onsemi KSA1242YTU
- Part No.:
- KSA1242YTU
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-251-3 Short Leads, IPAK, TO-251AA
- Datasheet:
-
KSA1242YTU.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 20V 5A IPAK
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,301
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Product details
Overview
KSA1242YTU from ON Semiconductor (formerly Fairchild) is a PNP epitaxial silicon power transistor in I-PAK package, rated for -20 V VCEO, -5 A continuous collector current, and 10 W power dissipation at TC = 25°C, commonly used in medium-power amplifier stages and camera flash discharge circuits.
For engineers reviewing the KSA1242YTU datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include guaranteed hFE range (160–320 at IC = -0.5 A), low VCE(sat) ≤ -1 V at IC = -4 A / IB = -0.1 A, fT = 180 MHz, and I-PAK thermal performance with TJ = 150°C maximum junction temperature.
Technical Context
This PNP bipolar junction transistor operates in linear amplification and switching modes, with DC current gain specified across two test conditions: hFE1 = 160–320 at VCE = -2 V, IC = -0.5 A and hFE2 ≥ 70 at VCE = -2 V, IC = -4 A. Its safe operating area supports pulsed collector currents up to -8 A.
The device features low saturation voltage (-1 V max), high transition frequency (180 MHz), and tight parameter classification (Y-grade hFE bin), making it suitable for fast-switching, medium-current analog and pulse applications where thermal stability and gain consistency are critical.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | -20 V - Maximum sustainable collector-emitter voltage before breakdown under open-base condition |
| IC (DC) | -5 A - Continuous collector current rating defining steady-state conduction capability |
| PC | 10 W - Power dissipation limit at case temperature 25°C, requiring heatsinking above ambient |
| hFE (Y grade) | 160–320 - Guaranteed DC current gain range at low-moderate current, enabling predictable bias design |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ -1 V - Low saturation voltage at IC = -4 A / IB = -0.1 A, minimizing conduction loss in switching use |
| fT | 180 MHz - Transition frequency confirming usable bandwidth for audio and flash-timing signal amplification |
| Cob | 50 pF - Collector output capacitance at VCB = -10 V, influencing high-frequency response and switching speed |
Pinout & Package
I-PAK package: thermally enhanced surface-mount outline with exposed drain pad (collector-connected), standardized for PCB heat transfer and mechanical robustness in medium-power applications.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Base) | Control electrode | Receives base current to regulate collector-emitter conduction; requires current-limiting resistor in driver stage |
| 2 (Collector) | Main current sink | Internally connected to exposed metal tab; must be electrically isolated and thermally coupled to heatsink |
| 3 (Emitter) | Current source reference | Common return path for load current; polarity defines PNP operation (emitter positive relative to collector) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Y-grade hFE binning | Guaranteed hFE = 160–320 ensures consistent small-signal gain and bias point stability across production lots |
| Low VCE(sat) | VCE(sat) ≤ -1 V at full-rated IC reduces power loss and self-heating during saturated switching |
| 180 MHz fT | Supports reliable amplification of audio-band and flash-trigger signals without gain roll-off |
| I-PAK thermal design | Exposed collector tab enables direct thermal interface to PCB copper or external heatsink, sustaining 10 W at TC = 25°C |
Applications
| Audio Power Amplifier Stage | Camera Flash Discharge Circuit |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Medium-power push-pull output stage in portable audio amplifiers driving 4–8 Ω speakers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP complement in Class AB output pair, delivering negative half-cycle current with matched gain and thermal tracking. Use Value: Y-grade hFE binning and low VCE(sat) minimize crossover distortion and conduction loss, improving efficiency and THD. | Use Scenario: High-current switch discharging capacitor bank into xenon flash tube within <100 µs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-saturation PNP switch controlling flash energy release timing and peak current magnitude. Use Value: 180 MHz fT and -8 A pulse rating support precise flash duration control and repeatable light output intensity. |
| DC Motor Driver (H-Bridge Low-Side) | Voltage Regulator Pass Element |
Use Scenario: Low-side switch in bidirectional 12 V DC motor control for automotive accessories or industrial actuators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated PNP switch sinking motor current during reverse or braking phases. Use Value: -5 A DC rating and I-PAK thermal performance enable sustained operation without forced cooling in compact enclosures. | Use Scenario: Series pass transistor in adjustable linear regulator supplying stable 5–15 V to analog sensor subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Current-controlled series element regulating output voltage via base drive feedback loop. Use Value: Tight hFE spread and low VCE(sat) improve load regulation accuracy and reduce dropout voltage under full load. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP medium-power transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJD122G | VCEO = -100 V, IC = -8 A, hFE = 30–250 (unbinned), TO-263 package | Higher voltage rating but wider hFE tolerance; less suitable for precision gain-critical amplifiers | Prefer when higher breakdown margin is required and gain consistency is secondary |
| SS8550DTU | VCEO = -25 V, IC = -1.5 A, SOT-89 package, hFE = 120–300 | Lower current/power capability and smaller package; limited to <3 W dissipation | Choose only for space-constrained, lower-power designs where I-PAK thermal mass is unnecessary |
Compared with MJD122G and SS8550DTU, the KSA1242YTU offers optimal balance of guaranteed Y-bin hFE, -1 V VCE(sat), and I-PAK thermal handling for 5 A medium-power switching and amplification-neither over-specified nor under-rated for its target applications.
Availability
KSA1242YTU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio amplifier modules, camera flash drivers, DC motor controllers, and linear voltage regulators requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for KSA1242YTU 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
ON Semiconductor (acquired Fairchild Semiconductor in 2016) is a global semiconductor supplier focused on energy-efficient electronics, with leadership in power management, analog, and discrete devices.
The KSA1242YTU belongs to Fairchild's legacy medium-power bipolar transistor family, designed specifically for high-fidelity audio amplification and high-reliability pulsed power switching in consumer and industrial equipment.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the KSA1242YTU?
The KSA1242YTU has a maximum continuous collector current (IC) rating of -5 A at TC = 25°C. This rating assumes proper heatsinking; derating is required above 25°C case temperature per the power derating curve in the datasheet. The KSA1242YTU must not exceed this limit in DC operation to avoid thermal runaway or permanent damage.
Does the KSA1242YTU have a guaranteed hFE range, and what does the 'Y' suffix indicate?
Yes-the 'Y' in KSA1242YTU denotes the Y-grade hFE bin, guaranteeing DC current gain between 160 and 320 at VCE = -2 V and IC = -0.5 A. This tighter specification enables predictable biasing in amplifier and switching circuits. The KSA1242YTU's hFE remains ≥70 even at IC = -4 A, supporting high-current operation without gain collapse.
What is the pin configuration of the KSA1242YTU, and how is the collector terminal connected internally?
The KSA1242YTU uses an I-PAK package with pinout: Pin 1 = Base, Pin 2 = Collector, Pin 3 = Emitter. Critically, the collector is internally bonded to the exposed metal tab on the underside of the package. This tab must be electrically isolated from other circuit nodes and thermally connected to a heatsink or large copper pour to maintain safe junction temperature during operation of the KSA1242YTU.
Can the KSA1242YTU be used in switching applications, and what supports fast turn-on/turn-off?
Yes-the KSA1242YTU is qualified for switching use, supported by its 180 MHz transition frequency (fT), low VCE(sat) (≤ -1 V), and 50 pF output capacitance (Cob). These parameters enable sub-microsecond switching transitions when driven with adequate base current. For reliable switching, the KSA1242YTU requires active base drive (not passive pull-up) and attention to stored charge removal during turn-off.
Is the KSA1242YTU RoHS compliant and halogen-free?
Yes-the KSA1242YTU manufactured by ON Semiconductor meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and is halogen-free per J-STD-709 definition. Lead-free soldering profiles compatible with Pb-free assembly are validated per JEDEC J-STD-020. Compliance documentation for the KSA1242YTU is available through ON Semiconductor's quality portal and distributor certifications.
KSA1242YTU Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-251-3 Short Leads, IPAK, TO-251AA
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- PNP
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 5 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 20 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 1V @ 100mA, 4A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100µA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 160 @ 500mA, 2V
- Power - Max:
- 10 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 180MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- IPAK
KSA1242YTU FAQ
1.How can I place an order for KSA1242YTU through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for KSA1242YTU 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 KSA1242YTU reliable?
The price and inventory of KSA1242YTU are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for KSA1242YTU is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for KSA1242YTU?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for KSA1242YTU transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for KSA1242YTU?
KSA1242YTU orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your KSA1242YTU 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 KSA1242YTU?
For technical support, including KSA1242YTU datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your KSA1242YTU requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that KSA1242YTU is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All KSA1242YTU 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 KSA1242YTU meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of KSA1242YTU?
All KSA1242YTU units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with KSA1242YTU, 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 KSA1242YTU part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for KSA1242YTU:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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