onsemi MPSA64

Overview

MPSA64 from onsemi is a PNP silicon Darlington transistor in TO-92 package, rated for −30 V_CEO, −500 mA continuous collector current, and 625 mW power dissipation at 25°C ambient. It delivers DC current gain (h_FE) of 10,000–20,000 at −100 mA I_C, with V_CE(sat) ≤ −1.5 V and V_BE(on) ≤ −2.0 V, commonly used in low-speed switching and signal amplification stages of industrial control interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the MPSA64 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its high-current-gain Darlington architecture, −30 V breakdown rating, TO-92 leaded package compatibility with through-hole PCB assembly, and suitability for base-driven switching in relay drivers and logic-level translators.

Technical Context

The MPSA64 operates as a monolithic PNP Darlington pair, integrating two cascaded PNP transistors to achieve high DC current gain without external biasing components. Its structure enables single-base control of high emitter current while maintaining low saturation voltage under moderate load conditions.

Designed for linear and switching operation in the active and saturation regions, it supports continuous collector currents up to −500 mA with thermal derating above 25°C ambient, and exhibits f_T = 125 MHz at −100 mA I_C, confirming usable bandwidth beyond audio frequencies despite Darlington trade-offs in speed.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-92 (Case 29-11, Style 1), through-hole plastic package with 3 leads, JEDEC-standard footprint, Pb-free option available (MPSA64RLRMG).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPSA64, MPSA63 provides lower gain but tighter saturation voltage control, while PN2907A trades Darlington gain for higher speed and voltage rating-selection depends on whether base drive efficiency, saturation loss, or switching frequency dominates the design constraint.

Availability

MPSA64 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control panels, relay-based automation systems, and analog sensor interface modules requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for MPSA64 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 electronics, delivering power management, analog, sensing, and connectivity solutions.

The MPSA62/63/64 family was developed as a preferred line of general-purpose PNP Darlington transistors targeting cost-sensitive, high-reliability industrial and automotive body electronics applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for the MPSA64?

The MPSA64 has a guaranteed minimum collector-emitter breakdown voltage (V_(BR)CES) of −30 Vdc at I_C = −100 µAdc and V_BE = 0. This rating applies under static DC conditions and defines the absolute maximum voltage that can be safely applied between collector and emitter without risking avalanche conduction or device failure. Operation near this limit requires careful thermal and layout design to avoid secondary breakdown.

Does the MPSA64 require an external base resistor when driven by a microcontroller GPIO?

Yes, the MPSA64 requires an external base current-limiting resistor when driven by a microcontroller GPIO. With h_FE ≥ 10,000, even 10 µA of base current can support ~100 mA collector current. A typical 3.3 V GPIO driving the base through a 10 kΩ resistor delivers ~300 µA base current-sufficient for full saturation at ≤300 mA I_C. Omitting the resistor risks excessive base current and thermal runaway.

Is the MPSA64 available in Pb-free packaging?

Yes, the MPSA64 is available in Pb-free packaging. The ordering variant MPSA64RLRMG explicitly denotes RoHS-compliant, Pb-free construction in TO-92 package supplied in ammo pack format. All Pb-free versions meet J-STD-609 Category 1 marking requirements and are compatible with standard SnPb and lead-free reflow profiles per onsemi's Soldering and Mounting Techniques Reference Manual.

How does the MPSA64 compare to the MPSA62 in terms of voltage rating and gain?

The MPSA64 has a −30 V V_CEO rating and h_FE of 10,000–20,000, whereas the MPSA62 is rated for only −20 V V_CEO and offers h_FE of 5,000–10,000. Both share identical TO-92 packaging and thermal characteristics, but the MPSA64 supports higher-voltage industrial rails and delivers double the minimum DC gain-making it preferable for low-base-drive, 24 V system designs where the MPSA62 would risk breakdown or insufficient gain margin.

Can the MPSA64 be used in linear amplifier configurations?

Yes, the MPSA64 can be used in linear amplifier configurations, particularly as a Class-A emitter follower or common-emitter preamplifier. Its f_T of 125 MHz and low noise characteristics support audio-frequency amplification. However, due to Darlington architecture, it exhibits higher V_BE(on) (~−2.0 V) and slower turn-off than single transistors-requiring careful bias network design and compensation for stability in feedback loops above 100 kHz.