STMicroelectronics STN1802
- Part No.:
- STN1802
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-261-4, TO-261AA
- Datasheet:
-
STN1802.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 60V 3A SOT-223
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,012
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
STN1802 from STMicroelectronics is a low-voltage, fast-switching NPN power transistor in SOT-223 package, rated for 60 V VCEO, 3 A IC, and 1.6 W Ptot, with VCE(sat) as low as 150 mV at IC = 2 A / IB = 100 mA, optimized for CCFL drivers and low-voltage switching regulators.
For engineers reviewing the STN1802 datasheet, STN1802 pinout, STN1802 application, or STN1802 equivalent, key selection criteria include saturation voltage under high-current drive, hFE stability at IC = 3 A, thermal resistance (Rthj-amb = 78 °C/W on 1 cm² PCB), and switching timing (tON = 50 ns, tf = 120 ns) in medium-power surface-mount designs.
Technical Context
This NPN planar transistor uses a "Base Island" layout to achieve high DC current gain (hFE = 200–400 at IC = 100 mA) while maintaining very low VCE(sat) (≤300 mV at IC = 3 A / IB = 150 mA) and fast switching performance (fT = 150 MHz, tON = 50 ns).
Designed for operation up to Tj = 150 °C with Rthj-amb = 78 °C/W on standard 1 cm² copper area, it supports pulsed peak currents up to 6 A (tp < 5 ms) and withstands VCB = 80 V and VEB = 6 V without breakdown.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 60 V - maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open, enabling use in 48 V and lower DC supply rails |
| IC | 3 A continuous - supports medium-power switching loads such as relay coils and CCFL inverters |
| VCE(sat) | 150 mV @ IC=2 A/IB=100 mA - minimizes conduction loss and self-heating in high-duty-cycle applications |
| hFE | 200–400 @ IC=100 mA - ensures reliable base drive margin and stable gain across production lots |
| fT | 150 MHz - enables clean square-wave switching up to ~10–20 MHz fundamental frequencies |
| tON/tf | 50 ns / 120 ns - reduces switching transition losses in PWM-controlled regulators and lamp drivers |
| Rthj-amb | 78 °C/W on 1 cm² PCB - defines thermal derating curve for ambient temperatures up to 75 °C at full IC |
Pinout & Package
SOT-223 surface-mount package with 4-terminal configuration (3 active pins + tab); thermally enhanced plastic case with exposed collector tab for direct PCB heat sinking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Emitter) | Current sink terminal | Low-impedance path for emitter return; electrically isolated from tab; connects to ground or low-side reference |
| 2 (Base) | Control input | Receives forward bias current to saturate transistor; requires series resistor to limit IB ≤ 1 A peak |
| 3 (Collector) | High-current output | Connected internally to exposed metal tab; must be soldered to large copper pour for thermal management |
| Tab (Collector) | Thermal & electrical node | Primary heat dissipation path and functional collector connection; not insulated - requires clearance from other nets |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Very low VCE(sat) | 150 mV at IC = 2 A - reduces power loss by >40% vs. standard NPN transistors with 300+ mV saturation |
| High hFE at high current | 100 min @ IC = 3 A - maintains strong drive efficiency even under full-load conditions |
| Fast switching speed | tON = 50 ns, tf = 120 ns - enables high-frequency PWM control without excessive switching loss |
| Robust thermal design | Rthj-amb = 78 °C/W on 1 cm² PCB - allows 1.6 W dissipation with ΔT ≈ 125 °C above ambient |
Applications
| CCFL Backlight Driver | Voltage Regulator Switch |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving resonant inverter stage for cold cathode fluorescent lamps in LCD monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main high-current switching element in Royer or push-pull topology, operating at 50–100 kHz. Use Value: Low VCE(sat) minimizes conduction loss during 50% duty cycle, improving inverter efficiency by ≥3% over comparable transistors. | Use Scenario: Pass transistor in linear or quasi-resonant low-dropout regulator for 3.3 V/5 V systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Series pass element controlled by error amplifier feedback loop. Use Value: High hFE reduces base drive current requirement, lowering quiescent power and simplifying bias network design. |
| Electromechanical Relay Driver | Low-Voltage DC-DC Switch |
Use Scenario: Direct coil driver for 12 V/24 V industrial relays with 100–500 Ω coil impedance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-stage saturated switch replacing Darlington pairs in compact PCB layouts. Use Value: Fast turn-off (tf = 120 ns) eliminates relay contact bounce delay, enabling precise timing-critical sequencing. | Use Scenario: Primary switch in non-isolated buck converter for battery-powered instrumentation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency synchronous or diode-assisted switching node handling 2–3 A load current. Use Value: fT = 150 MHz supports clean gate drive edge integrity, reducing EMI in sensitive analog subsystems. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN power switching applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJD122 | VCEO = 100 V, VCE(sat) = 1.2 V @ IC = 3 A - higher saturation loss, lower gain uniformity | Better suited for higher-voltage, lower-speed industrial controls where thermal margin is less constrained | Select when absolute VCEO > 70 V is required and efficiency is secondary to ruggedness |
| ZTX851 | hFE = 100–300 @ IC = 1 A, Rthj-amb = 120 °C/W - lower gain consistency and poorer thermal performance | Used in legacy audio amplifiers and low-cost consumer power stages with relaxed thermal budgets | Choose only if footprint compatibility with TO-92 is mandatory and power density is not critical |
Compared with MJD122 and ZTX851, STN1802 delivers superior efficiency per unit area due to its 150 mV VCE(sat), 78 °C/W thermal resistance, and 150 MHz fT, making it optimal for space-constrained, thermally demanding medium-power switching where both speed and conduction loss matter.
Availability
STN1802 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for CCFL drivers, voltage regulators, and relay drivers requiring stable component supply in industrial, medical display, and embedded power management systems.
Supply support for STN1802 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, designing and manufacturing analog, power, MCU, and sensor solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The STN1802 belongs to ST's medium-power bipolar transistor product line, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, surface-mount switching in space- and thermal-constrained applications below 60 V.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable base current for continuous operation?
The absolute maximum base current (IB) is 1 A, but for reliable long-term operation at IC = 3 A, ST recommends limiting IB to 150 mA per the datasheet test condition for VCE(sat). Exceeding this risks localized heating and gain degradation, especially without forced airflow or enhanced copper area.
Can STN1802 replace a Darlington pair in relay driving applications?
Yes - its hFE ≥ 100 at IC = 3 A and VCE(sat) ≤ 300 mV allow single-transistor replacement of many Darlington configurations. Unlike Darlingtons, it avoids VBE × 2 drop and storage time penalties, enabling faster turn-off and reduced base drive complexity.
Is the exposed collector tab electrically isolated?
No - the metal tab is internally connected to the collector terminal (Pin 3). It must be mounted on a non-isolated copper pour or insulated via thermal pad with dielectric layer if isolation from PCB ground is required. Electrical shorts will occur if tab contacts adjacent signal traces or planes.
What PCB layout practices optimize thermal performance?
Use ≥1 cm² of 2-oz copper connected directly to the collector tab, with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) beneath the tab to inner ground/power planes. Keep base/emitter traces short and wide to minimize inductance, and avoid routing sensitive analog traces near the collector node to prevent coupling from fast switching edges.
STN1802 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-261-4, TO-261AA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 3 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 60 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 400mV @ 150mA, 3A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 200 @ 100mA, 2V
- Power - Max:
- 1.6 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 150MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-223
STN1802 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for STN1802 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for STN1802 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for STN1802 reliable?
The price and inventory of STN1802 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for STN1802 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for STN1802?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for STN1802 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for STN1802?
STN1802 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your STN1802 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for STN1802?
For technical support, including STN1802 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your STN1802 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that STN1802 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All STN1802 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that STN1802 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of STN1802?
All STN1802 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with STN1802, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The STN1802 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for STN1802:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
STN1802 Tags

-
MMBT3906LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT3904-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
MMBT3904LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT3906-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
MMBT3904-TP
Micro Commercial Co

-
MMBT2222A-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
BC846BLT1G
onsemi

-
BC847B,215
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
SMMBT3904LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT2222A-TP
Micro Commercial Co

-
MMBTA06LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT2222ALT1G
onsemi
Tech Hub
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…

