onsemi TIP106

Overview

TIP106 from onsemi is a PNP silicon Darlington power transistor in TO-220AB package, rated for 8 A continuous collector current, 80 V collector-emitter sustaining voltage (V_CEO(sus)), and 80 W power dissipation at T_C = 25°C, designed for medium-power linear amplification and low-speed switching in industrial control and power supply circuits.

For engineers reviewing the TIP106 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its built-in base-emitter shunt resistors, high DC current gain (h_FE = 1000–20,000), low saturation voltage (V_CE(sat) ≤ 2.5 V @ I_C = 8 A), thermal resistance (R_JC = 1.56 °C/W), and complementary pairing with NPN TIP101.

Technical Context

The TIP106 integrates two cascaded PNP transistors in monolithic Darlington configuration with internal base-emitter shunt resistors (~8.0 kΩ and ~120 Ω), enabling high current gain without external bias components. It operates in active and saturation regions with guaranteed V_CEO(sus) ≥ 80 V at I_C = 30 mA and V_BE(on) ≤ 2.8 V at I_C = 8 A.

Its safe operating area (SOA) is defined by thermal limits (junction-to-case R_JC = 1.56 °C/W) and second-breakdown constraints up to 150°C junction temperature. The device supports unclamped inductive load energy of 30 mJ under specified test conditions (L = 50 mH, V_CC = 20 V, P.R.F. = 10 Hz).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-220AB (Case 221A, Style 1), 4-terminal plastic power package with two collector leads for enhanced current handling and thermal path. Mounting tab is electrically connected to collector.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TIP106, MJD106G trades package form factor and thermal performance for SMT compatibility, while TIP107 extends voltage capability without altering footprint or drive requirements-making it a drop-in upgrade for higher-voltage robustness.

Availability

TIP106 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC motor control, linear power supply regulation, relay driving, high-current LED dimming, and industrial actuator circuits requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for TIP106 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, analog, sensor, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and IoT applications.

The TIP106 belongs to onsemi's legacy medium-power discrete transistor family, engineered for reliability in industrial automation, power conversion, and electromechanical interface circuits where ruggedness and proven thermal behavior are prioritized over ultra-high frequency response.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the TIP106?

The TIP106 has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 8.0 A when the case temperature is maintained at 25°C. This rating assumes proper heatsinking and derating per the 0.64 W/°C curve above 25°C. At elevated case temperatures, the allowable current decreases linearly-for example, at T_C = 75°C, the derated limit is approximately 4.8 A. The TIP106 must not be operated beyond this limit to avoid thermal runaway or second breakdown.

Does the TIP106 require external base resistors for safe operation?

No, the TIP106 does not require external base resistors for basic turn-off assurance because it incorporates monolithic base-emitter shunt resistors (≈8.0 kΩ and ≈120 Ω). These resistors actively discharge stored charge during turn-off and prevent false triggering from leakage or noise. However, an external series base resistor is still required to limit base current during turn-on-typically sized to deliver 80 mA at the drive voltage, as specified in the datasheet for I_C = 8 A operation.

Can the TIP106 be used as a direct replacement for the TIP105 in an existing design?

The TIP106 is not a direct replacement for the TIP105 due to differing voltage ratings: TIP105 specifies V_CEO(sus) ≥ 60 V, while TIP106 guarantees ≥ 80 V. Although both share identical package, pinout, and current/power ratings, substituting TIP106 into a TIP105-designed circuit may cause overdesign in voltage margin but introduces no functional risk. Conversely, replacing TIP106 with TIP105 risks failure under 60–80 V transients. Always verify system peak voltages before interchange.

What is the thermal resistance from junction to case (R_JC) for the TIP106?

The TIP106 has a maximum junction-to-case thermal resistance (R_JC) of 1.56 °C/W, measured from the silicon die to the mounting surface of the TO-220AB package. This value is critical for calculating junction temperature rise: T_J = T_C + (P_D × 1.56). For example, at 80 W dissipation and T_C = 25°C, T_J reaches 150°C-the absolute maximum rated junction temperature-confirming that full-rated power requires ideal heatsinking.

Is the TIP106 RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the TIP106 is RoHS-compliant and lead-free, as confirmed by onsemi's official documentation and marking (suffix "G" denotes Pb-free packaging). It meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU and is qualified for lead-free soldering processes per J-STD-020. The device uses matte tin plating on leads and complies with IPC/JEDEC standard J-STD-020 for moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 1-unlimited floor life at ≤30°C/85% RH.