onsemi MPSA29RLRPG

Overview

MPSA29RLRPG from onsemi is an NPN silicon Darlington transistor in a Pb-free 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 high DC current gain (h_FE ≥ 10,000 at I_C = 10 mA), low saturation voltage (V_CE(sat) ≤ 1.5 V), and operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature. It is used in low-speed switching and amplification circuits requiring high current drive with minimal base drive.

For engineers reviewing the MPSA29RLRPG datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 100 V_CEO rating, Darlington configuration enabling single-stage high-gain operation, TO-92 mechanical compatibility, and Pb-free compliance per J-STD-609.

Technical Context

The MPSA29RLRPG implements a monolithic NPN Darlington pair with integrated emitter resistor, delivering high current gain without external bias components. Its structure supports low-base-current switching of loads up to 500 mA while maintaining V_CE(sat) ≤ 1.5 V at I_C = 100 mA and I_B = 0.1 mA.

It is characterized for operation across –55°C to +150°C, with thermal resistance R_θJC = 83.3°C/W and R_θJA = 200°C/W. Small-signal f_T reaches 200 MHz at I_C = 10 mA, supporting moderate-frequency amplification despite Darlington topology limitations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-92 (Case 29-11), straight-lead, Pb-free, 2000 units per ammo pack. Dimensions conform to JEDEC TO-226 outline with lead pitch 2.54 mm and body height 4.45–5.20 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPSA29RLRP and ULN2003A, the MPSA29RLRPG provides RoHS-compliant single-Darlington functionality in the smallest possible TO-92 footprint, balancing regulatory compliance, thermal performance, and board space efficiency where discrete switching suffices.

Availability

MPSA29RLRPG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control, LED lighting, sensor interface, and power sequencing applications requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MPSA29RLRPG 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 specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, sensing, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.

The MPSA28/MPSA29 series belongs to onsemi's Preferred Devices portfolio-designed for high-reliability, cost-effective discrete switching and amplification in industrial and commercial applications where long-lifecycle support and consistent parametric performance are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for the MPSA29RLRPG?

The MPSA29RLRPG has a guaranteed minimum V_(BR)CES of 100 Vdc at I_C = 100 mA and V_BE = 0. This rating ensures safe operation in 72 VDC industrial bus systems and automotive 48 V architectures. Derating is required above 25°C ambient per the datasheet's thermal curves, and absolute maximum ratings must never be exceeded in design.

Does the MPSA29RLRPG include an internal base-emitter resistor?

No, the MPSA29RLRPG does not integrate a base-emitter resistor. It is a standard two-terminal Darlington pair (base and emitter externally accessible). Unlike some Darlington transistors with built-in bias resistors (e.g., MMBT5401), the MPSA29RLRPG requires external base current limiting for reliable switching. Its high h_FE simplifies this requirement but does not eliminate it.

Can the MPSA29RLRPG be used in linear amplification applications?

Yes, the MPSA29RLRPG supports linear operation with verified f_T = 200 MHz at I_C = 10 mA and V_CE = 5 V. However, its Darlington structure introduces higher V_BE(on) (~1.4–2.0 V) and reduced linearity versus single-junction transistors. It is best suited for low-distortion audio preamplifiers or sensor buffer stages-not high-fidelity power amplification.

What is the thermal resistance from junction to case (R_θJC) for the MPSA29RLRPG?

The MPSA29RLRPG has a specified R_θJC of 83.3°C/W. This value is measured under standardized test conditions (T_C = 25°C) and enables accurate junction temperature estimation when mounted to a heatsink or copper pour. Combined with its 1.5 W P_D rating at T_C = 25°C, this allows sustained operation at ~1 W with proper thermal design.

Is the MPSA29RLRPG pin-compatible with the MPSA28RLRPG?

Yes, the MPSA29RLRPG and MPSA28RLRPG share identical TO-92 packaging, pinout (Emitter-Base-Collector), and mechanical dimensions. The only functional difference is the higher 100 V_CEO rating of the MPSA29RLRPG versus 80 V for the MPSA28RLRPG. Electrical substitution is permissible if the 20 V margin is acceptable; otherwise, the MPSA29RLRPG provides enhanced voltage headroom.