STMicroelectronics BUL805
- Part No.:
- BUL805
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
BUL805.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 450V 5A TO-220
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,836
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Product details
Overview
BUL805 from STMicroelectronics is a high-voltage fast-switching NPN power transistor in TO-220 package, rated for VCEO = 450 V, IC = 5 A, Ptot = 80 W at TC = 25°C, and designed specifically for power factor correction (PFC) in high-frequency electronic fluorescent lamp ballasts using half-bridge voltage-fed topology.
For engineers reviewing the BUL805 datasheet, BUL805 pinout, BUL805 application, or BUL805 equivalent, this device's high switching speed, low dynamic parameter spread, and cellular emitter structure are critical for stable PFC operation in compact lighting inverters requiring reliable high-voltage switching under thermal stress.
Technical Context
The BUL805 employs high-voltage multi-epitaxial planar technology with planar edge termination to achieve fast turn-on/turn-off times and robust voltage blocking. Its cellular emitter layout minimizes base charge storage, reducing switching losses in high-frequency (≥20 kHz) PFC stages.
It operates with VCE(sat) ≤ 0.8 V at IC = 3 A / IB = 0.6 A and maintains hFE ≥ 10 at IC = 2 A, enabling efficient base drive in self-oscillating or IC-controlled half-bridge configurations without external snubbers.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 450 V - Sustains full bridge mid-point voltage swing in 230 VAC-fed half-bridge PFC without breakdown |
| IC | 5 A continuous - Supports >75 W PFC output in compact ballast designs with forced-air or heatsink cooling |
| Ptot | 80 W at TC = 25°C - Requires thermal design with Rthj-case ≤ 1.56°C/W to maintain TJ ≤ 150°C |
| VCE(sat) | 0.4–0.8 V - Minimizes conduction loss across 1–3 A load range, critical for efficiency in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) PFC |
| hFE | 10–20 - Enables direct TTL-compatible base drive in simple oscillator-based ballast controllers |
| Rthj-case | 1.56°C/W max - Dictates minimum heatsink size; compatible with standard TO-220 mounting hardware |
Pinout & Package
TO-220 package: 3-pin through-hole, vertical mounting, metal tab (collector) electrically connected to pin 2. Standard lead-free ECOPACK® construction compliant with JEDEC JESD97.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Emitter) | Current sink terminal | Connected to ground or low-side switch node; carries full load current with minimal parasitic inductance |
| 2 (Collector / Tab) | High-voltage output terminal | Electrically tied to metal tab; must be isolated from chassis unless system common is collector-referenced |
| 3 (Base) | Control input | Receives low-current drive signal; requires series resistor (typically 10–47 Ω) to limit peak IB ≤ 4 A |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High voltage capability | VCES = 800 V enables margin against voltage spikes in inductive half-bridge switching |
| Very high switching speed | Low stored charge and planar edge termination reduce tf/tr, supporting >50 kHz operation without excessive EMI |
| Low lot-to-lot parameter spread | Tight control of hFE, VCE(sat), and leakage ensures consistent PFC loop stability across production batches |
| Cellular emitter structure | Improves current sharing and thermal uniformity during high-current pulses, extending reliability in thermally constrained ballasts |
Applications
| Electronic Ballast Control | PFC Half-Bridge Stage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-frequency (25–65 kHz) fluorescent lamp driver with integrated PFC stage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main switching transistor in voltage-fed half-bridge, directly driven by oscillator IC or discrete timing network. Use Value: Delivers stable zero-voltage switching transitions and low conduction loss, enabling >90% system efficiency in <100 mm³ form factor. | Use Scenario: Active PFC front-end for 230 VAC input, feeding downstream DC-DC converter. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-voltage switch in boost-derived half-bridge configuration, operating in DCM or CCM based on controller. Use Value: Maintains VCE < 450 V under transient overvoltage while sustaining 5 A peak current, meeting EN61000-3-2 harmonic limits. |
| Compact Lighting Inverter | Industrial Lamp Driver |
Use Scenario: Space-constrained LED retrofit tube with integrated magnetic ballast replacement. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary switch in resonant inverter stage, co-located with PFC transistor on shared heatsink. Use Value: Low Rthj-case and high TJ(max) = 150°C allow operation at 75°C ambient without derating in sealed enclosures. | Use Scenario: High-reliability industrial fluorescent fixture operating continuously at 60°C ambient. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-switched power transistor in hardened half-bridge, protected by fast-acting base clamping. Use Value: Tight VCEO(sus) = 450 V and low ICEO = 250 µA ensure long-term stability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-voltage NPN switching transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| STBUL805 | Same die, tape-and-reel packaging instead of tube; identical electrical specs and pinout | No functional difference; selected only for automated assembly compatibility | Choose STBUL805 for SMT line integration; BUL805 remains optimal for manual or semi-automated through-hole production |
| BU508A | Lower VCEO = 1000 V but higher VCE(sat) = 1.5 V at IC = 3 A; slower switching due to larger die area | Used in lower-frequency (<15 kHz), higher-power (>150 W) ballasts where voltage margin outweighs efficiency needs | Select BU508A only when VCEO > 600 V is mandatory and thermal budget allows higher conduction loss |
Compared with STBUL805 (identical function, different packaging) and BU508A (higher voltage but lower speed and efficiency), the BUL805 offers the best balance of switching performance, thermal manageability, and cost for standardized 25–65 kHz fluorescent PFC designs.
Availability
BUL805 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electronic ballast control, PFC half-bridge stages, and compact lighting inverters requiring stable component supply with documented thermal and switching behavior.
Supply support for BUL805 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-grade ICs.
The BUL805 belongs to ST's high-voltage bipolar transistor product line, engineered specifically for energy-efficient lighting systems and industrial power conversion where ruggedness, consistency, and high-frequency switching are essential.
FAQ
Is BUL805 RoHS-compliant and lead-free?
Yes. The BUL805 is manufactured in ST's ECOPACK® package with lead-free second-level interconnect, fully compliant with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and JEDEC JESD97 marking standards. The inner box label confirms its lead-free status and soldering profile limits.
What is the maximum safe operating frequency for BUL805 in PFC applications?
The BUL805 supports stable operation up to 100 kHz in optimized layouts, but its recommended maximum for sustained reliability in PFC half-bridge topologies is 65 kHz. Above this, switching losses increase significantly due to finite tf/tr, requiring tighter gate drive control and enhanced thermal management.
Can BUL805 replace BU2508DF in existing ballast designs?
No. BU2508DF is a Darlington transistor with integrated driver and different pinout (base-emitter-collector vs. emitter-base-collector). BUL805 lacks built-in base resistors and has lower gain, requiring redesign of base drive circuitry and thermal layout before substitution.
Does BUL805 require a heatsink in typical 40 W ballast operation?
Yes. Even at 40 W output, junction temperature exceeds 150°C without heatsinking due to Ptot > 5 W under switching conditions. A minimum 15 cm² aluminum heatsink (Rth ≈ 25°C/W) is required to keep TJ ≤ 125°C at 50°C ambient, per thermal data in Table 3.
BUL805 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 5 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 450 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 800mV @ 600mA, 3A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 250µA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 10 @ 2A, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 80 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220
BUL805 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BUL805 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BUL805 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 BUL805 reliable?
The price and inventory of BUL805 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BUL805 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BUL805?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BUL805 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BUL805?
BUL805 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BUL805 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 BUL805?
For technical support, including BUL805 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BUL805 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BUL805 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BUL805 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 BUL805 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BUL805?
All BUL805 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BUL805, 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 BUL805 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BUL805:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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