onsemi MPSA44RLRA

Overview

MPSA44RLRA from onsemi is an NPN silicon high-voltage general-purpose transistor rated for 400 V_CEO, 500 V_CBO, and 300 mA continuous collector current in a TO-92 package. It delivers DC current gain (h_FE) of 40–200 across 1–100 mA I_C, with V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.75 V at I_C/I_B = 10, supporting switching and linear amplification in high-voltage industrial power supplies and relay drivers.

For engineers reviewing the MPSA44RLRA datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 400 V breakdown rating, TO-92 thermal resistance (R_JA = 200 °C/W), h_FE variation with collector current, safe operating area limits, and Pb-free tape-and-reel packaging configuration.

Technical Context

The MPSA44RLRA operates as a discrete NPN bipolar junction transistor optimized for high-voltage switching up to 400 V_CEO. Its design supports robust blocking capability with low leakage (I_CBO ≤ 0.1 A, I_CES ≤ 500 nA) and stable gain across temperature (−55 °C to +150 °C junction range).

It exhibits nonlinear h_FE behavior-peaking near 10 mA I_C (min 50) and declining at higher currents-with V_BE(sat) = 0.75 V and C_ibo = 130 pF at 1 MHz, indicating trade-offs between gain bandwidth and input capacitance suitable for medium-speed switching.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-92 (Case 29-11, Style 1), 3-lead through-hole plastic package with standard lead orientation and JEDEC-compliant dimensions (max height 5.20 mm, body width 4.45 mm).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-voltage NPN transistor applications.

Compared with MPSA42RLRA and BC639-16, the MPSA44RLRA offers the highest combination of voltage rating and thermal efficiency in TO-92, making it optimal for space-constrained, high-reliability 400 V switching where both breakdown margin and power dissipation must be simultaneously managed.

Availability

MPSA44RLRA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, relay driver circuits, and high-voltage signal conditioning requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and tape-and-reel logistics support.

Supply support for MPSA44RLRA 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 MPSA44RLRA belongs to onsemi's legacy high-voltage bipolar transistor product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, reliability-critical industrial control and power conversion applications demanding proven ruggedness and long-term manufacturability.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for the MPSA44RLRA?

The MPSA44RLRA has a guaranteed minimum V_(BR)CEO of 400 Vdc at I_C = 1.0 mAdc and I_B = 0. This rating is validated per onsemi's datasheet test conditions and defines the absolute maximum DC voltage the device can block in common-emitter configuration without breakdown. Engineers must maintain design margins below this value to accommodate transients and temperature effects.

Does the MPSA44RLRA have Pb-free packaging?

Yes, the MPSA44RLRA is supplied in a Pb-free TO-92 package, as confirmed by the "G" suffix option (MPSA44RLRAG) and explicit marking in the onsemi datasheet's ordering information table. The MPSA44RLRA itself is the non-G variant but shares identical Pb-free construction per onsemi's manufacturing policy for this family.

What is the DC current gain (h_FE) range of the MPSA44RLRA at 10 mA collector current?

At I_C = 10 mAdc and V_CE = 10 Vdc, the MPSA44RLRA exhibits h_FE ranging from 50 (minimum) to 200 (maximum), per the Electrical Characteristics table. This wide spread reflects process variation and necessitates design verification across the full gain range-not just typical values-to ensure reliable saturation or linear operation.

Can the MPSA44RLRA be used in switching applications above 100 kHz?

The MPSA44RLRA is not optimized for high-frequency switching. Its |h_fe| drops to unity near 100 MHz (Fig. 6), but practical switching speed is limited by stored charge and minority-carrier lifetime. Turn-off times (t_s + t_f) exceed 1 µs at I_C/I_B = 10, making it unsuitable for PWM above ~50 kHz without significant efficiency loss or thermal stress.

What is the thermal resistance junction-to-ambient (R_JA) for the MPSA44RLRA in free-air conditions?

The MPSA44RLRA has an R_JA of 200 °C/W when mounted on a standard FR-4 PCB with no added copper or heatsink, per the Thermal Characteristics table. This value assumes natural convection cooling and defines the temperature rise per watt of dissipated power-critical for calculating safe operating limits at elevated ambient temperatures.