onsemi MPSA29RLRP

Overview

MPSA29RLRP from onsemi is an NPN silicon Darlington transistor in TO-92 package, rated for 100 V_CEO, 500 mA continuous collector current, and 1.5 W power dissipation at T_C = 25°C. It delivers DC current gain (h_FE) ≥10,000 at I_C = 10 mA and V_CE = 5 V, with V_CE(sat) ≤1.5 V at I_C = 100 mA/I_B = 0.1 mA - used in high-gain switching and linear amplification circuits such as relay drivers and sensor interface stages.

For engineers reviewing the MPSA29RLRP datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 100 V_CEO rating, Darlington architecture enabling low-base-drive requirements, TO-92 mechanical compatibility, and verified performance across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature range.

Technical Context

The MPSA29RLRP implements a monolithic NPN Darlington pair with integrated base-emitter resistor network absent - requiring external base bias control. Its high h_FE minimizes required drive current while maintaining V_BE(on) of 1.4–2.0 V at I_C = 100 mA, and f_T of 125–200 MHz supports moderate-frequency switching up to ~10 MHz in optimized layouts.

Thermal design relies on R_θJC = 83.3°C/W and R_θJA = 200°C/W, with safe operating area (SOA) limited by second breakdown at high V_CE/I_C combinations. The device operates within –55°C to +150°C junction range and supports Pb-free assembly per J-STD-020.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-92 (Case 29-11), straight-lead ammo pack configuration, 2000 units per reel. Lead finish is matte tin; RoHS-compliant per J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Darlington transistor applications.

Compared with MPSA29RLRP, MPSA29RLRPG offers identical performance with Pb-free termination, while ULN2003A provides integration benefits at the cost of layout flexibility and discrete bias control - making MPSA29RLRP optimal for single-channel, thermally managed, or cost-sensitive point-of-load switching.

Availability

MPSA29RLRP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay driver circuits, DC motor control stages, sensor signal amplification, and linear voltage regulator pass elements requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for MPSA29RLRP 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 technologies for automotive, industrial, cloud, and IoT applications.

The MPSA28/MPSA29 series belongs to onsemi's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, designed specifically for high-gain, medium-voltage switching and amplification in cost-sensitive, space-constrained through-hole applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for MPSA29RLRP?

The MPSA29RLRP has a guaranteed minimum collector-emitter breakdown voltage V(BR)_CEO of 100 Vdc at I_C = 100 mAdc and V_BE = 0. This rating is validated per onsemi's published datasheet Rev. 3 (April 2007) and applies to the MPSA29RLRP as a member of the MPSA29 family. Designers should maintain at least 20% derating margin for reliability in sustained operation.

Does MPSA29RLRP include integrated base resistors?

No, the MPSA29RLRP does not include integrated base resistors. It is a bare Darlington transistor requiring external base current limiting - unlike devices such as the ULN2003A. The onsemi datasheet confirms this in the "ON CHARACTERISTICS" table and pinout diagram, where only emitter, base, and collector terminals are defined without internal bias networks.

What is the thermal resistance from junction to case for MPSA29RLRP?

The thermal resistance from junction to case (R_θJC) for MPSA29RLRP is 83.3°C/W, as specified in the "THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS" section of the official onsemi datasheet. This value is measured under standard test conditions (T_C = 25°C) and applies to the TO-92 package configuration used by MPSA29RLRP.

Is MPSA29RLRP RoHS-compliant?

MPSA29RLRP is not RoHS-compliant; it uses standard tin-lead termination. For RoHS-compliant alternatives, select MPSA29RLRPG - the Pb-free version with identical electrical and mechanical specifications. Both share the same TO-92 package and 2000-unit ammo pack shipping format, but only MPSA29RLRPG meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU requirements.

What is the DC current gain (h_FE) of MPSA29RLRP at 100 mA collector current?

The DC current gain h_FE of MPSA29RLRP is guaranteed ≥10,000 at I_C = 10 mAdc and V_CE = 5.0 Vdc per the datasheet. At I_C = 100 mAdc, h_FE remains high but is not explicitly min/max-specified; typical curves (Figure 1) show h_FE ≈ 7,000–8,500 in that region. Designers should verify gain stability under actual operating conditions using the provided SOA and thermal data.