onsemi MJE180STU
- Part No.:
- MJE180STU
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-225AA, TO-126-3
- Datasheet:
-
MJE180STU.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 40V 3A TO-126-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:229
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Product details
Overview
MJE180STU from ON Semiconductor is an NPN epitaxial silicon transistor designed for low-power audio amplification and high-speed switching applications, with 40 V VCEO, 60 V VCBO, 3 A DC collector current, 12.5 W power dissipation at TC = 25°C, and 50 MHz current gain bandwidth product.
For engineers reviewing the MJE180STU datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its TO-126 package, VCE(sat) of 0.3 V at IC = 500 mA/IB = 50 mA, hFE range of 50–250, and suitability for linear amplifier stages and pulse-switching circuits requiring moderate voltage and current handling.
Technical Context
The MJE180STU operates as a general-purpose bipolar junction transistor with fixed-emitter configuration in TO-126 housing. Its design supports linear amplification (e.g., preamp stages) and saturated switching (e.g., relay drivers), enabled by VBE(on) = 1.2 V at IC = 500 mA and VCE(sat) ≤ 1.7 V up to IC = 3 A.
Thermal performance is defined by TJ = 150°C maximum junction temperature and power derating above TC = 25°C, while safe operating area (SOA) curves confirm pulsed operation up to 100 µs at full voltage-current stress. Cob = 30 pF at VCB = 10 V enables stable high-frequency response in audio and switching topologies.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 40 V - Maximum continuous collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines usable supply rail headroom in amplifier or switch designs. |
| IC (DC) | 3 A - Sustained collector current capability; supports medium-power output stages without forced cooling. |
| PC (TC=25°C) | 12.5 W - Thermal power limit at case temperature 25°C; requires heatsinking for sustained operation near rating. |
| hFE | 50–250 - DC current gain range at VCE = 1 V; enables predictable base drive sizing across production lots. |
| fT | 50 MHz - Current gain bandwidth product; ensures adequate small-signal gain up to mid-audio frequencies. |
| Cob | 30 pF - Output capacitance at VCB = 10 V; limits high-frequency roll-off and affects switching speed in capacitive-load circuits. |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-126 - Three-lead plastic power package with integral heat slug; leads are emitter (pin 1), collector (pin 2), base (pin 3); mounting hole allows mechanical attachment to heatsink.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Emitter) | Current exit path for majority carriers | Connected to ground or low-impedance return; determines common-emitter topology reference point. |
| 2 (Collector) | Current entry path under forward bias | Connected to load or supply rail; carries full output current and dissipates most thermal energy. |
| 3 (Base) | Control terminal for carrier injection | Receives current-limited drive signal; base resistance must be sized to achieve target IB for saturation or linear operation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low VCE(sat) | 0.3 V at IC = 500 mA/IB = 50 mA - Minimizes conduction loss and self-heating in switching applications. |
| High fT | 50 MHz - Supports stable gain in audio preamplifier and broadband driver circuits up to ~10 MHz. |
| Wide hFE range | 50–250 - Enables robust bias network design across process variation without active compensation. |
| TO-126 thermal interface | Integral metal tab with mounting hole - Allows direct heatsink attachment for reliable 12.5 W dissipation at TC = 25°C. |
Applications
| Audio Pre-Amplifier Stage | DC Motor Driver Switch |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Low-noise voltage amplification in battery-powered portable audio equipment with single-supply rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN BJT configured in common-emitter topology to provide 20–30 dB voltage gain with minimal distortion. Use Value: VBE(on) = 1.2 V and hFE ≥ 50 ensure stable DC biasing and consistent small-signal gain across temperature. | Use Scenario: On/off control of 12 V brushed DC motors in industrial actuators with PWM input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch driving motor coil through collector-emitter path; base driven by microcontroller GPIO. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 0.9 V at IC = 1.5 A reduces resistive losses and improves efficiency over discrete MOSFET alternatives at <1 A. |
| Relay Coil Driver | Linear Power Supply Pass Transistor |
Use Scenario: Driving 5–24 V electromagnetic relays in PLC I/O modules where galvanic isolation is required. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current switch interfacing logic-level signals to inductive relay coils with flyback diode protection. Use Value: ICP = 6 A pulse rating accommodates relay inrush current; Cob = 30 pF limits turn-off delay during fast deactivation. | Use Scenario: Series pass element in adjustable linear regulators delivering up to 2 A output current. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-controlled current source regulating output via base-emitter voltage feedback loop. Use Value: PC = 12.5 W at TC = 25°C supports 2 A × 5 V dropout = 10 W dissipation with margin for thermal transients. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJE180 | Same die, identical electrical specs; "STU" suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging per ON Semi standard. | No functional difference; STU variant optimized for automated SMT placement vs. bulk MJE180. | Select MJE180STU for pick-and-place assembly; use MJE180 for manual prototyping or low-volume hand soldering. |
| 2N3055 | Higher VCEO (60 V), higher IC (15 A), but lower fT (≤ 3 MHz) and larger TO-3 package. | Suitable for higher-power linear supplies or audio outputs, but not for compact PCB layouts or >1 MHz switching. | Choose 2N3055 only when >3 A DC current or >40 V VCEO is required; MJE180STU offers better HF response and smaller footprint. |
Compared with MJE180STU, the MJE180 offers identical performance in bulk form but lacks tape-and-reel logistics support, while the 2N3055 trades high-current capability for reduced frequency response and board space efficiency-making MJE180STU optimal for space-constrained, medium-power linear/switching roles.
Availability
MJE180STU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio pre-amplifiers, relay drivers, DC motor controls, and linear regulator pass elements requiring stable component supply with consistent parametric performance across production lots.
Supply support for MJE180STU 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 power management, analog, sensor, and logic devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.
The MJE180STU belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, originally developed by Fairchild and optimized for cost-sensitive, medium-power linear and switching functions in industrial control and audio systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum junction temperature rating for the MJE180STU?
The MJE180STU has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of 150°C, as specified in its absolute maximum ratings table. This value defines the upper thermal limit for reliable operation; exceeding it risks permanent degradation of hFE, increased leakage, or bond wire failure. Designers must ensure that actual TJ remains below 150°C under worst-case ambient and power dissipation conditions, using thermal resistance data and heatsink calculations. The MJE180STU datasheet provides derating curves to guide safe operation above TC = 25°C.
Does the MJE180STU have a built-in base-emitter resistor?
No, the MJE180STU does not include any integrated base-emitter resistor. It is a standard three-terminal NPN bipolar junction transistor requiring external base drive circuitry-such as a current-limiting resistor or active current source-to establish proper bias conditions. This distinguishes it from digital transistors (e.g., MMBT2222A with R1/R2), which integrate on-chip resistors. The absence of internal resistors gives designers full flexibility in setting IB for linear or saturated operation, but also places responsibility on the circuit designer to avoid overdriving the base.
Can the MJE180STU be used in Class AB audio amplifier output stages?
The MJE180STU is not recommended for Class AB push-pull output stages due to its 3 A DC collector current rating and 12.5 W power dissipation limit-insufficient for typical speaker-driving loads. However, it is well-suited for pre-amplifier or driver stages preceding output devices, where its 50 MHz fT, low VCE(sat), and hFE stability support clean voltage gain and low-distortion signal conditioning. For final output, higher-rated devices like MJ15003 or TIP35C are more appropriate. Always verify SOA compliance under real-world load and thermal conditions when using MJE180STU in linear amplification.
What is the safe operating area (SOA) limitation for pulsed operation of the MJE180STU?
The MJE180STU SOA curve permits pulsed collector currents up to 10 A at VCE = 10 V for durations ≤ 100 µs, decreasing to 3 A at VCE = 40 V for the same pulse width. These limits are defined by second breakdown constraints and thermal inertia, not just average power. Pulse operation must respect both voltage and current boundaries simultaneously-exceeding either risks localized hot-spot formation and catastrophic failure. The SOA graph in the MJE180STU datasheet (Figure 5) must be consulted for exact pulse-width-dependent boundaries; transient thermal impedance data is not provided, so conservative derating is advised for repetitive pulses.
Is the MJE180STU RoHS compliant and halogen-free?
Yes, the MJE180STU is RoHS compliant and halogen-free, consistent with ON Semiconductor's corporate environmental policy and product marking standards. As a post-Fairchild-integration part, it meets JEDEC JS709B and IEC 61249-2-21 requirements for lead-free soldering compatibility and restricted substance content. The device carries the "Pb-Free" and "Halogen-Free" markings on its package and is listed in ON Semiconductor's official compliance database. No exemptions apply; full material declarations are available upon request through Aetrix Electronics' technical support team for MJE180STU.
MJE180STU Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-225AA, TO-126-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 3 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 40 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 1.7V @ 600mA, 3A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100µA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 50 @ 100mA, 1V
- Power - Max:
- 1.5 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 50MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-126-3
MJE180STU FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MJE180STU through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MJE180STU 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 MJE180STU reliable?
The price and inventory of MJE180STU are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MJE180STU is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MJE180STU?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MJE180STU transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MJE180STU?
MJE180STU orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MJE180STU 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 MJE180STU?
For technical support, including MJE180STU datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MJE180STU requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MJE180STU is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MJE180STU 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 MJE180STU meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MJE180STU?
All MJE180STU units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MJE180STU, 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 MJE180STU part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MJE180STU:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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