onsemi BDX54CTU
- Part No.:
- BDX54CTU
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
BDX54CTU.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP DARL 100V 8A TO-220-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,732
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Product details
Overview
BDX54CTU from onsemi is a PNP silicon Darlington transistor designed for medium-power linear amplification and low-speed switching in industrial control and power supply circuits. It delivers 8 A continuous collector current, sustains 100 V collector-emitter voltage (VCEO(sus)), and exhibits typical DC current gain (hFE) of 750 at IC = 3.0 A, with VCE(sat) ≤ 2.0 V at IC = 3.0 A and IB = 12 mA.
For engineers reviewing the BDX54CTU datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this device is evaluated for high-current, low-frequency switching in relay drivers, motor controls, and linear regulator pass elements where robust thermal performance and built-in base-emitter shunt resistors simplify drive requirements.
Technical Context
The BDX54CTU is a monolithic PNP Darlington pair with integrated base-emitter shunt resistors, enabling simplified biasing and improved turn-off behavior versus discrete cascaded transistors. Its structure supports operation up to +150°C junction temperature and features a TO-220 package with two collector terminals for enhanced thermal and current-handling capability.
It operates in the active and saturation regions with specified safe operating area (SOA) limits up to 100 V and 8 A under DC conditions, and its thermal resistance (RJC = 1.92°C/W) enables direct heatsink mounting for reliable 65 W power dissipation at TC = 25°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO(sus) | 100 V min - Sustains 100 V with 100 mA collector current and zero base drive, defining maximum off-state blocking capability in switching applications. |
| IC (continuous) | 8.0 A - Supports sustained load currents up to 8 A without derating, suitable for driving solenoids, fans, or power stage pass devices. |
| hFE | 750 min @ IC = 3.0 A, VCE = 3.0 V - Enables low base drive current (e.g., ~4 mA for 3 A output), reducing driver-stage complexity. |
| VCE(sat) | 2.0 V max @ IC = 3.0 A, IB = 12 mA - Limits conduction loss to ≤6 W at 3 A, critical for thermal management in linear regulators. |
| PD @ TC = 25°C | 65 W - Maximum power dissipation with case temperature maintained at 25°C; requires heatsink for real-world operation. |
| RJC | 1.92 °C/W - Junction-to-case thermal resistance confirms efficient heat transfer to external heatsink via TO-220 mounting tab. |
| TJ range | −65°C to +150°C - Wide operating junction temperature range supports deployment in industrial and automotive under-hood environments. |
Pinout & Package
BDX54CTU is housed in a TO-220 package (Case 221A, Style 1) with four leads: two collectors (pins 2 and 4), one emitter (pin 3), and one base (pin 1). The metal tab is electrically connected to collector and serves as primary thermal path.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base | Control input node; internal shunt resistor provides defined turn-off path, reducing need for external pull-down. |
| 2 | Collector | Main high-current output terminal; electrically tied to metal tab and pin 4 for parallel current handling and thermal conduction. |
| 3 | Emitter | Power return path; carries full load current and connects to system ground or negative rail in PNP configurations. |
| 4 | Collector | Secondary collector terminal; redundant connection to same internal node as pin 2, enabling dual-point PCB routing or split heatsink contact. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Monolithic Darlington construction | Integrates driver and output transistors plus base-emitter shunt resistors on single die, eliminating external bias components and improving reliability. |
| High VCEO(sus) rating | 100 V minimum ensures robustness against inductive kickback in relay and motor control, reducing snubber design burden. |
| Low VCE(sat) at high current | ≤2.0 V at 3 A enables <6 W conduction loss, supporting compact thermal solutions in space-constrained power stages. |
| TO-220 dual-collector layout | Two collector pins (2 & 4) and metal tab sharing same node improve current distribution and reduce trace inductance in high-di/dt switching. |
| Pb-free and RoHS-compliant | Meets global environmental regulations without performance trade-offs; compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles. |
Applications
| DC Motor Control | Linear Voltage Regulator |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Controlling bidirectional 24 V DC brushed motors in industrial actuators using H-bridge topology with PNP high-side switches. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP Darlington switch providing high-side current sourcing; handles 5–8 A stall current with minimal base drive. Use Value: High hFE reduces microcontroller GPIO loading, while 100 V VCEO(sus) tolerates back-EMF spikes during commutation without clamping diodes. |
Use Scenario: Pass element in adjustable 3–30 V, 5 A linear regulator for test equipment requiring ultra-low noise and fast transient response. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Series-pass transistor regulating output by modulating base current; operates in active region with precise VBE tracking. Use Value: Low VCE(sat) minimizes dropout voltage and power loss, while RJC = 1.92°C/W allows stable 5 A operation with moderate heatsinking. |
| Relay Driver Circuit | High-Current Switching Power Supply |
|
Use Scenario: Driving 12 V/10 A electromagnetic relays in PLC output modules where isolation and surge immunity are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage switch interfacing microcontroller logic to relay coil; configured as saturated switch with fixed base current. Use Value: Built-in base-emitter shunt resistor ensures rapid turn-off, preventing relay chatter during PWM or intermittent control signals. |
Use Scenario: Primary-side switching element in offline flyback converters rated up to 150 W, operating below 20 kHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-frequency power switch replacing MOSFETs in cost-sensitive designs; driven by optocoupler-isolated gate driver. Use Value: 65 W power rating and SOA curves validated to 100 V/8 A enable reliable operation under overload and short-circuit conditions without secondary protection. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP Darlington transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJD44H11T4G | TO-252 (DPAK) package, 8 A IC, 80 V VCEO, hFE = 750 min - lower voltage rating and surface-mount form factor. | Preferred for automated SMT assembly and space-constrained PCBs; unsuitable for >80 V bus applications. | Select when board space and assembly method prioritize SMT over through-hole; verify SOA compatibility at target voltage. |
| BDX54B | Same TO-220 package and pinout, but 80 V VCEO(sus) (vs. 100 V), otherwise identical electrical specs and thermal performance. | Valid drop-in replacement where system voltage remains ≤80 V; offers cost advantage without functional compromise. | Choose for legacy designs or cost-sensitive volume production where 80 V margin suffices and no redesign is needed. |
Compared with MJD44H11T4G, BDX54CTU provides higher voltage blocking and through-hole mountability; compared with BDX54B, it adds 20 V headroom for transient tolerance-critical in unregulated or noisy DC bus environments.
Availability
BDX54CTU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, programmable power supplies, and relay-based control systems requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for BDX54CTU 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 manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power, analog, sensor, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.
The BDX54CTU belongs to onsemi's legacy plastic medium-power complementary transistor family, engineered for rugged, cost-effective linear amplification and low-speed switching in industrial infrastructure and power conversion equipment.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for BDX54CTU?
The BDX54CTU is rated for 8.0 A continuous collector current (IC) at case temperature TC = 25°C. This rating assumes proper heatsinking; derating applies above 25°C at 0.48 W/°C. At elevated case temperatures, the usable current must be reduced per the power derating curve in Figure 1 of the datasheet to maintain junction temperature within −65°C to +150°C limits.
Does BDX54CTU have built-in base-emitter resistors?
Yes, the BDX54CTU features monolithic construction with built-in base-emitter shunt resistors. This design ensures predictable turn-off behavior and eliminates the need for external pull-down resistors in most switching applications, simplifying driver circuitry and improving reliability in industrial control environments.
What is the collector-emitter sustaining voltage (VCEO(sus)) specification for BDX54CTU?
The BDX54CTU has a minimum collector-emitter sustaining voltage (VCEO(sus)) of 100 Vdc at IC = 100 mAdc and IB = 0. This parameter defines the maximum voltage the device can block in the off state under specified test conditions and is critical for selecting appropriate snubbing or clamping in inductive load applications.
Can BDX54CTU be used in linear regulator applications?
Yes, the BDX54CTU is suitable for linear regulator pass transistor applications due to its 65 W power dissipation capability at TC = 25°C, low VCE(sat) of ≤2.0 V at 3 A, and stable hFE across temperature. Its TO-220 package allows direct mounting to heatsinks, making it viable for adjustable 5–30 V, 3–5 A regulators where low noise and simplicity are prioritized over switching efficiency.
Is BDX54CTU RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the BDX54CTU is Pb-free and RoHS compliant, as confirmed in the official onsemi datasheet (Rev. 15, November 2014). The "G" suffix in ordering codes (e.g., BDX54CG) explicitly denotes the Pb-free version, and the device meets JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level (MSL) requirements for standard reflow soldering processes.
BDX54CTU Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- PNP - Darlington
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 8 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 100 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 2V @ 12mA, 3A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 500µA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 750 @ 3A, 3V
- Power - Max:
- 60 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220-3
BDX54CTU FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BDX54CTU through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BDX54CTU 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 BDX54CTU reliable?
The price and inventory of BDX54CTU are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BDX54CTU is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BDX54CTU?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BDX54CTU transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BDX54CTU?
BDX54CTU orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BDX54CTU 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 BDX54CTU?
For technical support, including BDX54CTU datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BDX54CTU requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BDX54CTU is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BDX54CTU 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 BDX54CTU meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BDX54CTU?
All BDX54CTU units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BDX54CTU, 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 BDX54CTU part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BDX54CTU:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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