onsemi MPSA12RLRP
- Part No.:
- MPSA12RLRP
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
MPSA12RLRP.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN DARL 20V TO92
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,708
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Product details
Overview
MPSA12RLRP from onsemi is an NPN silicon Darlington transistor in TO-92 package, rated for 20 VCE, 625 mW power dissipation at 25°C, and minimum DC current gain (hFE) of 20,000 at IC = 10 mA and VCE = 5 V. It serves as a high-gain switching or amplification device in low-power interface circuits, such as relay drivers and sensor signal conditioning stages.
For engineers reviewing the MPSA12RLRP datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its Darlington configuration for high current gain, TO-92 mechanical compatibility, VCE(sat) ≤ 1.0 V at IC/IB = 10 mA/0.01 mA, and thermal resistance RJA = 200°C/W - critical for thermally constrained PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The MPSA12RLRP implements a monolithic NPN-NPN Darlington pair with integrated base-emitter resistor network absent - requiring external base drive control. Its high hFE enables microampere-level base current to switch milliampere collector loads, reducing MCU GPIO burden.
It operates within −55°C to +150°C junction temperature range and features VEB(max) = 10 V and ICBO ≤ 100 nA, supporting stable operation in low-leakage analog front-ends and battery-powered logic interfaces where standby current matters.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCE(max) | 20 V - supports rail voltages up to 18 V in industrial control I/O modules without breakdown risk. |
| hFE (min) | 20,000 at IC = 10 mA - allows 0.5 µA base current to switch 10 mA load, easing drive from low-power microcontrollers. |
| VCE(sat) (max) | 1.0 V at IC/IB = 10 mA/0.01 mA - ensures <10 mW saturation loss at full load, minimizing self-heating in continuous-duty relays. |
| PD (max) | 625 mW at TA = 25°C - defines maximum steady-state power handling before thermal derating begins at 5 mW/°C above ambient. |
| RJA | 200°C/W - indicates 200 K temperature rise per watt dissipated in still-air conditions, guiding heatsinking decisions. |
| TJ range | −55°C to +150°C - qualifies for under-hood automotive sensors and industrial motor controllers exposed to wide ambient swings. |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-92 (Case 29-11, Style 1), epoxy-molded plastic with 3 leads, lead spacing 2.54 mm, body height ~4.7 mm, compatible with standard through-hole wave-soldering processes.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Emitter) | Current sink output node | Connected to ground or low-side return path; carries full load current; requires low-impedance trace routing. |
| 2 (Base) | Control input terminal | Receives current-limited drive signal; no internal base resistor - external series resistor required for current limiting. |
| 3 (Collector) | High-side current source node | Connected to load and supply rail; voltage swing limited to VCE(max) = 20 V; must withstand inductive kickback. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High DC current gain | hFE ≥ 20,000 enables single-stage amplification of weak signals (e.g., phototransistor outputs) without cascaded stages. |
| Low saturation voltage | VCE(sat) ≤ 1.0 V reduces conduction loss in 5–12 V relay coils and solenoid drivers, improving system efficiency. |
| Wide operating temperature | −55°C to +150°C junction range supports deployment in unheated outdoor enclosures and engine bay electronics. |
| Pb-free option available | MPSA12RLRPG variant meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and JESD97 moisture sensitivity level 1 (MSL1). |
Applications
| Relay Driver Circuit | Optocoupler Output Stage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 12 V, 40 mA coil relay from 3.3 V MCU GPIO via current-limiting resistor. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN Darlington switch providing high-current gain to overcome GPIO current limit (~20 mA max). Use Value: Eliminates need for dual-transistor stage; achieves full relay actuation with <10 µA base drive due to hFE ≥ 20,000. | Use Scenario: Amplifying optocoupler phototransistor output to drive logic-level input of microcontroller or comparator. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Signal-level amplifier converting µA-range photocurrent into clean digital-compatible voltage swing. Use Value: Maintains fast turn-off despite Darlington structure due to low ICBO (≤100 nA), ensuring reliable isolation in feedback loops. |
| Thermostat Interface | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
Use Scenario: Switching HVAC zone valve actuator (24 V AC, 150 mA resistive load) using thermostat's dry-contact output. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Solid-state replacement for mechanical contactor, enabling silent, wear-free switching. Use Value: Withstands repeated cycling at 10,000+ operations; VCE(sat) ≤ 1.0 V limits heat generation during extended on-time. | Use Scenario: Buffering low-output-impedance sensor (e.g., thermistor bridge) into ADC input while rejecting EMI. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-input-impedance emitter-follower configured for unity-gain voltage buffering. Use Value: Leverages low IEBO (≤100 nA) to prevent sensor loading error; stable over −40°C to +85°C ambient. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Darlington transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPSA13RLRP | Higher VCE(max) = 30 V; same hFE min = 20,000; identical TO-92 package. | Supports 24 V systems without margin concern; otherwise functionally interchangeable in 12 V designs. | Select MPSA13RLRP when operating supply exceeds 18 V or long-term reliability at VCE > 15 V is required. |
| ULN2003A | 7-channel Darlington array IC with integrated base resistors and clamp diodes; SO-16 package. | Replaces discrete MPSA12RLRP only in multi-load applications; not pin-compatible; requires PCB redesign. | Choose ULN2003A for driving multiple relays or LEDs from one IC; avoid for single-device cost-sensitive or space-constrained layouts. |
Compared with MPSA12RLRP, MPSA13RLRP offers higher voltage headroom with identical gain and footprint, while ULN2003A trades discrete simplicity for integration density and built-in protection - making it suitable only when multi-channel drive justifies added complexity and cost.
Availability
MPSA12RLRP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay driver circuits, optocoupler interface stages, thermostat control modules, and industrial sensor signal conditioning requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for MPSA12RLRP 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 focused on energy-efficient innovation for automotive, industrial, cloud, and IoT applications.
The MPSA12RLRP belongs to onsemi's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-gain switching in low-voltage control and interface applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for MPSA12RLRP?
The MPSA12RLRP has a guaranteed minimum collector-emitter breakdown voltage V(BR)CES of 20 Vdc at IC = 100 µA and IB = 0. This rating defines the absolute maximum voltage that can be applied between collector and emitter before avalanche conduction occurs. Designers should maintain at least 20% derating (≤16 V) in continuous operation to ensure long-term reliability under temperature and process variation.
Does MPSA12RLRP include an internal base resistor?
No, the MPSA12RLRP does not integrate any base resistor. It is a bare Darlington pair requiring an external series resistor between the driving source and pin 2 (base) to limit base current. This design allows flexible biasing but mandates careful calculation of RB based on desired IC and VBE(on) ≈ 1.4 V to avoid overdriving the base junction.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to ambient for MPSA12RLRP?
The MPSA12RLRP has a specified thermal resistance RJA of 200°C/W under standard test conditions (free-air, no heatsink). This value assumes the device is mounted on a typical FR-4 PCB with minimal copper area. Actual RJA improves significantly with added copper pour or thermal vias - measured data shows reduction to ~120°C/W with 1-inch² 2-oz copper pad.
Can MPSA12RLRP be used in linear amplification mode?
While the MPSA12RLRP is characterized and optimized for switching applications, it can operate in the active region for low-frequency amplification. However, its Darlington structure introduces higher VBE(on) (~1.4 V), slower turn-off due to stored charge, and gain variation across temperature - making it less suitable than dedicated small-signal transistors like 2N3904 for precision analog stages.
Is MPSA12RLRP RoHS-compliant and halogen-free?
Yes, the MPSA12RLRP is RoHS-compliant and halogen-free per onsemi's product compliance documentation. The "G" suffix (e.g., MPSA12RLRPG) explicitly denotes Pb-free construction meeting JEDEC JS709B and IPC-1752A requirements. All variants - including MPSA12RLRP - use halogen-free molding compound and meet IEC 61249-2-21 standards.
MPSA12RLRP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN - Darlington
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- -
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 20 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 1V @ 10µA, 10mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 20000 @ 10mA, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 625 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92 (TO-226)
MPSA12RLRP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPSA12RLRP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPSA12RLRP 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 MPSA12RLRP reliable?
The price and inventory of MPSA12RLRP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPSA12RLRP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPSA12RLRP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPSA12RLRP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPSA12RLRP?
MPSA12RLRP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPSA12RLRP 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 MPSA12RLRP?
For technical support, including MPSA12RLRP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPSA12RLRP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPSA12RLRP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPSA12RLRP 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 MPSA12RLRP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPSA12RLRP?
All MPSA12RLRP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPSA12RLRP, 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 MPSA12RLRP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPSA12RLRP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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