onsemi MJE181STU
- Part No.:
- MJE181STU
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-225AA, TO-126-3
- Datasheet:
-
MJE181STU.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 60V 3A TO-126-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,877
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Product details
Overview
MJE181STU from ON Semiconductor is a discontinued NPN epitaxial silicon transistor in TO-126 package, rated for 80 V collector-base voltage (VCBO), 60 V collector-emitter voltage (VCEO), and 3 A DC collector current (IC), designed for low-power audio amplification and high-speed switching in industrial control and power supply circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MJE181STU datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its 12.5 W collector dissipation at TC = 25°C, hFE range of 50–250 at IC = 100 mA, VCE(sat) ≤ 0.9 V at IC = 1.5 A/IB = 150 mA, and suitability for linear amplifier stages requiring stable gain and low saturation voltage.
Technical Context
The MJE181STU operates as a general-purpose bipolar junction transistor with fixed NPN polarity, optimized for Class-A/B audio output stages and relay/motor driver switching. Its hFE exhibits strong current dependency-50 min at IC = 100 mA, 30 min at IC = 500 mA, and 12 min at IC = 1.5 A-requiring careful bias design for linearity.
Thermal performance is defined by TJ(max) = 150°C and PC = 12.5 W at TC = 25°C, with linear derating above 25°C case temperature. Safe operating area (SOA) curves confirm pulse-current capability up to 6 A for 100 µs, constrained by secondary breakdown limits below 10 V VCE.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCBO | 80 V - maximum reverse-biased collector-base voltage before breakdown; sets upper limit for flyback energy handling in inductive switch applications |
| VCEO | 60 V - maximum collector-emitter voltage under open-base condition; defines safe DC rail margin in amplifier output stages |
| IC (DC) | 3 A - continuous collector current rating at Ta = 25°C; requires heatsinking for sustained operation near this limit |
| hFE @ IC = 100 mA | 50–250 - wide DC current gain spread; mandates emitter degeneration or feedback for stable bias in linear designs |
| VCE(sat) @ IC = 1.5 A | ≤ 0.9 V - low saturation voltage enables efficient switching in low-voltage load drivers with <1.4 W conduction loss |
| fT | 50 MHz - unity-gain bandwidth; supports audio-frequency amplification and sub-10 MHz switching with adequate gain margin |
| Cob | 30 pF @ VCB = 10 V - output capacitance impacts high-frequency roll-off and switching speed in RF-coupled or fast-switching circuits |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-126, through-hole, 3-lead plastic power package with metal tab connected to collector for thermal and electrical grounding. Dimensions: 16.10 × 13.06 × 4.28 mm (L × W × H), mounting hole ø3.20 mm.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Emitter) | Current sink terminal | Connected to ground or low-side return path; must handle full load current and support low-impedance emitter degeneration resistor placement |
| 2 (Collector) | Current source terminal | Internally bonded to metal tab; electrically and thermally coupled to heatsink; requires isolation washer if heatsink is grounded |
| 3 (Base) | Control input terminal | Receives forward-bias current to drive transistor into active/saturation; needs series resistor to limit IB ≤ 1 A peak per datasheet absolute max rating |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High VCEO rating | 60 V enables use in 48 V industrial bus interfaces and offline auxiliary supplies without cascading transistors |
| Low VCE(sat) at high current | 0.9 V at IC = 1.5 A reduces conduction losses in linear regulators and analog output drivers |
| Wide hFE range | 50–250 allows flexible bias network design but requires production binning or feedback compensation for consistent gain |
| TO-126 thermal interface | 12.5 W dissipation at TC = 25°C supports compact heatsink integration in space-constrained power modules |
| Low Cob capacitance | 30 pF minimizes Miller effect in high-speed switching, enabling clean turn-off in PWM-driven solenoid controls |
Applications
| Audio Power Amplifier Stage | DC Motor Driver (Low-Power) |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Final output stage in 5–10 W Class-AB audio amplifiers for public address systems and instrumentation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear NPN output transistor delivering speaker current with minimal crossover distortion. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 0.9 V and hFE ≥ 50 at 1.5 A ensure low thermal drift and stable quiescent current across temperature. |
Use Scenario: H-bridge half-bridge leg or single-ended driver for 12–24 V brushed DC motors in HVAC actuators and lab equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Switching element controlling motor direction/speed via PWM at ≤ 20 kHz. Use Value: 50 MHz fT and 30 pF Cob support clean edge transitions; 6 A pulse rating handles motor startup surges. |
| Relay/Solenoid Driver | Linear Voltage Regulator Pass Element |
|
Use Scenario: Driving 12–48 V electromagnetic relays and fuel injectors in industrial PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current saturated switch interfacing microcontroller GPIO to inductive loads. Use Value: 80 V VCBO withstands >60 V flyback spikes; integrated base-emitter clamp diode not present, so external suppression required. |
Use Scenario: Series pass transistor in adjustable 3–30 V, 1–2 A linear regulators for test equipment power rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Continuously biased active element dissipating variable power based on load and dropout. Use Value: 12.5 W PC at TC = 25°C and 150°C TJ(max) allow regulated outputs up to 25 V @ 1 A with modest heatsinking. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN power transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJE182STU | Higher VCBO (100 V) and VCEO (80 V); same TO-126 package and pinout; hFE min 30 at IC = 500 mA | Better suited for 60–75 V bus applications; higher voltage margin increases safety factor in unregulated supplies | Select when system DC rail exceeds 50 V or transient protection headroom is critical |
| TIP31C | Lower VCBO (100 V) but lower hFE (10–50); TO-220 package; PC = 40 W at TC = 25°C; VCE(sat) ≤ 1.2 V at IC = 3 A | Higher power dissipation capability but larger footprint; less gain consistency for linear amplification | Choose for higher-power switching where TO-220 mounting is acceptable and gain stability is secondary |
Compared with MJE181STU, MJE182STU offers extended voltage ratings without layout change, while TIP31C trades package size for greater thermal capacity and relaxed gain requirements-both require validation of SOA and switching waveforms in target circuit.
Availability
MJE181STU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for legacy repair, industrial control retrofitting, and audio equipment maintenance requiring stable component supply despite discontinuation status.
Supply support for MJE181STU 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 cloud power applications.
The MJE181STU belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy bipolar power transistor family, originally developed by Fairchild for cost-sensitive linear and switching applications demanding ruggedness and proven reliability in harsh environments.
FAQ
Is MJE181STU still in production?
No, the MJE181STU is officially discontinued and not recommended for new designs per ON Semiconductor documentation dated May 2024. Aetrix Electronics maintains limited legacy inventory for repair and maintenance use only, with no guarantee of long-term supply continuity.
What is the pin configuration of MJE181STU?
The MJE181STU uses a TO-126 package with standard pinout: Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Collector (connected to metal tab), Pin 3 = Base. This configuration is confirmed in the official ON Semiconductor datasheet revision G and matches mechanical drawings for MJE180/181/182 series.
Can MJE181STU replace MJE180STU in an existing design?
Yes, the MJE181STU can directly replace MJE180STU in most cases due to identical TO-126 package, pinout, and thermal characteristics-but with higher voltage ratings (VCBO = 80 V vs. 60 V, VCEO = 60 V vs. 40 V). Verify that increased hFE spread does not destabilize bias networks in linear applications.
What is the maximum safe operating temperature for MJE181STU?
The MJE181STU has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of 150°C and storage temperature range of –65°C to +150°C. For reliable operation, maintain case temperature (TC) ≤ 25°C to achieve full 12.5 W collector dissipation; derate linearly to zero at TC = 150°C per published power derating curve.
Does MJE181STU include built-in protection features like ESD or overvoltage clamping?
No, the MJE181STU is a bare bipolar transistor without integrated protection. It lacks base-emitter or collector-emitter clamping diodes, ESD structures, or thermal shutdown. External flyback diodes, base current limiting resistors, and heatsinking must be implemented per application requirements.
MJE181STU 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):
- 60 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
MJE181STU FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MJE181STU through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MJE181STU 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 MJE181STU reliable?
The price and inventory of MJE181STU are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MJE181STU is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MJE181STU?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MJE181STU transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MJE181STU?
MJE181STU orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MJE181STU 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 MJE181STU?
For technical support, including MJE181STU datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MJE181STU requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MJE181STU is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MJE181STU 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 MJE181STU meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MJE181STU?
All MJE181STU units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MJE181STU, 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 MJE181STU part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MJE181STU:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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