onsemi MPSA13ZL1G
- Part No.:
- MPSA13ZL1G
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
MPSA13ZL1G.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN DARL 30V 0.5A TO92
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,667
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Product details
Overview
MPSA13ZL1G 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 where base drive efficiency and output current amplification are critical.
For engineers reviewing the MPSA13ZL1G datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its Darlington architecture enabling ultra-high hFE, low saturation voltage under moderate load, thermal resistance (RθJA = 200 °C/W), and suitability for discrete logic-level interface and industrial control signal amplification.
Technical Context
The MPSA13ZL1G implements a monolithic NPN Darlington pair with integrated base-emitter resistor network absent - external base biasing required. Its high hFE minimizes required base drive current while maintaining VCE(sat) < 1.5 V at IC = 100 mA, supporting efficient switching in low-speed, high-gain analog and digital interface stages.
Designed for operation across –55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature range, it features VCEO = 30 V, VCBO = 30 V, and VEBO = 10 V, with total device dissipation of 625 mW at 25 °C (derated 5 mW/°C above). Its fT = 125 MHz supports limited small-signal amplification but is not intended for RF or high-speed switching.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 30 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines upper rail limit in low-voltage switching designs. |
| hFE | 5,000–10,000 - Ultra-high DC current gain enables microampere-level base drive for 100 mA collector loads. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤1.5 V @ IC=100 mA, IB=0.1 mA - Low saturation voltage reduces power loss and heat generation in saturated switch mode. |
| PD | 625 mW @ TA=25 °C - Limits continuous power handling on standard FR-4 PCB without heatsinking. |
| RθJA | 200 °C/W - Thermal resistance from junction to ambient determines allowable power dissipation at elevated ambient temperatures. |
| fT | 125 MHz - Current gain bandwidth product indicates usable frequency range for small-signal amplification, not switching speed. |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-92 - Standard 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) | Emitter terminal of Darlington pair | Common emitter node; connects to ground or low-side return path; carries full load current. |
| 2 (Base) | Input control terminal | Drives both internal transistors; requires external current-limiting resistor to prevent overdrive. |
| 3 (Collector) | Output current terminal | Connects to load and positive supply; handles up to 1.2 A continuous collector current. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-high DC current gain | hFE ≥ 5,000 ensures minimal base drive current (e.g., ~20 µA for 100 mA output), reducing MCU GPIO loading. |
| Low saturation voltage | VCE(sat) ≤ 1.5 V at rated IC/IB limits conduction loss and self-heating in switching applications. |
| Wide operating temperature range | –55 °C to +150 °C junction rating supports deployment in automotive under-hood and industrial control environments. |
| Robust breakdown ratings | VCEO = VCBO = 30 V allows reliable operation in 24 V systems with transient margin. |
Applications
| Relay Driver Circuits | Lamp and LED Array Drivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 12 V/24 V electromagnetic relays with coil currents up to 100 mA using microcontroller GPIO pins. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-gain Darlington switch providing current amplification and isolation between logic-level control and inductive load. Use Value: Eliminates need for additional driver stages; enables direct MCU control with <100 µA base current requirement. | Use Scenario: Switching incandescent lamps or high-brightness LED strings drawing 50–500 mA in signage or instrumentation panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-saturation discrete power switch interfacing between logic-level signals and resistive/LED loads. Use Value: Reduces thermal stress vs. single-transistor solutions due to lower VCE(sat) and higher gain stability over temperature. |
| Industrial Control I/O Modules | Low-Frequency Signal Amplifiers |
Use Scenario: Discrete output stage in PLC digital output cards delivering 100–500 mA per channel to solenoids or indicators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust, cost-effective switching element with proven reliability in long-life industrial equipment. Use Value: Supports extended operational lifetime (>10 years) under cyclic load conditions with minimal derating. | Use Scenario: DC-coupled preamplifier stage for sensor signals (e.g., thermocouple, strain gauge) requiring high input impedance and gain >5,000. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-hFE amplifier configured in common-emitter topology with emitter degeneration. Use Value: Delivers stable low-noise amplification at frequencies below 100 kHz without active bias compensation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN Darlington transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPSA14ZL1G | VCEO = 30 V, hFE = 10,000–30,000, same TO-92 package and pinout | Higher minimum hFE improves base drive margin in low-current control scenarios | Select when tighter hFE tolerance or enhanced gain consistency is required at low IC |
| ULN2003A | 7-channel Darlington array IC with integrated clamp diodes and 500 mA per channel, SO-16 package | Replaces discrete MPSA13ZL1G in multi-output systems; adds built-in flyback protection | Choose for compact multi-load driving where board space and EMI robustness outweigh discrete flexibility |
Compared with MPSA13ZL1G, MPSA14ZL1G offers higher guaranteed hFE but identical voltage/current ratings, while ULN2003A provides integrated multi-channel functionality at the cost of fixed packaging and reduced design granularity.
Availability
MPSA13ZL1G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay driver circuits, lamp/LED array control, and industrial I/O modules requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for MPSA13ZL1G 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 connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.
The MPSA13ZL1G belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy discrete bipolar transistor portfolio, designed specifically for high-gain, low-speed switching and amplification in cost-sensitive industrial and control applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for MPSA13ZL1G?
The MPSA13ZL1G has a maximum continuous collector current (IC) rating of 1.2 A at TA = 25 °C. However, practical operation is limited by power dissipation (625 mW) and thermal resistance (RθJA = 200 °C/W); sustained 1.2 A operation requires significant heatsinking or forced cooling. For most TO-92-mounted designs, 100–500 mA is the typical safe operating range.
Does MPSA13ZL1G include an integrated base resistor?
No, the MPSA13ZL1G is a bare Darlington transistor without any integrated base resistor. External base current limiting must be provided via a series resistor calculated based on the driving source voltage and desired IB; typical values range from 10 kΩ to 100 kΩ for 3.3 V or 5 V logic-level drive.
Can MPSA13ZL1G replace MPSA14ZL1G in existing designs?
MPSA13ZL1G can substitute for MPSA14ZL1G only if the circuit tolerates lower minimum hFE (5,000 vs. 10,000) and identical VCEO/IC ratings. Since both share TO-92 packaging and pinout, no PCB changes are needed - but verify base drive adequacy under worst-case hFE and temperature conditions in the target application.
What is the typical VBE(on) voltage for MPSA13ZL1G?
The typical base-emitter on voltage (VBE(on)) for MPSA13ZL1G is 2.0 V at IC = 100 mA and VCE = 5.0 V. This reflects the stacked VBE drop of two series-connected NPN transistors, and must be accounted for when sizing base bias resistors in voltage-driven configurations.
Is MPSA13ZL1G suitable for switching inductive loads like relays?
Yes, MPSA13ZL1G is widely used for relay driving, but requires an external flyback diode (e.g., 1N4007) across the relay coil to suppress inductive voltage spikes. Its VCEO = 30 V provides margin against typical 12 V/24 V relay transients, and its Darlington structure ensures reliable turn-on even with weak base drive sources.
MPSA13ZL1G Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Cut Tape (CT)
- 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)
MPSA13ZL1G FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPSA13ZL1G through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPSA13ZL1G 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 MPSA13ZL1G reliable?
The price and inventory of MPSA13ZL1G are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPSA13ZL1G is usually 5 days.
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MPSA13ZL1G orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPSA13ZL1G 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 MPSA13ZL1G?
For technical support, including MPSA13ZL1G datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPSA13ZL1G requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPSA13ZL1G is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPSA13ZL1G 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 MPSA13ZL1G meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPSA13ZL1G?
All MPSA13ZL1G units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPSA13ZL1G, 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 MPSA13ZL1G part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPSA13ZL1G:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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