onsemi MPS5172

Overview

MPS5172 from onsemi is an NPN silicon general-purpose transistor in TO-92 package, rated for 25 V_CEO, 100 mA continuous collector current, and 625 mW power dissipation at 25°C ambient - used in low-power switching and amplification circuits such as LED drivers, sensor interface stages, and signal conditioning in industrial control modules.

For engineers reviewing the MPS5172 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its h_FE range (100–500), V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V at I_C/I_B = 10, thermal resistance R_JA = 200°C/W, and Pb-free TO-92 packaging suitable for through-hole assembly in cost-sensitive consumer and industrial electronics.

Technical Context

The MPS5172 operates as a discrete bipolar junction transistor with fixed NPN polarity, optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching in DC-coupled low-voltage circuits. Its electrical behavior is defined by guaranteed minimum h_FE of 100 at I_C = 10 mA and V_CE = 10 V, and maximum V_CE(sat) of 0.25 V under same bias conditions.

Thermal performance is characterized by R_JA = 200°C/W and R_JC = 83.3°C/W, supporting operation across −55°C to +150°C junction temperature range. Device reliability is validated per onsemi's standard qualification for general-purpose transistors, with ICBO ≤ 10 nA at 100°C and ICE_S ≤ 100 nA at V_CE = 25 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-92 (Case 29, Style 1), through-hole, Pb-free, 3-lead plastic package with standardized lead spacing and mechanical dimensions per ANSI Y14.5M.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN general-purpose transistor applications.

Compared with BC547B and MPS2222A, the MPS5172 offers optimal balance of cost, thermal footprint, and gain consistency for sub-100 mA switching - making it preferred in space-constrained, cost-driven applications where 25 V rating and 625 mW dissipation meet system requirements without over-engineering.

Availability

MPS5172 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, microcontroller GPIO expansion, and industrial sensor signal conditioning requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MPS5172 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, sensors, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and IoT markets.

The MPS5172 belongs to onsemi's legacy general-purpose transistor product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-volume applications requiring reliable low-power switching and amplification in consumer, industrial, and computing equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the MPS5172?

The MPS5172 has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 100 mA at T_A = 25°C. This rating decreases linearly above 25°C ambient with a derating factor of 5.0 mW/°C for total device dissipation, meaning usable current drops as board temperature rises - for example, at 60°C ambient, the effective I_C limit reduces to approximately 75 mA assuming V_CE(sat) remains constant. Always verify thermal design margins using R_JA = 200°C/W.

Does the MPS5172 have a Pb-free package option?

Yes, the MPS5172RLRMG variant is explicitly specified as Pb-free in onsemi's ordering information and marking diagram. It uses the same TO-92 (Case 29) package as the standard MPS5172 but complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. The "G" suffix in MPS5172RLRMG denotes Pb-free plating, and the device carries the Pb-free marking symbol on the package body per onsemi's Soldering and Mounting Techniques Reference Manual.

What is the guaranteed DC current gain (h_FE) range for the MPS5172 at typical operating conditions?

The MPS5172 guarantees h_FE between 100 and 500 when measured at V_CE = 10 V and I_C = 10 mA, per the Electrical Characteristics table in the official datasheet. This range reflects production lot variation - design should assume minimum h_FE = 100 for worst-case base drive calculations. At lower currents (e.g., I_C = 2 mA), h_FE may fall below 100, so circuit validation at actual operating points is essential.

Can the MPS5172 be used in linear amplifier configurations?

Yes, the MPS5172 is characterized for linear operation with documented small-signal current gain (h_fe) of 100–750 at I_C = 10 mA, V_CE = 10 V, and f = 1 kHz. Its low C_cb (1.6–10 pF) and f_T > 50 MHz support audio-frequency amplification. However, thermal stability must be ensured: at 10 mA quiescent current, power dissipation remains low (<100 mW), but higher I_C bias points require heatsinking per R_JA = 200°C/W.

What are the absolute maximum ratings for junction temperature and storage temperature of the MPS5172?

The MPS5172 has an absolute maximum junction and storage temperature range of −55°C to +150°C, as specified in the Maximum Ratings table. Operation beyond this range risks permanent parametric shift or catastrophic failure. For sustained operation, junction temperature must remain below 150°C - which requires calculating T_J = T_A + (P_D × R_JA) and verifying against ambient and power dissipation conditions in the final PCB layout.