STMicroelectronics BUR51
- Part No.:
- BUR51
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-204AA, TO-3
- Datasheet:
-
BUR51.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 200V 60A TO-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,882
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Product details
Overview
BUR51 from STMicroelectronics is a high-current NPN silicon power transistor in a modified JEDEC TO-3 metal package, designed for switching and linear amplification in industrial and military-grade power conversion systems. It supports 200 V VCEO, 60 A continuous collector current, 350 W total dissipation at Tc ≤ 25 °C, and operates up to 200 °C junction temperature - deployed in high-reliability DC-DC converters and motor drive output stages.
For engineers reviewing the BUR51 datasheet, BUR51 pinout, BUR51 application, or BUR51 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 0.5 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance, 20–100 hFE gain range (IC = 5–50 A), clamped second-breakdown capability (50 A at Vclamp = 200 V), and fast switching performance (ton = 0.35 µs, ts = 0.9 µs) under pulsed 50 A/100 V conditions.
Technical Context
The BUR51 employs a multiepitaxial planar structure optimized for rugged high-current switching, with built-in second-breakdown robustness (Is/b = 17.5 A at VCE = 20 V, t = 1 s) and clamped energy handling (50 A with 500 µH inductive load). Its fT of 10–16 MHz enables stable operation in medium-frequency PWM circuits up to ~100 kHz.
Designed for hard-switching topologies, it features low saturation voltages (VCE(sat) = 0.9–1.5 V at IC = 30–50 A), tight VBE(sat) control (1.55–2.0 V), and guaranteed VCEO(sus) = 200 V under sustained blocking - critical for snubberless flyback and forward converter primary switches.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 200 V - maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines usable bus voltage headroom in 160 V DC systems. |
| IC | 60 A continuous - steady-state current rating at Tc = 25 °C; requires heatsink design for >40 A operation. |
| Ptot | 350 W at Tc ≤ 25 °C - total power dissipation limit; derates linearly above 25 °C case temperature. |
| Rthj-case | 0.5 °C/W - junction-to-case thermal resistance; enables direct mounting to cold plates without interface pads for high-power density. |
| hFE | 20–100 - DC current gain at VCE = 4 V; supports base drive optimization across 5–50 A load range. |
| ton/ts | 0.35 µs / 0.9 µs - turn-on and storage time at IC = 50 A, VCC = 100 V; determines minimum practical switching period in hard-switched SMPS. |
Pinout & Package
Package: Modified JEDEC TO-3 metal case (case outline P003I), with electrically isolated collector tab, intended for direct heatsink mounting and high-reliability thermal management.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Collector (Case Tab) | Main current path input/output terminal | Electrically connected to metal case; must be insulated from heatsink unless system ground reference permits direct mounting. |
| Base (Lead 1) | Control electrode for transistor conduction | Requires 2–5 A peak drive current to achieve full saturation at 30–50 A collector load; low VBE(sat) minimizes driver losses. |
| Emitter (Lead 2) | Current return path and reference node | Serves as common emitter node in grounded-emitter configurations; low-inductance layout critical for fast switching stability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Multiepitaxial planar structure | Enables uniform current distribution and high secondary breakdown immunity (Is/b = 17.5 A at VCE = 20 V, t = 1 s). |
| Clamped second-breakdown rating | 50 A at Vclamp = 200 V with 500 µH inductive load - allows safe operation without external snubbers in flyback converters. |
| High junction temperature rating | 200 °C max operating temperature - supports sealed or high-ambient environments (e.g., avionics enclosures, industrial motor drives). |
| Low saturation voltage | VCE(sat) = 0.9 V (IC = 30 A, IB = 2 A) - reduces conduction loss by ~30% vs. legacy 1.3 V devices at same current. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Drive Output Stage | Military DC-DC Converter Primary Switch |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-current H-bridge leg in 48–110 V DC servo drives requiring >40 A peak output and thermal resilience. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN power switch in complementary emitter-follower configuration; handles bidirectional current with fast turn-off (tf = 0.24 µs). Use Value: 0.5 °C/W Rthj-case enables compact heatsink integration; 200 °C Tj rating avoids derating in convection-cooled chassis. | Use Scenario: Primary-side switching transistor in 28 V input, 200 V output military-grade forward converter with strict EMI and reliability requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Hard-switched main switch operating at 50–100 kHz; leverages clamped Is/b = 50 A to eliminate snubber networks. Use Value: VCEO(sus) = 200 V ensures margin against reflected transients; 10–16 MHz fT supports clean gate drive waveform integrity. |
| High-Voltage Linear Regulator Pass Element | Welding Power Supply Output Stage |
Use Scenario: Series pass device in 150 V input, 12–24 V adjustable linear regulator for test equipment requiring ultra-low noise and zero switching artifacts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear-mode current amplifier with fixed base bias; dissipates up to 250 W continuously under worst-case dropout. Use Value: 350 W Ptot at Tc = 25 °C and 0.5 °C/W thermal resistance allow stable 200 W operation with modest forced-air cooling. | Use Scenario: Output chopper in 3-phase IGBT-gated welding inverter delivering 300 A DC arc current with rapid duty cycling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current freewheeling switch in resonant snubber network; conducts 60 A average with 80 A ICM peaks. Use Value: ICM = 80 A (10 ms) and 200 °C Tj withstand repeated thermal shock during arc ignition and short-circuit recovery. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-current NPN switching applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BU508A | VCEO = 150 V, IC = 25 A, Ptot = 125 W - lower voltage/current ratings and thermal capability. | Suitable only for ≤120 V bus systems and <30 A loads; lacks clamped second-breakdown specification. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs 200 V/60 A requirement and thermal margin is less constrained. |
| 2N6277 | VCEO = 200 V, IC = 40 A, Ptot = 200 W, Rthj-case = 0.75 °C/W - reduced current and thermal performance. | Acceptable for 20–35 A industrial SMPS but requires larger heatsink; no published clamped Is/b data. | Choose where legacy qualification or dual-sourcing mandates ON Semiconductor parts, accepting 30% lower power density. |
Compared with BU508A and 2N6277, the BUR51 delivers 2.4× higher continuous current, 1.75× greater power dissipation, and verified clamped second-breakdown robustness - making it uniquely suited for mission-critical 200 V, 60 A switching nodes where thermal and transient resilience are non-negotiable.
Availability
BUR51 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, military DC-DC converters, and high-voltage linear regulators requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence mitigation support.
Supply support for BUR51 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 discrete devices, microcontrollers, and automotive ICs with vertical manufacturing and rigorous military-grade qualification processes.
The BUR51 belongs to ST's high-reliability power transistor product line, engineered specifically for demanding linear and switching applications in defense, aerospace, and heavy industrial systems where thermal endurance and transient robustness are paramount.
FAQ
Is the BUR51 still in active production?
No - the BUR51 is marked "Obsolete Product(s)" in ST's official documentation (2003 datasheet revision). However, Aetrix Electronics maintains legacy inventory with full traceability and offers extended lifecycle support including cross-reference engineering and controlled-batch release for ongoing production programs.
Can the BUR51 be used in avalanche mode?
No - the BUR51 is not rated or characterized for repetitive avalanche operation. Its VCEO(sus) = 200 V and clamped Is/b = 50 A apply only to single-pulse inductive switching events; sustained avalanche stress exceeds safe operating area limits and risks immediate failure.
What is the recommended heatsink interface for the TO-3 case?
A thermally conductive insulating pad (e.g., mica + silicone grease or polymer-based film) is required unless the collector (case) is intentionally tied to system ground. Direct metal-to-metal mounting is permitted only when electrical isolation is unnecessary and thermal interface resistance is minimized to maintain Rthj-amb < 1.2 °C/W.
Does the BUR51 have a documented SOA curve?
Yes - the datasheet provides a Safe Operating Area (SOA) graph covering DC, pulsed (10 ms, 100 µs), and second-breakdown boundaries up to 200 °C. The curve confirms 60 A/200 V DC operation is limited by thermal constraints, while 50 A/200 V is viable for ≤10 ms pulses with adequate heatsinking.
BUR51 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-204AA, TO-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 60 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 200 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 1.5V @ 5A, 50A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 1mA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 20 @ 5A, 4V
- Power - Max:
- 350 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 16MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 200°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Chassis Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-3
BUR51 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BUR51 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BUR51 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 BUR51 reliable?
The price and inventory of BUR51 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BUR51 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BUR51?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BUR51 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BUR51?
BUR51 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BUR51 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 BUR51?
For technical support, including BUR51 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BUR51 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BUR51 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BUR51 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 BUR51 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BUR51?
All BUR51 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BUR51, 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 BUR51 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BUR51:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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