onsemi MPS6717

Overview

MPS6717 from onsemi is an NPN silicon general-purpose amplifier transistor in TO-92 package, rated for 1.0 W total device dissipation at TA = 25°C, 80 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, and 500 mA continuous collector current - used in low-power audio amplification, switching regulators, and signal buffering stages.

For engineers reviewing the MPS6717 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page delivers verified electrical specs, thermal limits, safe operating area boundaries, TO-92 terminal mapping, and validated alternative transistors for discrete amplifier and switching designs.

Technical Context

The MPS6717 operates as a medium-power NPN bipolar junction transistor with DC current gain (hFE) ranging from 80 to 250 at IC = 50–250 mA and VCE = 1.0 V, supporting linear amplification and saturated switching. Its 50 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance enables reliable heat transfer when mounted on PCBs with minimal copper area.

With 30 pF collector-base capacitance at 10 V and 1.0 MHz, and fT ≥ 70 MHz at IC = 200 mA/VCE = 5.0 V, the MPS6717 supports audio-frequency amplification and low-speed digital switching up to ~10 MHz, while its −55°C to +150°C junction temperature range ensures operation in industrial ambient environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-92 (Case 29-10, Style 1), Pb-free, through-hole mounting. Standard lead form: straight or bent leads per manufacturer specification.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN amplifier/switching transistor applications.

Compared with MPS6717, the 2N5551 offers greater voltage headroom but similar thermal performance, while the MPSA42 trades power handling for extreme voltage tolerance - making MPS6717 the optimal balance of 80 V rating, 500 mA current, and 1.0 W dissipation in general-purpose amplifier and switching roles.

Availability

MPS6717 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio pre-amplifiers, relay driver circuits, DC motor speed control, and linear regulator pass elements requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for MPS6717 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, and cloud infrastructure markets.

The MPS6717 belongs to onsemi's legacy discrete transistor product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, medium-power linear amplification and robust switching in industrial control, power supply, and audio signal conditioning applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the MPS6717?

The MPS6717 has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 500 mA at T_A = 25°C. This value decreases with rising ambient temperature due to thermal derating at 8.0 mW/°C above 25°C. The MPS6717 must be operated within its Safe Operating Area (SOA) curve - especially under pulsed conditions - to avoid second breakdown. Always verify actual I_C in context of V_CE, duty cycle, and PCB thermal design before finalizing the MPS6717 in your circuit.

Is the MPS6717 suitable for audio amplifier applications?

Yes, the MPS6717 is explicitly designated as a "One Watt Amplifier Transistor" in its official datasheet and supports linear operation with hFE = 80–250 at I_C = 50–250 mA and V_CE = 1.0 V. Its f_T ≥ 70 MHz and low C_cb = 30 pF make it appropriate for audio-frequency amplification up to ~20 kHz. The MPS6717 is commonly used in pre-amplifier stages, tone control circuits, and low-power speaker drivers where 1 W dissipation and moderate gain are required.

What is the pin configuration of the MPS6717 in TO-92 package?

The MPS6717 uses TO-92 Case 29-10 Style 1 pinout: Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Base, Pin 3 = Collector. This matches standard NPN orientation for common-emitter amplifier layouts. The marking diagram on the device body shows "MPS6717" followed by date code; the Pb-free version (MPS6717RLRAG) carries the "G" suffix and may include a microdot. Always confirm pinout visually or with multimeter diode test before PCB layout.

Does the MPS6717 have a Pb-free option?

Yes, the MPS6717RLRAG variant is the Pb-free, tape-and-reel packaged version of the MPS6717, compliant with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. It shares identical electrical and thermal specifications with the standard MPS6717 but uses matte tin plating and Pb-free soldering processes. The "G" suffix and optional microdot marking indicate Pb-free status; no performance or reliability trade-offs are introduced in the MPS6717RLRAG relative to the MPS6717.

How does the thermal performance of the MPS6717 compare to similar TO-92 transistors?

The MPS6717 has R_θJA = 125 °C/W and R_θJC = 50 °C/W, which is competitive among 1 W TO-92 transistors. Its 50 °C/W junction-to-case resistance enables effective heat transfer to a heatsink or copper pour, while the 125 °C/W ambient resistance assumes standard JEDEC test conditions. Compared to lower-power devices like the 2N3904 (R_θJA ≈ 200 °C/W), the MPS6717 delivers better thermal efficiency at higher currents - critical when operating near its 1.0 W limit in compact enclosures.