onsemi TIP142TU

Overview

TIP142TU from ON Semiconductor (formerly Fairchild) is an NPN epitaxial Darlington transistor in TO-3PF package, rated for 100 V V_CEO, 10 A DC collector current, and 60 W power dissipation at T_C = 25°C; used in high-current linear regulators, motor control stages, and industrial relay drivers.

For engineers reviewing the TIP142TU datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection factors include V_CEO = 100 V, h_FE ≥ 500 @ I_C = 10 A, V_CE(sat) = 3 V @ I_C = 10 A / I_B = 40 mA, built-in base-emitter shunt resistors, and TO-3PF thermal-mechanical compatibility.

Technical Context

This monolithic Darlington integrates two NPN transistors with internal 8 kΩ base-to-emitter and 0.12 kΩ emitter-to-ground resistors, enabling simplified biasing and improved turn-off speed versus discrete pairs. It operates as a single high-gain, high-voltage switching or amplification element with inherent current gain stabilization.

The device supports pulse collector currents up to 15 A and sustains 100 V in open-base configuration (V_CEO(sus)). Its safe operating area (SOA) is defined up to 150°C junction temperature, with derating beginning at T_C > 25°C per the published power derating curve.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-3PF - Metal-can package with insulated flange, 3-pin layout, and 22 mm × 23 mm footprint; designed for direct mounting to heatsinks with electrical isolation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MJ11016G and BDW83D, the TIP142TU provides guaranteed fast turn-off via integrated shunt resistors and full 100 V blocking - making it uniquely suitable for high-reliability, high-voltage switching where external component count and timing predictability matter.

Availability

TIP142TU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, linear power supply regulation, and high-current lamp/heater switching requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturing continuity.

Supply support for TIP142TU 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 TIP142TU belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy power bipolar transistor family, engineered for ruggedized industrial switching and linear regulation where high current gain, built-in bias stability, and proven thermal reliability are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current for TIP142TU?

The TIP142TU supports a maximum continuous DC collector current of 10 A at case temperature T_C = 25°C. Derating applies above this temperature - for example, at T_C = 75°C, the usable I_C drops to approximately 6.5 A per the published power derating curve. This rating assumes proper heatsinking and ambient conditions compliant with the SOA limits defined in the TIP142TU datasheet.

Does TIP142TU have built-in base-emitter resistors?

Yes, the TIP142TU features monolithic integration of an 8 kΩ resistor between base and emitter, and a 0.12 kΩ resistor between emitter and ground. These internal resistors provide automatic base pull-down and emitter stabilization, reducing external component count and improving turn-off consistency - a key differentiator versus discrete Darlington pairs or non-shunted alternatives like BDW83D.

What package type does TIP142TU use, and is the collector electrically connected to the case?

The TIP142TU uses the TO-3PF package, a metal-can variant with insulated flange. The collector (Pin 2) is electrically connected to the metal case and flange. Therefore, electrical isolation - such as mica washers or silicone pads - is mandatory when mounting to a grounded heatsink to prevent short circuits. This mechanical-electrical relationship is explicitly defined in the TIP142TU package drawings.

Can TIP142TU replace TIP142F in existing designs?

Yes, TIP142TU is a direct replacement for TIP142F, sharing identical electrical specifications (V_CEO = 100 V, I_C = 10 A, h_FE ≥ 500), pinout, TO-3PF package dimensions, and internal resistor values. Both parts originate from the same Fairchild design lineage now maintained by ON Semiconductor, and TIP142TU is the currently orderable version superseding TIP142F in production.

What is the typical V_CE(sat) of TIP142TU under full-load conditions?

The TIP142TU exhibits a typical V_CE(sat) of 3 V when operated at I_C = 10 A and I_B = 40 mA, as specified in the official datasheet. This value directly determines conduction losses (P_cond = I_C × V_CE(sat) ≈ 30 W), which must be accommodated in thermal design. Measured units may vary ±0.3 V due to process spread and temperature, but remain within the 2–3 V max range documented for the TIP142TU.