onsemi BU406
- Part No.:
- BU406
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
BU406.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 200V 7A TO-220-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,795
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
BU406 from STMicroelectronics is a silicon epitaxial planar NPN switching transistor in TO-220 package, designed for horizontal deflection output stages in monochrome TV receivers with 110° CRTs. It delivers 7 A continuous collector current, 400 V collector-base voltage, 10 MHz transition frequency, 0.75 µs turn-off time, and 60 W total power dissipation at Tc ≤ 25 °C.
For engineers reviewing the BU406 datasheet, BU406 pinout, BU406 application, or BU406 equivalent, key selection criteria include high-voltage switching capability (VCEO = 200 V), fast turn-off performance (toff = 0.75 µs), second-breakdown robustness (Is/b = 4 A at VCE = 40 V), thermal resistance (Rthj-case = 2.08 °C/W), and TO-220 mechanical compatibility for heatsink mounting.
Technical Context
The BU406 operates as a high-voltage, high-speed switching transistor optimized for flyback energy recovery in CRT horizontal deflection circuits. Its design incorporates epitaxial planar structure to support repetitive 15 A peak collector current (tp < 10 ms) and withstand 400 V VCBO with low leakage (ICES ≤ 5 mA at VCE = 400 V).
It features pulsed saturation characteristics: VCE(sat) = 1 V at IC = 5 A/IB = 0.5 A and VBE(sat) = 1.2 V under identical conditions. Second breakdown limit is specified at 4 A for 10 ms at VCE = 40 V, confirming ruggedness for line-output duty cycles.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCBO | 400 V - supports safe operation in high-voltage horizontal deflection flyback circuits without breakdown |
| IC (continuous) | 7 A - sustains steady-state current in CRT line-output stage under full-load conditions |
| toff | 0.75 µs - enables precise timing control and minimal switching loss during retrace interval |
| fT | 10 MHz - ensures adequate gain-bandwidth for stable high-frequency switching up to line frequency harmonics |
| Rthj-case | 2.08 °C/W - allows effective thermal management using standard TO-220 heatsinks at 60 W dissipation |
| Is/b | 4 A @ VCE = 40 V, t = 10 ms - defines safe second-breakdown operating area for transient overload tolerance |
Pinout & Package
Package: JEDEC TO-220 plastic housing with isolated tab; intended for through-hole mounting and heatsink attachment via screw or clip.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Collector (C) | Main high-current, high-voltage output terminal | Connected to CRT deflection yoke and flyback transformer primary; carries full line current and flyback spikes |
| Base (B) | Control input for switching conduction | Driven by pulse transformer or driver IC; requires 0.5 A peak base current to saturate at 5 A collector load |
| Emitter (E) | Current return path and reference node | Ground-referenced in most designs; carries full collector current and must handle high di/dt during switching transitions |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High-voltage blocking | 400 V VCBO rating enables direct interface with CRT flyback voltages without external snubbing |
| Fast switching speed | 0.75 µs turn-off time minimizes overlap loss and supports stable 15.625 kHz horizontal scanning |
| Rugged second breakdown | 4 A safe operating area at VCE = 40 V ensures reliability during CRT retrace transients |
| TO-220 thermal performance | 2.08 °C/W junction-to-case resistance supports 60 W dissipation with moderate heatsinking |
Applications
| Monochrome CRT Horizontal Deflection | High-Voltage Flyback Switching |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Horizontal output stage in 14–21 inch monochrome TV receivers driving 110° deflection angle CRTs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main switching transistor controlling yoke current and generating flyback pulse for EHT generation. Use Value: 400 V VCBO and 0.75 µs toff ensure reliable retrace timing and voltage margin across CRT aging and line voltage variation. | Use Scenario: High-voltage DC-DC converter switch in legacy industrial flyback supplies requiring >200 V output. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-side power switch managing energy transfer and voltage regulation via duty cycle control. Use Value: 200 V VCEO and 7 A IC rating support stable operation at 100–250 kHz switching with minimal derating. |
| Legacy TV Repair Replacement | Line-Output Stage Prototyping |
Use Scenario: Direct replacement for failed BU2508A, BU2520DX, or BU2525AF in field-service CRT monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in compatible switching element preserving original timing, drive, and thermal behavior. Use Value: Identical TO-220 pinout and matching VCEO/IC/toff specs eliminate redesign or board modification. | Use Scenario: Bench validation of horizontal deflection circuit topologies using discrete high-voltage transistors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Test vehicle for evaluating base drive requirements, snubber design, and thermal layout before ASIC integration. Use Value: Known fT (10 MHz) and Rthj-case (2.08 °C/W) enable accurate small-signal modeling and thermal simulation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN high-voltage switching transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BU2508AX | VCEO = 250 V (vs. 200 V); fT = 8 MHz; Rthj-case = 2.5 °C/W | Higher voltage margin but slower switching and worse thermal resistance | Prefer when extended VCEO headroom is critical and switching frequency ≤ 15 kHz |
| BU2520DX | IC = 10 A; toff = 0.8 µs; Rthj-case = 1.9 °C/W; same TO-220 package | Higher current rating and marginally better thermal performance | Choose for upgraded deflection stages requiring >7 A peak or tighter thermal budgets |
Compared with BU406, BU2508AX offers higher VCEO but reduced speed and thermal efficiency, while BU2520DX provides greater current capacity and improved heatsinking-both retain TO-220 compatibility but require verification of base drive and snubber tuning.
Availability
BU406 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for monochrome CRT repair, legacy TV manufacturing, and high-voltage flyback converter development requiring stable component supply and documented thermal behavior.
Supply support for BU406 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, designing and manufacturing analog, digital, and mixed-signal ICs and discrete power devices.
The BU406 belongs to ST's high-voltage bipolar transistor product line, engineered specifically for CRT horizontal deflection and industrial flyback applications demanding ruggedness, speed, and thermal reliability.
FAQ
Is BU406 still in active production?
No-BU406 is marked "Obsolete Product(s)" in ST's official datasheet revision (February 2003). It remains available through authorized legacy distributors and Aetrix Electronics' long-life inventory program for repair and maintenance of installed base equipment.
Can BU406 be used in modern switch-mode power supplies?
Yes, but with design constraints: its 10 MHz fT and 0.75 µs toff suit operation up to ~100 kHz. For >200 kHz designs, consider newer MOSFETs or IGBTs with lower gate charge and faster switching. Thermal design must account for Rthj-case = 2.08 °C/W and 60 W Ptot limit.
What is the safe base drive requirement for saturation?
For full saturation at IC = 5 A, apply IB = 0.5 A (hFE ≈ 10 typical in switching mode). Base resistor must deliver this peak current under VBB ≥ 12 V, accounting for VBE(sat) = 1.2 V. Pulse drive is recommended to avoid excessive base power dissipation.
Does BU406 have built-in protection features?
No-it is a bare bipolar transistor with no integrated protection. External components are required: base-emitter clamp diode (e.g., 1N4148), collector snubber network (RC or RCD), and heatsink with thermal cutoff if ambient exceeds 70 °C.
BU406 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 7 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 200 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 1V @ 500mA, 5A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 5mA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- -
- Power - Max:
- 60 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 10MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220-3
BU406 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BU406 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BU406 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 BU406 reliable?
The price and inventory of BU406 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BU406 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BU406?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BU406 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BU406?
BU406 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BU406 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 BU406?
For technical support, including BU406 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BU406 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BU406 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BU406 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 BU406 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BU406?
All BU406 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BU406, 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 BU406 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BU406:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BU406 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
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
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…

