onsemi KSA1281YBU
- Part No.:
- KSA1281YBU
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body
- Datasheet:
-
KSA1281YBU.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 50V 2A TO-92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,878
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Product details
Overview
KSA1281YBU from onsemi is a PNP epitaxial silicon transistor designed for audio power amplifier stages, delivering up to 3 W output with −50 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, −2 A continuous collector current, and 100 MHz transition frequency in TO-92 3L package.
For engineers reviewing the KSA1281YBU datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include safe operating area at high current, low VCE(sat) of −0.5 V at −1 A, thermal resistance of 125 °C/W, and compatibility with Class AB audio output stages requiring robust PNP complement to NPN drivers.
Technical Context
This device operates as a medium-power PNP bipolar junction transistor optimized for linear amplification. Its DC current gain ranges from 120–240 at −500 mA and drops to ≥40 at −1.5 A, supporting both small-signal biasing and high-current swing in push-pull configurations.
Thermal design is constrained by 1000 mW maximum power dissipation at TC = 25 °C and 8.0 mW/°C derating above ambient, requiring careful heatsinking in sustained 3 W output applications. Output capacitance of 40 pF at −10 V VCB supports stable operation up to 100 MHz fT.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −50 V: Maximum allowable collector-emitter voltage before breakdown in common-emitter configuration. |
| IC | −2 A: Continuous collector current rating defining maximum linear output capability. |
| fT | 100 MHz: Transition frequency enabling use in audio bandwidth amplifiers with margin into RF edge. |
| VCE(sat) | −0.5 V at IC = −1 A, IB = −0.05 A: Low saturation voltage minimizes power loss in switching or saturated output stages. |
| hFE | 120–240 at IC = −500 mA: Sufficient DC gain for direct-coupled driver stages without excessive base drive. |
| RJA | 125 °C/W: Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance under standard FR-4 PCB conditions (76 mm × 114 mm). |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-92 3L (Case 135AM), lead-formed, plastic molded, through-hole mounting. Dimensions: 8.0 mm × 4.9 mm.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emitter | Current sink terminal; connects to ground or negative rail in common-emitter amplifier. |
| 2 | Collector | Current source terminal; connects to load and positive supply via pull-up or transformer coupling. |
| 3 | Base | Control input; requires current-limited drive to achieve specified hFE and saturation behavior. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Audio power amplifier grade | Optimized for low-distortion linear operation in Class AB output stages up to 3 W. |
| High breakdown voltage | −50 V VCEO enables use with ±24 V rails and transient-tolerant designs. |
| Low saturation voltage | VCE(sat) = −0.5 V reduces conduction loss and improves efficiency in saturated switching or clipping regions. |
| Stable gain across current range | hFE ≥40 at −1.5 A ensures predictable base drive requirements even near maximum current. |
Applications
| Audio Power Amplifier | DC Motor Driver Stage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Final output stage in portable stereo amplifier driving 4–8 Ω speakers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP complement in push-pull emitter-follower configuration delivering bidirectional current to speaker load. Use Value: −0.5 V VCE(sat) and 100 MHz fT support clean mid-band response and low crossover distortion. | Use Scenario: H-bridge low-side PNP switch controlling direction and braking in 12 V brushed DC motor. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current sinking switch turning motor winding to ground during active braking. Use Value: −2 A IC rating and −50 V VCEO withstand back-EMF spikes during commutation. |
| Power Supply Pass Transistor | Linear Voltage Regulator Output Stage |
Use Scenario: Series pass element in adjustable negative linear regulator (e.g., −5 V to −15 V output). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Controlled current sink regulating output voltage via feedback to base. Use Value: 120–240 hFE allows stable closed-loop control with minimal base drive error. | Use Scenario: Output transistor in discrete negative LDO for analog sensor biasing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision current-controlled emitter follower maintaining low-noise, ripple-free output. Use Value: 40 pF Cob and 100 MHz fT ensure fast transient response to load steps without oscillation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP bipolar transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJD127G | TO-220 package, higher PD (15 W), lower fT (3 MHz), same VCEO/IC ratings. | Suitable for higher-power audio or industrial switching where heatsink mounting is feasible. | Select when >3 W output or forced-air cooling is required; not drop-in due to package and thermal profile. |
| KSA992FBU | Same TO-92 3L package, lower VCEO (−30 V), higher hFE (200–400), reduced IC (−1.5 A). | Better for low-voltage, high-gain pre-driver stages rather than full 3 W output. | Choose for compact low-voltage designs where gain stability at low current matters more than peak power. |
Compared with MJD127G and KSA992FBU, the KSA1281YBU uniquely balances TO-92 mountability, 3 W audio-grade output, and 100 MHz fT, making it optimal for space-constrained linear amplifiers needing both bandwidth and thermal manageability on standard PCBs.
Availability
KSA1281YBU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio power amplifiers, DC motor control circuits, and linear voltage regulators requiring stable component supply with consistent TO-92 3L mechanical and electrical performance.
Supply support for KSA1281YBU 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
onsemi is a global semiconductor supplier delivering energy-efficient, intelligent power and sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, medical, and IoT applications.
The KSA1281YBU belongs to onsemi's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, medium-power linear and switching applications demanding reliability in consumer and industrial audio systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for KSA1281YBU?
The KSA1281YBU has a maximum continuous collector current (IC) rating of −2 A at TA = 25 °C. This rating assumes proper PCB thermal management per the datasheet's FR-4 reference layout. Derating applies above ambient temperature, with 8.0 mW/°C reduction beyond 25 °C. The KSA1281YBU must not be operated beyond this limit without verified heatsinking or airflow.
Does KSA1281YBU support audio amplifier applications up to 3 W output?
Yes, the KSA1281YBU is explicitly characterized for audio power amplifier use with up to 3 W output capability. Its combination of −50 V VCEO, −2 A IC, −0.5 V VCE(sat), and 100 MHz fT meets the voltage, current, efficiency, and bandwidth requirements of Class AB output stages driving 4–8 Ω loads. The KSA1281YBU datasheet confirms this application in its Features section and Safe Operating Area curves.
What is the pin configuration of KSA1281YBU in TO-92 3L package?
The KSA1281YBU uses standard TO-92 3L pinout: Pin 1 is Emitter, Pin 2 is Collector, and Pin 3 is Base - viewed from the flat side with leads pointing downward. This matches Case 135AM mechanical outline and is confirmed in the "PIN CONNECTIONS" diagram on page 1 of the official onsemi datasheet. The KSA1281YBU must be mounted with correct orientation to avoid functional failure.
Is KSA1281YBU RoHS compliant and halogen-free?
Yes, the KSA1281YBU is RoHS compliant and halogen-free per onsemi's product compliance documentation. It meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU and IEC 61249-2-21:2012 standards. The material declaration and environmental compliance status for KSA1281YBU are published on onsemi's website under "Product Compliance" and verified for all manufacturing lots shipped since 2021. KSA1281YBU carries no exemptions requiring special handling.
What is the typical DC current gain (hFE) of KSA1281YBU at different operating points?
The KSA1281YBU exhibits hFE = 120–240 at VCE = −2 V and IC = −500 mA, and hFE ≥ 40 at VCE = −2 V and IC = −1.5 A. These values are measured under pulsed conditions per Note 2 in the datasheet. Gain decreases predictably with increasing current, and the KSA1281YBU maintains usable gain across its rated output range, supporting stable bias networks in audio and power applications.
KSA1281YBU Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- PNP
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 2 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 50 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 500mV @ 50mA, 1A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 120 @ 500mA, 2V
- Power - Max:
- 1 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 100MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92-3
KSA1281YBU FAQ
1.How can I place an order for KSA1281YBU through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for KSA1281YBU 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 KSA1281YBU reliable?
The price and inventory of KSA1281YBU are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for KSA1281YBU is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for KSA1281YBU?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for KSA1281YBU transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for KSA1281YBU?
KSA1281YBU orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your KSA1281YBU 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 KSA1281YBU?
For technical support, including KSA1281YBU datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your KSA1281YBU requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that KSA1281YBU is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All KSA1281YBU 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 KSA1281YBU meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of KSA1281YBU?
All KSA1281YBU units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with KSA1281YBU, 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 KSA1281YBU part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for KSA1281YBU:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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