onsemi TIP140TU

Overview

TIP140TU from ON Semiconductor (formerly Fairchild) is an NPN epitaxial Darlington transistor in TO-3PF package, rated for 60 V V_CEO, 10 A DC collector current, and 60 W power dissipation at T_C = 25°C; used in industrial linear power supplies, motor control drivers, and high-current switching applications.

For engineers reviewing the TIP140TU datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its built-in base-emitter shunt resistors (R1 ≈ 8 kΩ, R2 ≈ 0.12 kΩ), 1000 min h_FE at 5 A, V_CE(sat) ≤ 2 V at 5 A/10 mA, and safe operating area validated up to 10 A with 30 V V_CC.

Technical Context

The TIP140TU integrates monolithic Darlington structure with internal base-emitter shunt resistors (8 kΩ and 0.12 kΩ), enabling self-biasing and improved turn-off speed. It delivers h_FE ≥ 1000 at V_CE = 4 V, I_C = 5 A and supports pulse currents up to 15 A.

Its switching performance includes t_D = 0.15 µs, t_R = 0.55 µs, t_STG = 2.5 µs, and t_F = 2.5 µs under V_CC = 30 V, I_C = 5 A, R_L = 6 Ω, and ±20 mA base drive - confirming suitability for medium-speed industrial switching.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-3PF metal can with insulated mounting flange, 3-terminal configuration, 15.5 mm × 26.5 mm footprint, 22 mm height, and integrated base-emitter shunt resistors (R1 ≈ 8 kΩ, R2 ≈ 0.12 kΩ).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MJ11015G and TIP142TU, the TIP140TU offers optimal balance of voltage rating, gain, and integrated insulation for 60 V industrial switching - while TIP142TU extends voltage capability with no layout impact, and MJ11015G trades gain for higher breakdown at the cost of added isolation complexity.

Availability

TIP140TU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial linear power supplies, motor speed controllers, and AC contactor drivers requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for TIP140TU 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 supplier delivering energy-efficient, intelligent power and sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, medical, and IoT applications.

The TIP140TU belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy power bipolar transistor family, designed specifically for robust, high-current linear and switching applications in industrial control and power conversion equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the TIP140TU?

The TIP140TU is rated for 10 A DC collector current at case temperature T_C = 25°C. Derating is required above 25°C per the published power derating curve - at 100°C case temperature, maximum continuous I_C drops to approximately 4.5 A. This rating assumes proper heatsinking and adherence to the SOA limits shown in Figure 5 of the TIP140TU datasheet.

Does the TIP140TU have built-in base-emitter resistors, and what are their values?

Yes, the TIP140TU features monolithic integration of two base-emitter shunt resistors: R1 ≈ 8 kΩ and R2 ≈ 0.12 kΩ. These resistors provide automatic bias stabilization and accelerate turn-off by discharging stored base charge - eliminating the need for external pull-down components in most switching applications. Their values are confirmed in the Equivalent Circuit diagram of the official TIP140TU datasheet.

What is the collector-emitter saturation voltage (V_CE(sat)) of the TIP140TU under typical operating conditions?

The TIP140TU exhibits V_CE(sat) ≤ 2 V at I_C = 5 A and I_B = 10 mA, and ≤ 3 V at I_C = 10 A and I_B = 40 mA. These values reflect actual device performance under DC conditions and directly determine conduction losses in linear regulators or switching circuits - for example, 2 V drop at 5 A yields 10 W of dissipation solely from saturation.

Can the TIP140TU be used as a direct replacement for the TIP142TU in existing designs?

No - the TIP140TU is not a direct replacement for the TIP142TU due to its lower 60 V V_CEO rating versus the TIP142TU's 100 V rating. While both share identical pinout, package, and internal resistor values, substituting TIP140TU into a design originally specified for TIP142TU risks premature breakdown if operating voltages exceed 60 V. Always verify maximum system voltage before interchange.

What is the junction-to-case thermal resistance (R_θJC) of the TIP140TU?

The TIP140TU has a junction-to-case thermal resistance of 2.08°C/W, calculated from its 60 W power dissipation rating and 150°C maximum junction temperature (T_J – T_C)/P_C = (150 – 25)/60. This value is consistent across the TIP140F/141F/142F family and confirms the TO-3PF package's thermal performance - requiring a heatsink with ≤0.42°C/W thermal resistance to maintain T_J ≤ 150°C at full 10 A load.