onsemi TIP141G

Overview

TIP141G from onsemi is an NPN silicon Darlington power transistor designed for low-frequency switching and linear amplifier applications, featuring 80 Vdc collector-emitter sustaining voltage (V_CEO(sus)), 10 A continuous collector current (I_C), and minimum DC current gain (h_FE) of 1000 at I_C = 5.0 A and V_CE = 4 V - commonly used in motor control circuits, relay drivers, and high-current linear regulators.

For engineers reviewing the TIP141G datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its monolithic Darlington structure with built-in base-emitter shunt resistor, TO-247 and SOT-93 (TO-218) package options, thermal resistance (R_JC = 1.0 °C/W), and unclamped inductive switching capability up to 100 mJ.

Technical Context

The TIP141G integrates two cascaded NPN transistors in a monolithic Darlington configuration with internal base-emitter shunt resistors, enabling high current gain while reducing external biasing complexity. Its safe operating area (SOA) is defined by both thermal limits (125 W at T_C = 25°C) and secondary breakdown constraints, supporting reliable operation under pulsed inductive loads.

It exhibits V_CE(sat) ≤ 2.0 V at I_C = 5.0 A / I_B = 10 mA and V_BE(sat) = 3.5 V at I_C = 10 A / I_B = 40 mA, with switching times (t_d = 0.15 µs, t_r = 0.55 µs, t_s = 2.5 µs, t_f = 2.5 µs) optimized for low-frequency (<100 kHz) power control rather than RF or high-speed digital switching.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Available in TO-247 (Case 340L, Style 3) and SOT-93 (TO-218, Case 340D, Style 1) packages - both 4-pin variants with dual collector terminals for enhanced current handling and thermal path redundancy.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TIP141G, TIP142G provides extended voltage tolerance without changing footprint or drive requirements, while MJ11016G delivers significantly higher current capacity at the cost of increased thermal mass and drive current - making TIP141G optimal for cost-sensitive 60–80 V, ≤10 A applications where thermal management is constrained.

Availability

TIP141G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control, relay driving, and linear regulator applications requiring stable component supply, long-term industrial lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for TIP141G 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 manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power, analog, sensing, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and IoT markets.

The TIP141G belongs to onsemi's legacy silicon power transistor product line, engineered for robust, cost-effective linear and switching power control in non-high-frequency industrial equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter sustaining voltage for TIP141G?

The TIP141G has a minimum collector-emitter sustaining voltage (V_CEO(sus)) of 80 Vdc at I_C = 30 mA and I_B = 0, as specified in the onsemi datasheet. This rating applies under open-base conditions and defines the upper limit for safe DC blocking capability in linear or switching operation. Exceeding this voltage risks avalanche breakdown and permanent device failure.

Does TIP141G require an external base resistor for safe operation?

The TIP141G incorporates a monolithic base-emitter shunt resistor (≈8 kΩ), which aids turn-off but does not eliminate the need for an external series base resistor. A current-limiting resistor must be used between the drive source and Pin 1 (Base) to ensure I_B remains within the 0.5 A continuous rating and to prevent thermal runaway during saturation. Typical values range from 220 Ω to 1 kΩ depending on drive voltage and required switching speed.

Can TIP141G be used in PWM motor control applications?

Yes, the TIP141G supports PWM motor control at frequencies up to approximately 10 kHz, based on its documented switching times (t_d = 0.15 µs, t_r = 0.55 µs, t_s = 2.5 µs, t_f = 2.5 µs). However, due to Darlington storage delay and relatively high V_CE(sat), it is best suited for low-frequency (<5 kHz) duty-cycle modulation in brushed DC motors - not high-efficiency brushless or high-frequency SMPS topologies.

What is the thermal resistance from junction to case for TIP141G?

The TIP141G has a maximum thermal resistance from junction to case (R_JC) of 1.0 °C/W, as stated in the onsemi datasheet. This value assumes proper mounting to a heatsink with recommended torque (1.0–1.5 N·m for TO-247) and thermal interface material. Actual R_JC may vary slightly with mounting pressure and surface flatness, but 1.0 °C/W is the design basis for junction temperature calculation: T_J = T_C + (P_D × R_JC).

Is TIP141G pin-compatible with TIP140G or TIP142G?

Yes, the TIP141G shares identical pinout (Base–Collector–Emitter–Collector), package dimensions, and mechanical footprint with TIP140G and TIP142G in both TO-247 and SOT-93 variants. All three are NPN Darlington transistors with matching terminal assignments and mounting hole patterns - enabling direct substitution where voltage and current requirements align, though V_CEO(sus) differs (60 V, 80 V, 100 V respectively).