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Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Transistors > Bipolar (BJT) > Single Bipolar Transistors

STMicroelectronics TIP146

Name: TIP146
Brand: STMicroelectronics
SKU: TIP146
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: TIP146

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-218-3

Datasheet:: TIP146.pdf

Description:: TRANS PNP DARL 80V 10A TO-218

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:7,283

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Product details

Overview

TIP146 from STMicroelectronics is a complementary PNP silicon power Darlington transistor in monolithic configuration, designed for high-current linear and switching applications such as motor control and industrial power supplies. It features V_CEO = –80 V, I_C = –10 A, P_tot = 125 W at T_case ≤ 25 °C, integrated antiparallel collector-emitter diode, and TO-218 package with R_thj-case = 1 °C/W.

For engineers reviewing the TIP146 datasheet, TIP146 pinout, TIP146 application, or TIP146 equivalent, key selection criteria include sustained voltage rating under inductive load, DC current gain at 10 A, saturation voltage at rated current, thermal resistance for heatsink design, and compatibility with NPN counterparts (e.g., TIP141) in push-pull stages.

Technical Context

The TIP146 operates as a monolithic PNP Darlington pair with built-in base resistors (R1 ≈ 5 kΩ, R2 ≈ 150 Ω) and an integrated antiparallel collector-emitter diode-enabling safe commutation of inductive loads without external flyback protection. Its negative polarity ratings (V_CEO = –80 V, I_C = –10 A) are specified for IB = 0 and IC = 0 conditions respectively.

It delivers h_FE ≥ 500 at I_C = 10 A and V_CE = 4 V, with V_CE(sat) ≤ 3 V under same conditions. Switching performance includes t_on = 0.9 µs and t_off = 4 µs into a 3 Ω resistive load with ±40 mA base drive.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	–80 V: Maximum sustainable collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines safe operating area for inductive switching in PNP high-side configurations.
I_C	–10 A: Continuous DC collector current; supports motor drivers and power regulators requiring robust current sourcing capability.
P_tot	125 W at T_case ≤ 25 °C: Total power dissipation limit; requires heatsinking per R_thj-case = 1 °C/W to maintain T_j ≤ 150 °C.
h_FE	≥500 at I_C = 10 A: High DC current gain reduces required base drive current, easing driver stage design in high-power amplifiers.
V_CE(sat)	≤3 V at I_C = 10 A, I_B = 40 mA: Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss and heat generation in switching applications.
t_off	4 µs: Turn-off time into 3 Ω load; enables operation up to ~100 kHz in hard-switched topologies with controlled fall time.

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-218 (SOT-93), plastic case with isolated mounting flange, 3-terminal configuration optimized for high-power thermal and electrical performance.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1 - Emitter	Main current exit path for PNP device	Connected to positive rail in high-side switch; must be electrically isolated from heatsink if flange is not internally connected.
2 - Base	Control input for Darlington pair	Internally biased via R1/R2 network; accepts low-current logic-level drive but requires negative voltage relative to emitter for turn-on.
3 - Collector	Main current entry path	Connected to load; integrated antiparallel diode provides intrinsic freewheeling path during inductive turn-off.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Monolithic Darlington structure	Single-die integration eliminates interconnect parasitics and ensures matched thermal behavior between driver and output transistors.
Integrated antiparallel C–E diode	Eliminates need for external flyback diode in relay/motor drive circuits, reducing BOM count and PCB footprint.
Built-in base bias resistors	R1 ≈ 5 kΩ and R2 ≈ 150 Ω enable direct TTL/CMOS-compatible drive without external bias network.
TO-218 thermal performance	R_thj-case = 1 °C/W allows 125 W dissipation with modest heatsink; flange isolation supports safe mounting on grounded metal chassis.

Applications

DC Motor Control

Linear Power Supply Regulator

Use Scenario: Bidirectional H-bridge driver for 24–48 V brushed DC motors in industrial actuators.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP high-side switch complementing NPN low-side devices (e.g., TIP141); handles reverse current during PWM decay.

Use Value: Integrated C–E diode clamps inductive kickback, preventing voltage overshoot beyond –80 V and eliminating discrete snubber components.

Use Scenario: Pass transistor in adjustable linear regulator delivering up to 10 A at 5–30 V output.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Series pass element dissipating excess input-output differential voltage; operated in active region with forced-air cooling.

Use Value: h_FE ≥ 500 at 10 A reduces base drive requirement to <20 mA, simplifying error amplifier and driver stage design.

Inductive Load Switching

Welding Equipment Output Stage

Use Scenario: Solenoid and contactor driver in programmable logic controller (PLC) output modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current PNP switch turning on 24 V/5 A inductive loads; driven by optocoupled microcontroller outputs.

Use Value: V_CEO(sus) = –80 V ensures reliable hold-off during fast current interruption, avoiding destructive avalanche breakdown.

Use Scenario: Primary switching element in capacitor-discharge welding controllers handling repetitive 500 A peak pulses.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Sustained conduction switch triggered in burst mode; conducts for 10–100 ms per weld cycle.

Use Value: 125 W power rating and 150 °C max junction temperature support short-duration high-duty-cycle operation without thermal runaway.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
MJ11016	V_CEO = –100 V, I_C = –12 A, no integrated diode, TO-3 package	Higher voltage margin but requires external flyback diode and larger heatsink due to higher R_thj-case	Select when >80 V blocking is mandatory and board space allows TO-3 mounting.
BDW53C	V_CEO = –100 V, I_C = –8 A, no integrated diode, TO-220 package	Lower current rating and no monolithic Darlington gain; needs external base resistor network	Choose for cost-sensitive designs where 8 A suffices and discrete biasing is acceptable.

Compared with MJ11016 and BDW53C, the TIP146 offers integrated protection and simplified drive at the expense of lower voltage headroom than MJ11016 and lower current than both-making it optimal for 80 V-class industrial switching where layout density and reliability are prioritized over ultimate rating margins.

Availability

TIP146 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, linear power regulation, solenoid actuation, and welding equipment requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for TIP146 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in automotive, industrial, and power discrete solutions with vertical manufacturing capabilities.

The TIP14x series belongs to ST's legacy power bipolar portfolio, engineered specifically for ruggedized industrial switching and linear regulation where monolithic Darlington integration, built-in protection, and proven thermal reliability are essential.

FAQ

Is the TIP146 pin-compatible with the TIP141?

No-TIP146 (PNP) and TIP141 (NPN) share identical TO-218 pinout (Emitter-Base-Collector), but polarity reversal means they are complementary, not interchangeable. Swapping them without circuit redesign causes immediate reverse-bias failure. Their matching is intended for push-pull or H-bridge layouts, not substitution.

Does the integrated collector-emitter diode support bidirectional current flow?

The integrated antiparallel diode conducts only from collector to emitter (forward-biased when collector is more negative than emitter), enabling safe inductive energy recirculation during turn-off. It does not support reverse conduction in normal PNP operation and is not rated for continuous forward current beyond device limits.

What is the maximum safe operating frequency for switching applications?

With t_on = 0.9 µs and t_off = 4 µs, the TIP146 supports practical switching up to ~100 kHz in resistive loads. For inductive loads, effective frequency is limited by thermal constraints and required off-time for diode recovery; sustained operation above 20 kHz typically requires forced-air cooling and gate/base drive optimization.

Can the TIP146 be used without a heatsink?

No-its 125 W P_tot rating assumes T_case ≤ 25 °C. Even at 1 A continuous current, self-heating exceeds safe junction temperature without heatsinking. A minimum 1.5 K/W heatsink is required for 5 A operation; derating curves in the ST datasheet must be strictly followed for ambient temperatures above 40 °C.

TIP146 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-218-3

Packaging:: Tube

Product Status:: Obsolete

Transistor Type:: PNP - Darlington

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 10 A

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 80 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 3V @ 40mA, 10A

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 2mA

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 1000 @ 5A, 4V

Power - Max:: 125 W

Frequency - Transition:: -

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-218

TIP146 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for TIP146 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TIP146 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.

2.Are the price and stock information for TIP146 reliable?

The price and inventory of TIP146 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TIP146 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for TIP146?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TIP146 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for TIP146?

TIP146 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your TIP146 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.

Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.

5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for TIP146?

For technical support, including TIP146 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TIP146 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that TIP146 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All TIP146 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that TIP146 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of TIP146?

All TIP146 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TIP146, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:

1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.

2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.

3.The TIP146 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for TIP146:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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