onsemi MPSA64G

Overview

MPSA64G from onsemi is a PNP silicon Darlington transistor in TO-92 package, rated for −30 V C-E and C-B voltage, −500 mA continuous collector current, and 625 mW power dissipation at 25°C ambient. It delivers high DC current gain (10,000–20,000) and low saturation voltage (≤−1.5 V at −100 mA/−0.1 mA), enabling efficient switching in low-voltage relay drivers and LED matrix controllers.

For engineers reviewing the MPSA64G datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include guaranteed h_FE ≥10,000 at −100 mA, V_CE(sat) ≤−1.5 V under specified drive, thermal resistance R_θJA = 200°C/W, Pb-free TO-92 packaging, and −55°C to +150°C operating junction temperature range.

Technical Context

The MPSA64G implements a monolithic PNP Darlington pair with integrated base-emitter resistor network optimized for high-current gain and stable turn-on characteristics. Its structure supports low-base-drive requirements while maintaining robust secondary breakdown limits up to −100 mA at −2 V_CE in the active region.

Designed for linear and switching operation, it exhibits f_T = 125 MHz at −100 mA and −5 V_CE, with V_BE(on) ≤−2.0 V and tight leakage control (I_CBO, I_EBO ≤−100 nA), making it suitable for precision analog amplification and noise-sensitive signal conditioning stages.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-92 (Case 29-11), straight or bent lead, Pb-free, through-hole mounting. Dimensions per ANSI Y14.5M with A = 4.45–5.20 mm, B = 4.32–5.33 mm, C = 3.18–4.19 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPSA63G and PN2907A, the MPSA64G provides the highest guaranteed current gain and lowest saturation voltage in the TO-92 footprint, making it optimal for space-constrained designs requiring minimal base drive and maximum efficiency in low-to-moderate frequency switching.

Availability

MPSA64G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay driver circuits, LED matrix row selection, linear regulator pass elements, and low-frequency signal amplifiers requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant through-hole packaging.

Supply support for MPSA64G 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, medical, and IoT applications.

The MPSA64G belongs to onsemi's Preferred Devices family of general-purpose bipolar transistors, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability discrete switching and amplification in industrial control and consumer electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for MPSA64G?

The MPSA64G is rated for −500 mA continuous collector current at T_A = 25°C. Derating is required above 25°C at 5.0 mW/°C for ambient operation or 12 mW/°C for case-mounted conditions. This rating ensures reliable operation in relay and LED driver applications without forced cooling.

Does MPSA64G have Pb-free packaging?

Yes, MPSA64G uses Pb-free TO-92 packaging as confirmed by the "G" suffix in the part number and the marking diagram showing "G" denoting Pb-free compliance. It meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and is compatible with standard SnPb and lead-free reflow profiles.

What is the guaranteed DC current gain (h_FE) range for MPSA64G?

The MPSA64G guarantees h_FE ≥10,000 at I_C = −100 mA and V_CE = −5.0 V, with a maximum of 20,000 under the same conditions. This high gain enables direct interfacing with microcontroller GPIO pins without additional base resistors or driver stages.

Can MPSA64G replace MPSA63G in existing designs?

MPSA64G can replace MPSA63G where higher current gain is beneficial, but design validation is required. While both share identical pinout, voltage/current ratings, and package, the MPSA64G's higher h_FE may alter switching timing or bias stability in some linear applications-verify performance under worst-case temperature and supply conditions.

What is the thermal resistance junction-to-ambient (R_θJA) for MPSA64G?

The MPSA64G has R_θJA = 200°C/W when mounted on a standard FR-4 PCB with minimal copper area. This value determines maximum allowable power dissipation: at 25°C ambient, PD max = 625 mW; above 25°C, reduce by 5.0 mW per °C rise.