onsemi KSH32CTF

Overview

KSH32CTF from ON Semiconductor is a PNP epitaxial silicon transistor designed for general-purpose amplification and low-speed switching applications, featuring V_CEO = −100 V, I_C = −3 A (DC), P_C = 15 W at T_C = 25°C, and h_FE ≥ 10 at I_C = −3 A - commonly used in DC power supply regulation and relay driver stages.

For engineers reviewing the KSH32CTF datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include verified PNP polarity, D-PAK surface-mount package compatibility, −100 V collector-emitter sustaining voltage, and validated safe operating area up to 100 V/3 A with thermal derating above 25°C case temperature.

Technical Context

The KSH32CTF operates as a medium-power PNP bipolar junction transistor with fixed emitter-base and collector-base junction structures optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching. Its design supports DC current gain (h_FE) of 10–50 across I_C = −1 A to −3 A at V_CE = −4 V, and exhibits V_CE(sat) ≤ −1.2 V at I_C = −3 A / I_B = −375 mA.

Thermal performance is defined by a 15 W maximum collector dissipation at T_C = 25°C, derating linearly to zero at T_C = 175°C, and junction temperature limited to 150°C. Safe operating area (SOA) curves confirm capability under pulsed conditions up to I_CP = −5 A with PW ≤ 300 µs and duty cycle ≤ 2%.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

D-PAK (TO-252) surface-mount package with exposed drain pad for thermal enhancement; standardized 3-terminal layout compatible with automated assembly and PCB thermal relief patterns.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP power transistor applications.

Compared with MJD32C and TIP32C, the KSH32CTF delivers identical voltage/current ratings in a thermally superior D-PAK package, enabling higher sustained current in compact layouts without sacrificing reliability or requiring additional heatsinking.

Availability

KSH32CTF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC power supply regulation, relay driver circuits, motor speed control (DC), and overvoltage protection stages requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial lifecycle support.

Supply support for KSH32CTF 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 is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, sensor, and logic solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud computing, and consumer markets.

The KSH32CTF belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy Fairchild PNP power transistor family, engineered for robustness in industrial linear and switching power applications where high V_CEO, proven SOA, and surface-mount thermal efficiency are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for KSH32CTF?

The KSH32CTF has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of −3 A at T_C = 25°C. This value assumes proper heatsinking and derates linearly with increasing case temperature, reaching zero at T_C = 175°C. Operation beyond this limit risks thermal runaway or permanent junction damage. The KSH32CTF must be used within its safe operating area as defined in the official ON Semiconductor datasheet.

Is KSH32CTF pin-compatible with TIP32C?

No, the KSH32CTF is not pin-compatible with TIP32C despite identical electrical specifications and functional equivalence. The KSH32CTF uses a D-PAK (TO-252) surface-mount package with terminals arranged Base–Collector–Emitter, whereas TIP32C uses a TO-220 through-hole package with Collector–Base–Emitter pinout. PCB layout changes are required for substitution. The KSH32CTF requires re-optimization of thermal pads and solder stencil design.

What is the typical V_CE(sat) of KSH32CTF under rated load conditions?

The typical V_CE(sat) of KSH32CTF is −1.2 V at I_C = −3 A and I_B = −375 mA, measured at T_C = 25°C. This saturation voltage determines conduction losses in switching applications: at 3 A, power dissipation in the KSH32CTF is approximately 3.6 W. Designers must verify thermal margins using the KSH32CTF's 15 W P_C rating and SOA curves under actual operating conditions.

Does KSH32CTF support pulse operation beyond its DC current rating?

Yes, the KSH32CTF supports pulsed collector current up to −5 A (I_CP) under strict conditions: pulse width ≤ 300 µs and duty cycle ≤ 2%. This capability enables short-duration surge handling in protection circuits or motor startup phases. However, the KSH32CTF's safe operating area must be consulted to ensure voltage-current combinations remain within limits during each pulse, especially at elevated temperatures.

What package type does KSH32CTF use, and how does it impact thermal performance?

The KSH32CTF uses the D-PAK (TO-252) surface-mount package with an exposed collector pad that serves as the primary thermal path. Compared to through-hole alternatives like TO-220, the D-PAK allows direct copper pour attachment on PCBs, achieving lower junction-to-board thermal resistance. This enables the KSH32CTF to sustain its full 15 W P_C rating with appropriate PCB copper area, making it ideal for space-constrained industrial power modules.