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

onsemi BDW23CTU

Name: BDW23CTU
Brand: onsemi
SKU: BDW23CTU
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BDW23CTU

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-220-3

Datasheet:: BDW23CTU.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 100V 6A TO-220-3

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Product details

Overview

BDW23CTU from ON Semiconductor (formerly Fairchild) is an NPN epitaxial silicon Darlington transistor in TO-220 package, rated for 100 V V_CEO, 6 A DC collector current, and 50 W power dissipation at T_C = 25°C; used in hammer drivers and audio amplifiers requiring high-current switching with low base drive.

For engineers reviewing the BDW23CTU datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include V_CEO rating, h_FE at 6 A, V_CE(sat) under full load, thermal derating behavior, and complementary pairing with BDW24C.

Technical Context

The BDW23CTU integrates two cascaded NPN transistors in a monolithic Darlington configuration to achieve high DC current gain (h_FE ≥ 100 at I_C = 6 A) while maintaining V_CE(sat) ≤ 3 V at I_C = 6 A and I_B = 60 mA. It features an integrated parallel emitter-base diode (V_F = 1.8 V at I_F = 2 A) for clamping and flyback protection.

Designed for linear and switching operation up to 150°C junction temperature, it supports pulse currents up to 8 A (300 µs, 1.5% duty cycle) and exhibits defined safe operating area (SOA) boundaries across voltage and current domains per Figure 4 of the datasheet.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	100 V - Maximum continuous collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines upper rail limit in switching applications.
I_C (DC)	6 A - Sustained collector current capability; determines minimum heatsink sizing for continuous conduction.
P_C @ T_C=25°C	50 W - Thermal power limit at case temperature 25°C; requires active cooling above ~50°C case temp.
h_FE @ I_C=6 A	100 - Minimum DC current gain at full rated current; enables low base drive current (≤60 mA) for full output.
V_CE(sat) @ I_C=6 A	3 V - Saturation voltage at full load; directly impacts conduction loss (P_cond ≈ 18 W) and thermal design.
T_J max	150°C - Absolute maximum junction temperature; sets thermal shutdown threshold and SOA boundary.

Pinout & Package

BDW23CTU is housed in a standard TO-220 package with vertical mounting orientation, metal tab electrically connected to collector, and thermally optimized for heatsink attachment via screw or clip. Pin 1 = Base, Pin 2 = Collector (tab), Pin 3 = Emitter.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1 (Base)	Control input terminal	Receives low-current drive signal (≤60 mA) to switch 6 A collector current; requires series resistor for current limiting.
2 (Collector)	Main power output node	Connected to metal tab; must be isolated from heatsink unless circuit ground reference permits; carries full load current.
3 (Emitter)	Power return path	Serves as common emitter node; internal diode anode connects here for clamping; referenced to system ground or negative rail.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Darlington architecture	Two-stage NPN integration delivers h_FE ≥ 100 at 6 A, reducing base drive requirements by >10× vs. single transistor.
Integrated clamp diode	Monolithic emitter-base diode (V_F = 1.8 V @ 2 A) provides intrinsic flyback energy dissipation without external components.
High V_CEO rating	100 V withstand enables use in 48 V industrial supplies, solenoid drivers, and Class AB audio output stages.
TO-220 thermal interface	Standardized mechanical footprint and tab geometry allow drop-in replacement into existing heatsink fixtures and PCB layouts.

Applications

Industrial Solenoid Drivers	Linear Audio Output Stages
Use Scenario: Driving 24–48 V DC solenoids in programmable logic controller (PLC) output modules with 500 ms on-time and inductive kickback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current switching element controlling solenoid coil current; handles repetitive 8 A pulse transients. Use Value: Integrated clamp diode absorbs inductive energy, eliminating need for external TVS or freewheeling diode and reducing BOM count.	Use Scenario: Output stage in 20 W Class AB audio amplifier for public address systems with 8 Ω load and <1% THD at full power. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final power gain stage delivering peak 3.5 A current swing into speaker load; operates in linear region with bias control. Use Value: Low V_CE(sat) (≤3 V) minimizes quiescent power loss and improves thermal stability during sustained output.
DC Motor H-Bridge Legs	Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI)
Use Scenario: Low-side switch in brushed DC motor driver for HVAC damper actuators, operating at 30 V supply and 4 A continuous load. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Power switch in half-bridge configuration; commutates motor current with PWM up to 20 kHz. Use Value: 100 V V_CEO margin accommodates back-EMF spikes >60 V during rapid deceleration without failure.	Use Scenario: Primary discharge switch in motorcycle CDI units, triggering spark plug ignition via 100–200 A pulse into ignition coil primary. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed, high-current switch discharging 400 V capacitor bank; operates in saturated switching mode with <1 µs delay. Use Value: 8 A pulsed current rating (300 µs) supports reliable 150 A coil peak current via transformer step-up without second breakdown.

Industrial Solenoid Drivers

Linear Audio Output Stages

Use Scenario: Driving 24–48 V DC solenoids in programmable logic controller (PLC) output modules with 500 ms on-time and inductive kickback.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current switching element controlling solenoid coil current; handles repetitive 8 A pulse transients.

Use Value: Integrated clamp diode absorbs inductive energy, eliminating need for external TVS or freewheeling diode and reducing BOM count.

Use Scenario: Output stage in 20 W Class AB audio amplifier for public address systems with 8 Ω load and <1% THD at full power.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final power gain stage delivering peak 3.5 A current swing into speaker load; operates in linear region with bias control.

Use Value: Low V_CE(sat) (≤3 V) minimizes quiescent power loss and improves thermal stability during sustained output.

DC Motor H-Bridge Legs

Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI)

Use Scenario: Low-side switch in brushed DC motor driver for HVAC damper actuators, operating at 30 V supply and 4 A continuous load.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Power switch in half-bridge configuration; commutates motor current with PWM up to 20 kHz.

Use Value: 100 V V_CEO margin accommodates back-EMF spikes >60 V during rapid deceleration without failure.

Use Scenario: Primary discharge switch in motorcycle CDI units, triggering spark plug ignition via 100–200 A pulse into ignition coil primary.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed, high-current switch discharging 400 V capacitor bank; operates in saturated switching mode with <1 µs delay.

Use Value: 8 A pulsed current rating (300 µs) supports reliable 150 A coil peak current via transformer step-up without second breakdown.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
BDW23C (ON Semi)	Identical electrical specs and pinout; BDW23CTU is tape-and-reel variant of same die and package.	No functional difference; differs only in packaging format (tube vs. tape/reel) and traceability marking.	Select BDW23CTU for automated SMT placement; BDW23C for manual or semi-automated assembly.
TIP122 (STMicroelectronics)	Lower V_CEO (100 V same), but lower h_FE min (1000 vs. 100 at 6 A), higher V_CE(sat) (4 V), and no integrated diode.	Requires external flyback diode; less suitable for high-duty-cycle inductive loads without added components.	Choose TIP122 only if lower cost outweighs added BOM and layout complexity; verify SOA compliance at target frequency.

Compared with BDW23CTU, BDW23C offers identical performance in tube packaging, while TIP122 trades integrated protection and high-current gain for broader availability and lower unit cost-making BDW23CTU preferable where reliability, reduced component count, and thermal efficiency at full load are prioritized.

Availability

BDW23CTU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial solenoid drivers, linear audio output stages, DC motor H-bridge legs, and capacitor discharge ignition systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for BDW23CTU 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

ON Semiconductor (formerly Fairchild Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor supplier focused on power management, analog, sensors, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud power markets.

The BDW23CTU belongs to the legacy BDW23/A/B/C Darlington transistor family, designed specifically for high-current, medium-voltage switching in industrial controls and audio power stages where robustness and integrated protection are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for BDW23CTU?

The BDW23CTU is rated for 6 A DC collector current at case temperature T_C = 25°C. Derating is required above this temperature per the power derating curve in Figure 5 of the datasheet; at T_C = 100°C, maximum I_C drops to approximately 3.5 A. This rating assumes proper heatsinking and ambient conditions compliant with the SOA limits defined for BDW23CTU.

Does BDW23CTU include an integrated protection diode?

Yes, BDW23CTU integrates a monolithic emitter-base clamp diode with forward voltage V_F = 1.8 V at I_F = 2 A. This diode provides inherent flyback energy handling during inductive load switching, eliminating the need for an external freewheeling diode in many solenoid and relay driver designs. Its presence is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table under parameter "VF".

Is BDW23CTU pin-compatible with BDW23C?

Yes, BDW23CTU is fully pin-compatible with BDW23C - both share identical TO-220 package outline, pin assignment (Base–Collector–Emitter), and mechanical dimensions. The "TU" suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging for automated assembly, whereas BDW23C is supplied in tubes; all electrical and thermal specifications remain unchanged for BDW23CTU.

What is the minimum DC current gain (h_FE) of BDW23CTU at 6 A collector current?

The minimum DC current gain h_FE for BDW23CTU is 100 at V_CE = 3 V and I_C = 6 A, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table. This ensures reliable saturation with base drive current ≤60 mA, enabling efficient low-power control in high-current applications such as hammer drivers and audio amplifiers using BDW23CTU.

Can BDW23CTU be used as a direct replacement for BDW24C in complementary circuits?

No - BDW23CTU is an NPN Darlington transistor and is not a direct replacement for BDW24C, which is its PNP complement. They are designed to operate as matched pairs in push-pull or H-bridge configurations. Substituting BDW23CTU for BDW24C would invert polarity and cause circuit malfunction; always pair BDW23CTU with BDW24C (or equivalent PNP) for balanced operation in BDW23/A/B/C family designs.

BDW23CTU Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-220-3

Packaging:: Tube

Product Status:: Obsolete

Transistor Type:: NPN

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 6 A

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 100 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 3V @ 60mA, 6A

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 500µA

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 750 @ 2A, 3V

Power - Max:: 50 W

Frequency - Transition:: -

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-220-3

BDW23CTU FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BDW23CTU through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BDW23CTU 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 BDW23CTU reliable?

The price and inventory of BDW23CTU are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BDW23CTU is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BDW23CTU?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BDW23CTU transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BDW23CTU?

BDW23CTU orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BDW23CTU 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 BDW23CTU?

For technical support, including BDW23CTU datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BDW23CTU requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BDW23CTU is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BDW23CTU 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 BDW23CTU meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BDW23CTU?

All BDW23CTU units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BDW23CTU, 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 BDW23CTU part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BDW23CTU:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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