onsemi KSH42CTM
- Part No.:
- KSH42CTM
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-252-3, DPAK (2 Leads + Tab), SC-63
- Datasheet:
-
KSH42CTM.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 100V 6A DPAK
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,013
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Product details
Overview
KSH42CTM from onsemi is a PNP epitaxial silicon power transistor designed for low-speed switching and general-purpose amplifier applications, with -100 V collector-emitter sustaining voltage (VCEO(sus)), -6 A DC collector current (IC), and 20 W collector dissipation at TC = 25°C, commonly used in linear power supplies and relay drivers.
For engineers reviewing the KSH42CTM datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its D-PAK package thermal performance, verified -100 V breakdown rating under zero-bias conditions, safe operating area (SOA) compliance up to 5 ms pulse width, and direct electrical equivalence to legacy TIP42C in TO-220-based designs requiring surface-mount upgrade paths.
Technical Context
The KSH42CTM operates as a medium-power PNP bipolar junction transistor with fixed emitter-base and collector-base junction architecture optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching. Its DC current gain (hFE) ranges from 30 to 75 at IC = -0.3 A and drops to 15–75 at IC = -3 A, indicating moderate gain compression under high-current drive.
It features a guaranteed -1.5 V collector-emitter saturation voltage (VCE(sat)) at IC = -6 A and IB = -600 mA, and a -2 V base-emitter on voltage (VBE(on)) at IC = -4 A, confirming robust forward-biased conduction capability suitable for discrete driver stages in industrial control circuits.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO(sus) | -100 V - Sustaining voltage under open-base condition; defines maximum safe blocking voltage in switching applications |
| IC (DC) | -6 A - Continuous collector current limit; sets maximum steady-state load drive capability without forced cooling |
| PC @ TC=25°C | 20 W - Maximum power dissipation at case temperature of 25°C; requires heatsink for >1.75 W ambient operation |
| VCE(sat) | -1.5 V @ IC=-6 A, IB=-600 mA - Confirmed saturation voltage; determines conduction loss in switched-mode output stages |
| hFE | 30–75 @ VCE=-4 V - DC current gain range across 0.3–3 A; supports stable biasing in Class-A amplifier and switch-driver topologies |
| fT | 3 MHz @ VCE=-10 V, IC=-500 mA - Current-gain bandwidth product; validates suitability for audio-frequency and low-speed digital switching |
Pinout & Package
D-PAK (TO-252) surface-mount package with exposed drain pad for thermal enhancement; standardized 3-pin configuration with 1.5 mm pitch and 9.5 mm × 6.1 mm footprint.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Tab/Exposed Pad) | Collector | Electrically connected to collector; must be soldered to PCB copper pour for thermal management and electrical continuity |
| 2 | Base | Control terminal for bipolar conduction; requires current-limited drive due to -2 A absolute max base current rating |
| 3 | Emitter | Current return path; polarity-sensitive connection point for PNP sourcing topology in high-side switch configurations |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Surface-mount D-PAK package | Enables automated assembly and improved thermal coupling vs. through-hole TO-220; eliminates lead-forming step in production |
| Guaranteed VCEO(sus) = -100 V | Supports reliable operation in 48 V and 72 V industrial bus systems with margin against transients and inductive kickback |
| SOA-rated for 5 ms pulses | Validated safe operating area allows short-duration surge current handling in motor start-up and solenoid actuation |
| Electrically similar to TIP42C | Provides drop-in replacement path for legacy TO-220 designs upgrading to surface-mount without circuit revalidation |
Applications
| Linear Power Supply Regulator | DC Motor Direction Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Discrete pass transistor in adjustable linear regulator delivering ±12 V/3 A outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP high-side series pass element regulating output voltage via base current modulation. Use Value: -100 V VCEO(sus) ensures margin against line surges; -1.5 V VCE(sat) minimizes dropout and heat generation at full load. |
Use Scenario: H-bridge upper-leg switch enabling bidirectional 24 V DC motor control in PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side PNP switch sourcing current to motor windings during forward rotation phase. Use Value: -6 A IC rating supports peak stall currents; SOA compliance prevents second-breakdown failure during PWM commutation. |
| Relay Driver Stage | Audio Output Amplifier |
Use Scenario: Final-stage driver for 12 V/500 mA electromagnetic relays in building automation panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated PNP switch providing low-impedance path between relay coil and ground-return rail. Use Value: -2 V VBE(on) ensures full turn-on with standard microcontroller GPIO; -1.5 V VCE(sat) guarantees minimal coil voltage drop. |
Use Scenario: Complementary Class-AB output stage in 10 W mono audio amplifier for public address systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP emitter-follower output device delivering current to 4 Ω speaker load with low distortion. Use Value: 3 MHz fT supports full audio bandwidth; hFE stability across 0.3–3 A enables predictable bias network design. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP power transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJD42C | Same D-PAK package, identical VCEO/IC ratings, but hFE min = 20 (vs. 30 for KSH42CTM); slightly lower SOA margin at 10 ms | Acceptable in relay drivers and low-fidelity amplifiers where gain tolerance >20 is sufficient | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs need for guaranteed 30+ hFE at low IC |
| STP16PF10 | TO-220FP package (not surface-mount), higher VCEO = -100 V, same IC, but no published SOA curve; 100% lead-free but RoHS-compliant only | Suitable for through-hole prototyping or legacy board rework, not for new SMT designs | Choose only if D-PAK assembly infrastructure is unavailable and mechanical mounting permits TO-220FP |
Compared with MJD42C and STP16PF10, the KSH42CTM offers superior guaranteed hFE consistency and validated 5 ms SOA performance in D-PAK, making it preferred for production-grade industrial switching where reliability and thermal predictability are critical.
Availability
KSH42CTM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for linear power supply regulators, relay driver stages, DC motor direction control, and audio output amplifiers requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for KSH42CTM 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 (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor supplier specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, sensing, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.
The KSH42CTM belongs to onsemi's legacy bipolar power transistor family engineered for ruggedized industrial switching and linear regulation, emphasizing high-voltage blocking, thermal robustness, and compatibility with established discrete design practices.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the KSH42CTM?
The KSH42CTM has a maximum DC collector current (IC) rating of -6 A at TC = 25°C. This value assumes adequate heatsinking; derating applies above 25°C case temperature per the published power derating curve. Operation beyond this limit risks thermal runaway or bond-wire failure. The KSH42CTM must be mounted on a thermally optimized PCB pad to sustain rated current in real-world conditions.
Is the KSH42CTM pin-compatible with the TIP42C?
No, the KSH42CTM is not pin-compatible with the TIP42C due to differing packages: KSH42CTM uses D-PAK (TO-252) while TIP42C uses TO-220. However, they are electrically similar-same pinout order (Base, Collector, Emitter) and matching voltage/current ratings-so PCB layout must be revised for surface-mount assembly, but circuit-level validation is minimized. The KSH42CTM retains functional equivalence in most legacy TIP42C applications.
What is the guaranteed minimum DC current gain (hFE) for the KSH42CTM at IC = -0.3 A?
The KSH42CTM guarantees a minimum hFE of 30 at VCE = -4 V and IC = -0.3 A, per the official onsemi datasheet. This specification ensures predictable biasing in low-current amplifier and pre-driver stages. At higher currents (e.g., IC = -3 A), hFE remains ≥15, supporting stable operation across its full rated range. Designers should reference the KSH42CTM's hFE vs. IC curve for precise gain modeling.
Does the KSH42CTM require a heatsink in typical operation?
Yes-the KSH42CTM dissipates up to 20 W at TC = 25°C, but its ambient-rated dissipation is only 1.75 W. Without a heatsink, even modest loads exceed safe junction temperature limits. The exposed collector tab must be soldered to a minimum 250 mm² copper area (2 oz Cu) or attached to an external heatsink. Thermal resistance from junction-to-case is 1.25°C/W; proper thermal design is mandatory to maintain TJ ≤ 150°C in the KSH42CTM.
What is the safe operating area (SOA) limit for pulsed operation of the KSH42CTM?
The KSH42CTM is characterized for safe operation up to 5 ms pulse width at IC = -6 A and VCE = -100 V, per the SOA graph in the official datasheet. Pulse testing follows PW ≤ 300 µs and duty cycle ≤ 2% for parameter validation. For longer pulses, derating is required to avoid secondary breakdown. Designers must consult the KSH42CTM SOA plot (Figure 6) to verify operating points fall within the bounded region for their specific pulse profile.
KSH42CTM Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-252-3, DPAK (2 Leads + Tab), SC-63
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- PNP
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 6 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 100 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 1.5V @ 600mA, 6A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 10µA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 15 @ 3A, 4V
- Power - Max:
- 20 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 3MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DPAK
KSH42CTM FAQ
1.How can I place an order for KSH42CTM through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for KSH42CTM 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 KSH42CTM reliable?
The price and inventory of KSH42CTM are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for KSH42CTM is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for KSH42CTM?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for KSH42CTM transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for KSH42CTM?
KSH42CTM orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your KSH42CTM 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 KSH42CTM?
For technical support, including KSH42CTM datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your KSH42CTM requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that KSH42CTM is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All KSH42CTM 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 KSH42CTM meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of KSH42CTM?
All KSH42CTM units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with KSH42CTM, 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 KSH42CTM part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for KSH42CTM:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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