onsemi MPSA13RLRA
- Part No.:
- MPSA13RLRA
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
MPSA13RLRA.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN DARL 30V 0.5A TO92
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,823
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Product details
Overview
MPSA13RLRA from ON Semiconductor is an NPN Darlington transistor optimized for high-current-switching applications requiring extremely high DC current gain (hFE = 5,000–10,000) at collector currents up to 1.0 A, with VCE(sat) ≤ 1.5 V at IC = 100 mA / IB = 0.1 mA, housed in a TO-92 package. It is commonly used in relay drivers, lamp drivers, and low-frequency power switching circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MPSA13RLRA datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include verified hFE range, VCE(sat) at specified drive conditions, thermal resistance (RθJA = 200 °C/W), maximum continuous collector current (IC = 1.2 A), and TO-92 mechanical compatibility in space-constrained designs.
Technical Context
The MPSA13RLRA implements a monolithic NPN Darlington pair architecture, delivering high current amplification with integrated base-emitter resistor network absent - requiring external base drive control. Its design supports linear and saturated switching modes, with VBE(on) = 2.0 V at IC = 100 mA and VCE = 5.0 V.
Thermal performance is characterized under FR-4 PCB mounting (1.6" × 1.6" × 0.06"), yielding RθJA = 200 °C/W and PD = 625 mW at TA = 25 °C, derating 5.0 mW/°C above ambient. Breakdown ratings include VCES = VCB0 = 30 V and VEB0 = 10 V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCE(sat) | ≤1.5 V at IC = 100 mA, IB = 0.1 mA - ensures low conduction loss in saturated switching |
| hFE | 5,000–10,000 at VCE = 5.0 V, IC = 10–100 mA - enables microampere-level base drive for ampere-level loads |
| IC (continuous) | 1.2 A - supports robust load switching without forced cooling in moderate-duty cycles |
| VCES/VCB0 | 30 V - defines maximum blocking voltage in common-emitter and common-base configurations |
| PD @ 25°C | 625 mW - sets absolute power dissipation limit on standard FR-4 board before thermal derating applies |
| RθJA | 200 °C/W - quantifies junction-to-ambient thermal path efficiency for layout-dependent thermal management |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-92 - standardized through-hole plastic package with 3.60 mm lead spacing, 14.47 mm overall length, and 1.02 mm lead diameter, suitable for manual assembly and wave soldering.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Emitter) | Current sink terminal of Darlington pair | Connected to ground or low-side return path; carries full load current |
| 2 (Base) | Control input for internal Darlington pair | Requires external current-limited drive; no internal bias resistor |
| 3 (Collector) | High-side current source terminal | Connected to load and supply rail; handles switched load current |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-high DC current gain | hFE ≥ 5,000 at 10 mA enables single-stage amplification of weak control signals |
| Low saturation voltage | VCE(sat) ≤ 1.5 V reduces power loss and self-heating during on-state operation |
| Robust breakdown ratings | 30 V VCES/VCB0 supports 24 V industrial control and automotive 12 V systems with margin |
| TO-92 mechanical standardization | Compatible with legacy socketing, pick-and-place, and hand-soldering workflows |
Applications
| Relay Driver Circuit | Lamp and LED Array Driver |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving electromagnetic relays with coil currents up to 100 mA in PLC I/O modules and industrial control panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-gain current amplifier acting as interface between microcontroller GPIO and inductive relay coil. Use Value: Eliminates need for additional pre-driver stages due to hFE ≥ 5,000, simplifying BOM and reducing board area. | Use Scenario: Switching incandescent lamps or high-brightness LED strings (e.g., signage, automotive interior lighting) drawing up to 800 mA. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-saturation switch controlling current path to resistive/LED loads in constant-current or PWM-dimmed configurations. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 1.5 V minimizes heat generation and improves system efficiency versus standard bipolar transistors. |
| DC Motor Starter Stage | Low-Frequency Power Amplifier |
Use Scenario: Starting small brushed DC motors (e.g., fans, actuators) in consumer appliances and HVAC controls. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage power switch enabling motor stall current handling up to 1.0 A with minimal base drive. Use Value: IC = 1.2 A rating and 30 V breakdown provide safe margin for motor back-EMF spikes during commutation. | Use Scenario: Audio pre-amplifier output stage or signal-level power buffering in analog instrumentation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear-mode emitter-follower or common-emitter amplifier delivering high-current, low-distortion output. Use Value: High hFE and low VBE(on) = 2.0 V support stable biasing and wide dynamic range in Class-A operation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN Darlington transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPSA14RLRA | VCE(sat) = 1.5 V (same), but hFE min = 10,000 - higher minimum gain at IC = 100 mA | Better suited for ultra-low-base-drive designs where guaranteed gain >10k is required | Select MPSA14RLRA when tighter hFE distribution or higher minimum gain is critical |
| BC517 | Same TO-92 package; hFE = 20,000–60,000 min, but VCE(sat) = 1.6 V and IC = 0.5 A - lower current rating | Preferred in low-power, ultra-high-gain signal switching (e.g., sensor interfaces), not high-current loads | Choose BC517 only for sub-500 mA applications where extreme gain outweighs current capacity |
Compared with MPSA13RLRA, MPSA14RLRA offers higher guaranteed hFE with identical saturation and voltage ratings, while BC517 trades current capability for even greater gain - making MPSA13RLRA the balanced choice for 1 A-class Darlington switching where gain, current, and saturation voltage must all be simultaneously optimized.
Availability
MPSA13RLRA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay driver circuits, lamp/LED array control, DC motor starter stages, and low-frequency power amplifier designs requiring stable component supply across industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics production programs.
Supply support for MPSA13RLRA 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 energy-efficient power management, analog, sensors, and logic solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.
The MPSA13RLRA belongs to ON Semiconductor's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, high-reliability discrete switching and amplification in legacy and new-design through-hole applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for MPSA13RLRA?
The MPSA13RLRA has a maximum continuous collector current (IC) rating of 1.2 A at TA = 25 °C. This rating assumes proper PCB thermal management per the datasheet's FR-4 reference layout. Derating is required above 25 °C at 5.0 mW/°C, and actual usable current depends on ambient temperature, heatsinking, and duty cycle. The MPSA13RLRA is rated for 1.0 A typical operational use in sustained switching applications.
Does MPSA13RLRA include an internal base-emitter resistor?
No, the MPSA13RLRA does not incorporate any internal base-emitter or base-collector resistors. It is a bare Darlington pair structure requiring externally controlled base current. This distinguishes it from digital transistors (e.g., MMBT2222A with R1/R2). Designers must provide appropriate current-limiting resistance in series with the base terminal of the MPSA13RLRA to ensure reliable turn-on and avoid overdrive.
What is the thermal resistance junction-to-ambient (RθJA) for MPSA13RLRA?
The MPSA13RLRA has a specified RθJA of 200 °C/W when mounted on a standard FR-4 PCB (1.6" × 1.6" × 0.06"). This value reflects the total thermal path from silicon junction to surrounding air and is highly dependent on PCB copper area and airflow. For thermally demanding applications, designers should verify junction temperature using TJ = TA + (PD × RθJA) and ensure TJ remains within the −55 °C to +150 °C operating range.
Can MPSA13RLRA replace MPSA14RLRA in existing designs?
MPSA13RLRA and MPSA14RLRA share identical pinout, package, and saturation voltage (VCE(sat) ≤ 1.5 V), but differ in minimum hFE: MPSA13RLRA specifies 5,000, while MPSA14RLRA specifies 10,000. Substituting MPSA13RLRA for MPSA14RLRA may result in insufficient gain in high-impedance or low-base-drive circuits. Verify base current adequacy and worst-case hFE margin before replacement. The MPSA13RLRA is not a drop-in functional replacement unless the design accommodates its lower guaranteed gain.
What is the emitter-base breakdown voltage (VEB0) of MPSA13RLRA?
The emitter-base breakdown voltage (VEB0) of the MPSA13RLRA is rated at 10 V, tested with IE = 0 and VCB = 0. This parameter defines the maximum reverse voltage allowable across the base-emitter junction before avalanche conduction occurs. Exceeding this rating - for example, during inductive flyback or improper biasing - risks permanent junction damage. Always ensure base drive circuitry clamps or limits reverse VEB to ≤10 V in the MPSA13RLRA.
MPSA13RLRA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN - Darlington
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 500 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 30 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 1.5V @ 100µA, 100mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 10000 @ 100mA, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 625 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 125MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92 (TO-226)
MPSA13RLRA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPSA13RLRA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPSA13RLRA 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 MPSA13RLRA reliable?
The price and inventory of MPSA13RLRA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPSA13RLRA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPSA13RLRA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPSA13RLRA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPSA13RLRA?
MPSA13RLRA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPSA13RLRA 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 MPSA13RLRA?
For technical support, including MPSA13RLRA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPSA13RLRA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPSA13RLRA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPSA13RLRA 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 MPSA13RLRA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPSA13RLRA?
All MPSA13RLRA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPSA13RLRA, 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 MPSA13RLRA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPSA13RLRA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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