-induced drift. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP power transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJD47 | VCEO = –100 V, IC = –10 A, Ptot = 50 W, Rthj-case = 2.5 °C/W | Lower power rating and higher thermal resistance limit continuous current capability in compact heatsinks. | Preferred where board space or cost constraints outweigh need for full 15 A rating. |
| BD139 | VCEO = –80 V, IC = –1.5 A, Ptot = 12.5 W, TO-126 package | Not pin-compatible; significantly lower voltage, current, and power handling; unsuitable for BD912's target applications. | Only viable in low-power legacy replacements where system-level derating permits. |
Compared with MJD47 and BD139, BD912 delivers superior thermal performance (1.4 vs. 2.5 °C/W), higher current capacity (15 A vs. 10 A or 1.5 A), and full 100 V blocking - making it uniquely suitable for industrial-grade linear and switching power stages requiring sustained high-power operation.
Availability
BD912 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio power amplifiers, DC motor drivers, linear voltage regulators, and low-frequency switch-mode power supplies requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.
Supply support for BD912 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, specializing in power management, analog, microcontrollers, and automotive ICs.
BD912 belongs to ST's legacy discrete power transistor product line, developed specifically for high-reliability industrial and audio applications demanding ruggedized bipolar devices with defined SOA and thermal stability.
FAQ
Is BD912 pin-compatible with BD910?
Yes, BD912 and BD910 share identical TO-220 package pinout (Collector-Base-Emitter) and mechanical dimensions. However, BD912 is rated for VCEO = –100 V and IC = –15 A, whereas BD910 is rated for VCEO = –80 V and IC = –15 A. Electrical substitution requires verification of voltage margin in the target circuit.
What is the maximum safe continuous collector current for BD912 at 75 °C case temperature?
At Tc = 75 °C, BD912's maximum continuous collector current is approximately –10.7 A. This is derived from linear derating: 90 W × (1 – (75 – 25)/125) = 54 W, then IC = √(Ptot/RCE(sat)) ≈ √(54 W / 0.3 Ω) ≈ –10.7 A, assuming typical VCE(sat) ≈ –3 V at IC = –10 A.
Can BD912 be used in avalanche mode?
No, BD912 is not rated or characterized for avalanche operation. Its VCEO(sus) = –100 V is specified under pulsed conditions with defined test parameters, but the datasheet does not guarantee controlled avalanche energy absorption or ruggedness. Use only within SOA limits.
Does BD912 require a base resistor when used as a switch?
Yes, BD912 requires an external base resistor to limit IB and ensure saturation. For IC = –10 A and hFE(min) = 5, minimum IB = –2 A is needed. With VBE(sat) ≈ –2.5 V and driver voltage of –5 V, RB ≈ 1.25 Ω ensures reliable turn-on while avoiding excessive base current.
BD912 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Transistor Type:
- PNP
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 15 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 100 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 3V @ 2.5A, 10A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 1mA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 15 @ 5A, 4V
- Power - Max:
- 90 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 3MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220
BD912 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BD912 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BD912 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 BD912 reliable?
The price and inventory of BD912 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BD912 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BD912?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BD912 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BD912?
BD912 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BD912 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 BD912?
For technical support, including BD912 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BD912 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BD912 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BD912 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 BD912 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BD912?
All BD912 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BD912, 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 BD912 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BD912:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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