onsemi TIP115

Overview

TIP115 from ON Semiconductor is a PNP epitaxial silicon Darlington transistor in TO-220 package, rated for -60 V V_CEO, -2 A DC collector current, and 50 W case power dissipation. It features monolithic construction with built-in base-emitter shunt resistors (R1 ≈ 10 kΩ, R2 ≈ 0.6 kΩ), h_FE ≥ 1000 at -1 A, and V_CE(sat) = -2.5 V at -2 A / -8 mA - used in industrial linear power control and high-gain switching circuits.

For engineers reviewing the TIP115 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include guaranteed DC current gain at high current, low saturation voltage under load, integrated bias resistors for simplified drive, and thermal performance in TO-220 mounting configurations.

Technical Context

The TIP115 implements a two-stage monolithic PNP Darlington structure with on-chip base-emitter shunt resistors to ensure reliable turn-off and reduce external component count. Its architecture delivers high current gain without external bias networks while maintaining defined leakage limits (ICEO ≤ -2 mA at -30 V).

Designed for linear and switching operation in industrial environments, it supports continuous DC loads up to -2 A and pulsed currents to -4 A, with junction temperature rated to 150°C and safe operating area validated per Figure 5 of the datasheet. Thermal derating begins at TC > 25°C per the 0.4 W/°C slope.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-220 3L (Single Gauge), through-hole, vertical mounting with metal tab electrically connected to collector. Requires insulated mounting hardware when collector is not at chassis ground.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MJD115G and TIP127, the TIP115 provides optimal balance of high power handling, through-hole reliability, and industrial-grade gain in legacy-compatible TO-220 packaging - making it preferred for medium-power linear and switching applications at ≤-60 V.

Availability

TIP115 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial relay drivers, linear regulator pass elements, DC motor controllers, and high-current LED dimmers requiring stable component supply across long production cycles.

Supply support for TIP115 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

ON Semiconductor is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, sensor, and logic solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud computing, and consumer markets.

The TIP115 belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy bipolar power transistor product line, originally developed by Fairchild Semiconductor and maintained for industrial linear and switching applications requiring rugged, high-gain PNP Darlington performance.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the TIP115?

The TIP115 has a maximum DC collector current rating of -2 A at case temperature TC = 25°C. This value decreases with rising case temperature due to thermal derating - at TC = 100°C, the usable I_C drops to approximately -1 A. Always verify actual junction temperature using R_θJC = 1.5°C/W and ambient conditions before final design validation. The TIP115 must not exceed its absolute maximum ratings under any operating condition.

Does the TIP115 require external base resistors for proper operation?

No, the TIP115 does not require external base resistors because it integrates monolithic base-emitter shunt resistors (R1 ≈ 10 kΩ, R2 ≈ 0.6 kΩ). These resistors ensure reliable turn-off by pulling the base toward the emitter when drive is removed, eliminating latch-up risk and reducing component count. This built-in feature distinguishes the TIP115 from basic bipolar transistors and simplifies interface design with microcontrollers or logic gates.

What is the collector-emitter saturation voltage of the TIP115 under full load?

The TIP115 exhibits a maximum V_CE(sat) of -2.5 V when conducting -2 A collector current with -8 mA base drive at TC = 25°C. This saturation voltage directly impacts conduction losses - at full load, it results in approximately 5 W of power dissipation in the device. Engineers must account for this loss in thermal design and confirm that heatsinking maintains junction temperature below 150°C during continuous operation.

Is the TIP115 pin-compatible with other devices in the TIP110–TIP117 family?

Yes, the TIP115 shares identical TO-220 pinout (Base–Collector–Emitter) and internal Darlington architecture with all members of the TIP110–TIP117 family, including TIP110, TIP111, TIP112, TIP116, and TIP117. However, voltage ratings differ: TIP115 and TIP116 are rated for -60 V V_CEO, while TIP117 is rated for -100 V. Gain and saturation characteristics remain consistent across the series, enabling drop-in substitution where voltage requirements align.

Can the TIP115 be used in high-frequency switching applications?

No, the TIP115 is not intended for high-frequency switching. Its datasheet does not specify transition frequency (f_T) or switching time parameters, and typical Darlington structures exhibit relatively slow turn-on/turn-off due to charge storage in the two cascaded PNP stages. It is optimized for DC, low-frequency (<1 kHz), and medium-speed PWM applications such as motor control or lamp dimming - not for SMPS or RF circuits requiring nanosecond-scale transitions.