STMicroelectronics BU941ZTFP
- Part No.:
- BU941ZTFP
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-220-3 Full Pack
- Datasheet:
-
BU941ZTFP.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN DARL 350V 15A TO-220AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
BU941ZTFP from STMicroelectronics is a high-voltage NPN power Darlington transistor designed for electronic ignition coil driving, featuring built-in clamping Zener (VCL = 350–500 V), 350 V VCEO, 15 A continuous collector current, and 175 °C maximum junction temperature in D2PAK (TO-263) surface-mount package.
For engineers reviewing the BU941ZTFP datasheet, BU941ZTFP pinout, BU941ZTFP application, or BU941ZTFP equivalent, key selection criteria include clamped inductive switching capability, rugged thermal performance under pulsed ignition loads, and compatibility with 7 mH ignition coils at 12–24 V supply rails.
Technical Context
This Darlington device integrates a monolithic clamping Zener diode across C–E to suppress inductive kickback during coil de-energization, eliminating external snubbers in automotive ignition systems. Its high hFE (min 300 at IC = 5 A) enables direct drive from low-current microcontroller outputs via base resistor networks.
Rated for DC and pulsed operation (300 µs pulse, 1.5% duty cycle), it delivers 15 A continuous collector current with 1.8 V VCE(sat) at IC = 8 A / IB = 100 mA and supports fast switching with ts = 15 µs and tf = 0.5 µs into 7 mH inductive loads.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 350 V - Withstands peak coil back-EMF without external clamp |
| IC (continuous) | 15 A - Sustains full primary coil current in 12 V/24 V ignition systems |
| VCL | 350–500 V - Integrated Zener limits voltage during turn-off, protecting driver and MCU |
| VCE(sat) | 1.8 V @ IC=8 A, IB=100 mA - Low conduction loss reduces thermal stress in compact layouts |
| hFE | 300 min @ IC=5 A - Enables direct drive from 5 V logic with ~17 mA base current |
| Tj(max) | 175 °C - Supports operation in engine bay environments without derating below 150 °C ambient |
| Rthj-case | 2.7 °C/W - Enables 55 W dissipation at Tc = 25 °C in D2PAK package |
Pinout & Package
D2PAK (TO-263) surface-mount package with exposed drain pad (pin 2) for thermal and electrical connection to PCB ground plane. Three-terminal configuration optimized for high-current switching with minimal parasitic inductance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Base) | Control input | Receives base current to saturate Darlington pair; requires series resistor for current limiting |
| 2 (Collector) | High-side switch output | Connected to ignition coil primary; carries full load current and clamped flyback energy |
| 3 (Emitter) | Power return | Common emitter node tied to system ground; forms low-impedance path for coil current return |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated clamping Zener | Eliminates need for external TVS or RCD snubber in ignition coil drivers |
| High ruggedness rating | Withstands repetitive 300 µs pulses at 30 A peak without degradation |
| Wide operating temperature range | Functional from –65 °C to +175 °C junction, suitable for under-hood deployment |
| Low saturation voltage | 1.8 V VCE(sat) minimizes power loss and heatsink requirements in space-constrained modules |
Applications
| Automotive Ignition Systems | Industrial Ignition Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving primary winding of distributorless ignition coils in gasoline engines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current, high-voltage switch controlling coil energization/de-energization timing. Use Value: Built-in clamping ensures reliable spark generation without external protection components. | Use Scenario: Solid-state replacement for mechanical contact points in industrial burners and furnaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-side power switch triggered by PLC or timer circuits. Use Value: 175 °C Tj(max) and rugged SOA support continuous operation in hot enclosures. |
| Motorcycle CDI Units | Aftermarket Ignition Controllers |
Use Scenario: Compact capacitive discharge ignition (CDI) modules for two-wheeled vehicles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-switching Darlington stage discharging capacitor bank into coil primary. Use Value: 15 µs storage time enables precise spark timing control at high RPM. | Use Scenario: Programmable ignition timing controllers used in racing or retrofit applications. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final output stage interfacing microcontroller PWM signals to ignition coil. Use Value: High hFE allows direct drive from 3.3 V/5 V MCU GPIO with minimal external components. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-voltage ignition switch applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| STGD10NB60KD | 600 V, 10 A N-channel MOSFET with integrated gate driver; no internal clamp diode | Requires external Zener clamp; faster switching but higher gate drive complexity | Preferred for high-frequency (>10 kHz) digital ignition where lower switching loss outweighs added component count |
| BU941ZT | Identical die and specs; TO-220 through-hole package instead of D2PAK | Manual assembly or legacy board designs requiring leaded mounting | Select when thermal interface constraints favor TO-220 heatsinking or production uses wave soldering |
Compared with BU941ZTFP, STGD10NB60KD offers superior switching speed but demands external clamping and gate drive design effort, while BU941ZT provides identical electrical performance in a through-hole form factor better suited for prototyping or repair scenarios.
Availability
BU941ZTFP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ignition systems, industrial burner controls, motorcycle CDI units, and aftermarket ignition controllers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and high-reliability environments.
Supply support for BU941ZTFP 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, automotive ICs, and discrete devices with broad industrial and automotive qualification.
The BU941ZT family belongs to ST's high-voltage bipolar power transistor product line, engineered specifically for robust, high-energy inductive switching in engine management and industrial ignition applications.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the built-in Zener diode in BU941ZTFP?
The integrated Zener diode clamps collector-emitter voltage during inductive turn-off, limiting VCE to 350–500 V. This protects the transistor and upstream circuitry from destructive flyback spikes generated by ignition coils, eliminating the need for external snubber networks in most designs.
Can BU941ZTFP be used with 24 V battery systems?
Yes - BU941ZTFP is rated for VCEO = 350 V and operates reliably with 24 V nominal supplies. Its 175 °C max junction temperature and 55 W power dissipation in D2PAK enable sustained use in 24 V commercial vehicle ignition systems, provided thermal design maintains case temperature ≤ 25 °C.
How does BU941ZTFP differ from BU941ZT?
BU941ZTFP and BU941ZT share identical silicon die, electrical specifications, and thermal ratings. The only difference is packaging: BU941ZTFP uses surface-mount D2PAK (TO-263), while BU941ZT uses through-hole TO-220. Pinout and footprint are not interchangeable.
Is a base resistor required when driving BU941ZTFP from a microcontroller?
Yes - a series base resistor is mandatory to limit base current. For example, with a 5 V MCU output and VBE(sat) ≈ 2.5 V, a 220 Ω resistor delivers ~11.4 mA base current, sufficient to saturate the Darlington at IC = 10 A (hFE ≥ 300). Undriven base risks thermal runaway.
BU941ZTFP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3 Full Pack
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN - Darlington
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 15 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 350 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 1.8V @ 250mA, 10A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100µA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 300 @ 5A, 10V
- Power - Max:
- 55 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220AB
BU941ZTFP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BU941ZTFP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BU941ZTFP 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 BU941ZTFP reliable?
The price and inventory of BU941ZTFP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BU941ZTFP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BU941ZTFP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BU941ZTFP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BU941ZTFP?
BU941ZTFP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BU941ZTFP 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 BU941ZTFP?
For technical support, including BU941ZTFP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BU941ZTFP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BU941ZTFP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BU941ZTFP 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 BU941ZTFP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BU941ZTFP?
All BU941ZTFP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BU941ZTFP, 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 BU941ZTFP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BU941ZTFP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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