STMicroelectronics TIP30A
- Part No.:
- TIP30A
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
TIP30A.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 60V 1A TO-220
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,408
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Product details
Overview
TIP30A from STMicroelectronics is a complementary PNP silicon power transistor in TO-220 package, rated for VCEO = –60 V, IC = –1 A, and Ptot = 30 W at Tcase ≤ 25 °C, designed for medium-power linear amplification and switching in audio output stages and power supply regulators.
For engineers reviewing the TIP30A datasheet, TIP30A pinout, TIP30A application, or TIP30A equivalent, key selection criteria include its negative-polarity voltage/current ratings, DC current gain (hFE = 40–75 at IC = 0.2 A), VCE(sat) ≤ –0.7 V, thermal resistance Rthj-case = 4.17 °C/W, and compatibility with TIP29A as a matched NPN-PNP pair.
Technical Context
The TIP30A operates as a medium-power PNP bipolar junction transistor with epitaxial-base construction, supporting both linear-mode biasing (e.g., Class AB audio output) and saturated switching (e.g., relay drivers). Its absolute maximum VCBO = –60 V and VCEO = –60 V define safe operating area boundaries under open-base and open-emitter conditions respectively.
Thermal design relies on direct case-to-heatsink mounting via the metal tab (pin 2), leveraging low Rthj-case = 4.17 °C/W to sustain 30 W dissipation at Tcase = 25 °C. Electrical behavior is characterized at Tcase = 25 °C, with pulsed test conditions (300 µs, ≤2% duty) applied for VCEO(sus) and VCE(sat) measurements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | –60 V: Maximum reverse collector-emitter voltage before breakdown with base open; defines safe linear/saturation operating limit. |
| IC | –1 A: Continuous DC collector current rating; sets maximum load-handling capability in steady-state operation. |
| Ptot | 30 W: Total power dissipation at Tcase ≤ 25 °C; determines heatsink sizing requirement for thermal management. |
| hFE | 40–75: DC current gain at IC = 0.2 A, VCE = 4 V; governs base drive current needed for full conduction. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ –0.7 V at IC = –1 A, IB = –125 mA; defines minimum voltage drop across device in saturation, impacting efficiency and heat generation. |
| Rthj-case | 4.17 °C/W: Junction-to-case thermal resistance; enables calculation of junction temperature rise above heatsink temperature. |
Pinout & Package
TO-220 plastic package with insulated tab; pin 1 = Emitter, pin 2 = Base, pin 3 = Collector (metal tab connected to collector).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Emitter | Main current exit terminal; polarity-sensitive connection point for PNP operation; must be at higher potential than base/collector in active region. |
| Pin 2 | Base | Control terminal; negative current injection required to turn on device; typical drive current ~125 mA for full saturation at 1 A load. |
| Pin 3 / Tab | Collector | Main current entry terminal and thermal path; electrically connected to metal tab; requires insulating washer when mounted to grounded heatsink. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Complementary pairing | Matched electrical characteristics with TIP29A (NPN), enabling balanced push-pull amplifier designs without gain mismatch. |
| High safe operating area (SOA) | Rated for 60 V × 1 A DC operation, supporting robust performance in unregulated power supplies and motor control circuits. |
| Low saturation voltage | VCE(sat) ≤ –0.7 V reduces conduction losses and self-heating during switching or linear operation. |
| Epitaxial-base construction | Enables stable hFE and fast switching response up to audio frequencies, suitable for Class AB output stages. |
Applications
| Audio Power Amplifiers | DC Power Supply Regulators |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Output stage in discrete Class AB audio amplifiers delivering up to 20 W into 8 Ω loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP output transistor in complementary push-pull pair with TIP29A, handling negative half-cycle current. Use Value: hFE ≥ 40 ensures predictable base drive requirements; VCE(sat) ≤ –0.7 V minimizes crossover distortion and thermal stress. | Use Scenario: Pass transistor in adjustable linear voltage regulators (e.g., LM317-based circuits with external pass element). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Series-pass PNP transistor controlling output current and dissipating excess input-output differential voltage. Use Value: 30 W power rating supports high-current regulation (≥1 A) with adequate thermal margin using standard TO-220 heatsinks. |
| Relay and Solenoid Drivers | Motor Speed Controllers |
Use Scenario: High-side switch driving 12 V automotive relays or 24 V industrial solenoids. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated PNP switch turning on load between supply rail and ground, controlled by microcontroller GPIO through base resistor. Use Value: IC = –1 A and VCEO = –60 V accommodate inductive kickback suppression and wide supply range. | Use Scenario: H-bridge half-bridge leg in low-voltage brushed DC motor controllers (≤30 V, ≤1 A). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side PNP switch enabling bidirectional current flow when paired with NPN low-side devices. Use Value: Matched VCEO/IC ratings with TIP29A simplify symmetric H-bridge layout and thermal design. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP power transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJD30C | TO-252 (DPAK) surface-mount package; same VCEO = –100 V, but lower Ptot = 15 W and hFE min = 25. | Not suitable for through-hole prototyping or high-power heatsinking; better for compact PCB layouts with moderate thermal demand. | Select when board space is constrained and peak power < 15 W; verify thermal pad layout per datasheet. |
| BD139 | TO-126 package; VCEO = –80 V, IC = –1.5 A, Ptot = 12.5 W, hFE = 40–250. | Limited power dissipation vs. TIP30A; unsuitable for >12.5 W continuous operation without derating. | Choose only for low-duty-cycle switching or where higher hFE variability is acceptable; avoid in linear amplifier output stages. |
Compared with MJD30C and BD139, the TIP30A offers superior thermal performance (30 W vs. ≤15 W), standardized TO-220 mechanical compatibility, and tighter hFE consistency-making it preferred for production-grade linear amplifiers and regulated power supplies requiring reliable thermal margin.
Availability
TIP30A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio power amplifiers, linear voltage regulators, relay drivers, and brushed DC motor controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.
Supply support for TIP30A 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, designing and manufacturing analog, digital, and mixed-signal ICs and discrete components for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The TIP30A belongs to ST's legacy silicon power transistor family, developed for cost-effective, robust medium-power linear and switching applications in industrial equipment and audio systems.
FAQ
Is the TIP30A pin-compatible with the TIP29A?
No - they are complementary devices, not pin-compatible. The TIP30A (PNP) has emitter on pin 1, base on pin 2, collector on pin 3; the TIP29A (NPN) uses identical pinout but opposite polarity. Both share TO-220 mechanical footprint, enabling symmetrical PCB layout in push-pull designs, but electrical connections must respect polarity reversal.
What is the maximum junction temperature and how does it affect reliability?
The TIP30A has Tj(max) = 150 °C. Exceeding this risks permanent degradation of hFE, increased leakage, or bond-wire failure. With Rthj-case = 4.17 °C/W, maintaining Tcase ≤ 75 °C ensures Tj ≤ 150 °C at 30 W dissipation. Derating is required above 25 °C ambient per the datasheet's thermal curves.
Can the TIP30A be used in switching applications above 10 kHz?
Yes - its fT is not specified, but small-signal hfe = 20 at 1 kHz and 3 at 1 MHz indicates usable bandwidth up to several hundred kHz in low-duty switching. For >10 kHz PWM motor control or SMPS, ensure base drive strength (≥125 mA peak) and minimize trace inductance to avoid switching losses and oscillation.
Does the metal tab connect internally to a specific pin?
Yes - the metal tab is electrically connected to pin 3 (collector). This is critical for thermal and electrical design: when mounting to a heatsink, an insulating washer and shoulder washer must be used if the heatsink is grounded or at a different potential than the collector node, to prevent short circuits.
TIP30A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- PNP
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 1 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 60 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 700mV @ 125mA, 1A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 300µA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 15 @ 1A, 4V
- Power - Max:
- 2 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220
TIP30A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TIP30A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TIP30A 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 TIP30A reliable?
The price and inventory of TIP30A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TIP30A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TIP30A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TIP30A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TIP30A?
TIP30A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TIP30A 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 TIP30A?
For technical support, including TIP30A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TIP30A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TIP30A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TIP30A 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 TIP30A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TIP30A?
All TIP30A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TIP30A, 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 TIP30A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TIP30A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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