onsemi MPSA13RLRM
- Part No.:
- MPSA13RLRM
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
MPSA13RLRM.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN DARL 30V 0.5A TO92
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,554
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Product details
Overview
MPSA13RLRM from onsemi is an NPN silicon Darlington transistor in TO-92 package, rated for 30 VCE, 500 mA continuous collector current, and 625 mW power dissipation at 25°C ambient. It delivers DC current gain (hFE) ≥5000 at IC = 10 mA and VCE = 5 V, with VCE(sat) ≤1.5 V at IC = 100 mA/IB = 0.1 mA - suited for low-speed switching and high-gain amplification in relay drivers and sensor interface circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MPSA13RLRM datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its Darlington configuration enabling high input impedance and low base drive requirements, thermal resistance (RJA = 200°C/mW), noise performance at low currents, and compatibility with through-hole PCB assembly using standard TO-92 footprints.
Technical Context
The MPSA13RLRM operates as a two-stage monolithic NPN Darlington pair, providing cascaded current gain without external biasing components. Its structure yields high hFE (>5,000) and elevated VBE(on) (≤2.0 V) due to series-connected base-emitter junctions.
It is optimized for linear and switching operation below 125 MHz (fT = 125 MHz), with defined safe operating area (SOA) limits up to 30 V and 500 mA, and thermal transient response characterized per MIL-STD-750 Method 1082.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 30 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown under open-base condition; defines upper rail limit in switch-mode designs. |
| IC (cont.) | 500 mA - Continuous collector current handling; supports driving small relays, LEDs, or logic-level loads directly. |
| hFE | ≥5000 @ IC=10 mA - Enables microampere-range base drive; reduces burden on preceding logic or MCU GPIO. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤1.5 V @ IC/IB=1000 - Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss and self-heating in switching applications. |
| RJA | 200°C/mW - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; requires heatsinking or derating above 25°C ambient for sustained power operation. |
| fT | 125 MHz - Current-gain bandwidth product; supports audio-frequency amplification and moderate-speed digital switching. |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-92 (Case 29-11, Style 1), through-hole, Pb-free compatible, 3-pin plastic package with standardized lead spacing (2.54 mm).
| 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 and sets reference for base bias network. |
| 2 (Base) | Control input for both transistor stages | Receives low-current drive signal; high input impedance reduces loading on driver stage. |
| 3 (Collector) | Current source terminal of Darlington pair | Connected to load and positive supply; handles switched current with minimal voltage drop in saturation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Darlington architecture | Monolithic NPN-NPN pair delivering >5000 hFE without external components - simplifies high-gain amplifier or low-drive switch design. |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤1.5 V at 100 mA collector current - reduces power loss and heat generation in saturated switching operation. |
| High VCEO | 30 V rating - supports 24 V industrial control rails and automotive 12 V systems with margin. |
| TO-92 compatibility | Standardized footprint and lead form - enables drop-in replacement in legacy through-hole designs and manual prototyping. |
Applications
| Relay Driver Circuits | Sensor Signal Amplification |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 5–24 VDC electromagnetic relays in PLC I/O modules and industrial control panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-gain current amplifier translating microcontroller GPIO output into sufficient coil current. Use Value: Eliminates need for discrete base resistors or secondary transistors; single MPSA13RLRM switches relays requiring up to 500 mA coil current. | Use Scenario: Amplifying low-level analog signals from thermistors, photodiodes, or strain gauges in measurement front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear-mode NPN Darlington configured as emitter-follower or common-emitter amplifier. Use Value: High hFE ensures stable biasing with minimal base current error; low noise at 1 mA supports precision DC-coupled gain stages. |
| LED Power Switching | Legacy Logic Interface |
Use Scenario: Switching high-brightness indicator LEDs or LED arrays in instrumentation and automotive dashboards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side saturated switch controlling LED current path to ground. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤1.5 V preserves forward voltage headroom for multi-LED strings powered from 5–12 V rails. | Use Scenario: Level-shifting and current boosting between TTL/CMOS logic families and higher-power loads in retro-computing or test equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digital interface buffer with gain and isolation between logic ICs and solenoids or displays. Use Value: Input-compatible with 3.3 V/5 V logic outputs; output capable of sourcing/sinking >100 mA without external support circuitry. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Darlington transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPSA14RLRM | Higher hFE (≥10,000 @ 10 mA); otherwise identical ratings, pinout, and package. | Preferred where ultra-low base drive (<1 µA) is required, e.g., battery-powered sensor nodes. | Select MPSA14RLRM when gain margin is critical; MPSA13RLRM remains optimal for cost-sensitive, general-purpose switching. |
| ULN2003A | 7-channel Darlington array in SO-16; includes integrated clamp diodes and 500 mA per channel. | Used for multi-load control (e.g., stepper motor phases, matrix displays); not a single-transistor replacement. | Choose ULN2003A only when driving ≥2 independent loads simultaneously; MPSA13RLRM is superior for discrete, space-constrained single-channel use. |
Compared with MPSA14RLRM and ULN2003A, the MPSA13RLRM offers the best balance of gain, cost, and board space for single-channel medium-current switching - especially where discrete layout, thermal isolation, or legacy TO-92 compatibility are design priorities.
Availability
MPSA13RLRM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay drivers, sensor interfaces, LED power switching, and legacy logic buffering requiring stable component supply across industrial control, test equipment, and embedded instrumentation programs.
Supply support for MPSA13RLRM 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, medical, and IoT applications.
The MPSA13RLRM belongs to onsemi's general-purpose bipolar transistor family, designed specifically for cost-effective, reliable discrete switching and amplification in through-hole-based industrial and consumer electronics.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the MPSA13RLRM?
The MPSA13RLRM is rated for 500 mA continuous collector current (IC) at TA = 25°C. Derating is required above 25°C ambient per its 5.0 mW/°C thermal coefficient. At TC = 25°C, it supports up to 1.5 W dissipation - confirming suitability for moderate-duty switching tasks. The MPSA13RLRM must be operated within its SOA curve to avoid second breakdown during pulsed loads.
Does the MPSA13RLRM have built-in protection features like flyback diodes?
No, the MPSA13RLRM is a bare Darlington transistor without integrated protection. External flyback diodes are required when switching inductive loads such as relays or solenoids. Its datasheet specifies no internal clamping or ESD protection - system-level design must provide transient suppression per IEC 61000-4-5 if used in noisy industrial environments. The MPSA13RLRM relies entirely on external circuitry for robustness.
Is the MPSA13RLRM pin-compatible with the MPSA14RLRM?
Yes, the MPSA13RLRM and MPSA14RLRM share identical TO-92 package dimensions, pin assignment (Emitter-Base-Collector on pins 1-2-3), and mechanical footprint. They differ only in DC current gain (hFE ≥5000 vs. ≥10,000) and are electrically interchangeable in most circuits - though gain-sensitive analog designs may require verification. The MPSA13RLRM can be substituted for MPSA14RLRM where lower gain suffices.
What is the typical noise performance of the MPSA13RLRM at low collector currents?
At IC = 1.0 mA and VCE = 5.0 V, the MPSA13RLRM exhibits wideband noise voltage (VT) of ~1.0 nV/√Hz and noise current (in) of ~10 pA/√Hz over 10 Hz–15.7 kHz bandwidth. These values make the MPSA13RLRM suitable for low-noise preamplifier stages in sensor interfaces. Noise performance degrades at higher currents, so the MPSA13RLRM is typically biased at 0.1–10 mA for optimal SNR.
Can the MPSA13RLRM be used in surface-mount designs?
No - the MPSA13RLRM is exclusively offered in through-hole TO-92 packaging (Case 29-11). It has no SMT variant. For surface-mount equivalents, engineers should consider SOT-23 Darlington transistors like the NSBC114EDXV6T1G (NPN, hFE ≥10,000), but these require PCB redesign and are not pin-compatible. The MPSA13RLRM remains designated for through-hole assembly only.
MPSA13RLRM 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):
- 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)
MPSA13RLRM FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPSA13RLRM through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPSA13RLRM 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 MPSA13RLRM reliable?
The price and inventory of MPSA13RLRM are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPSA13RLRM is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPSA13RLRM?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPSA13RLRM transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPSA13RLRM?
MPSA13RLRM orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPSA13RLRM 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 MPSA13RLRM?
For technical support, including MPSA13RLRM datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPSA13RLRM requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPSA13RLRM is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPSA13RLRM 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 MPSA13RLRM meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPSA13RLRM?
All MPSA13RLRM units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPSA13RLRM, 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 MPSA13RLRM part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPSA13RLRM:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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