onsemi TIP30CTU

Overview

TIP30CTU from onsemi is a PNP silicon power transistor in TO-220 package, rated for 100 V_CEO, 1.0 A continuous collector current, and 30 W total power dissipation at T_C = 25°C. It serves as a medium-power linear amplifier or switching device in DC-DC converters, relay drivers, and audio output stages.

For engineers reviewing the TIP30CTU datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include V_CEO = 100 V, I_C = 1.0 A, h_FE ≥ 15 (at I_C = 1.0 A), V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.7 V, and thermal resistance R_JC = 4.167 °C/W - all critical for thermal management and saturation performance in high-current switching designs.

Technical Context

The TIP30CTU operates as a complementary PNP counterpart to the NPN TIP29C series, sharing identical TO-220 package dimensions and thermal characteristics. Its design supports linear amplification with h_FE = 15–75 (I_C = 0.2–1.0 A) and switching applications requiring low V_CE(sat) and fast turn-off (t_f < 15 ns under specified test conditions).

It features unclamped inductive load energy rating of 32 mJ (L_C = 20 mH, V_CC = 10 V, I_C = 1.8 A), enabling robust operation in inductive switching circuits. Junction temperature range spans –65°C to +150°C, supporting industrial and automotive ambient environments when properly heatsinked.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-220 (Case 221A, Style 1), through-hole, single-ended heatsink tab (pin 2 & 4 are collector and electrically connected).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MJD30C and BD241C, the TIP30CTU offers superior thermal performance (R_JC = 4.167 °C/W) and full 100 V blocking capability in a proven through-hole package - making it preferred for high-reliability, medium-power linear and switching roles where heatsink integration is feasible.

Availability

TIP30CTU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor controls, automotive lighting systems, and DC-DC converter output stages requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for TIP30CTU 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 supplier focused on energy-efficient electronics, serving automotive, industrial, cloud, and IoT markets with discrete, analog, and logic solutions.

The TIP30CTU belongs to onsemi's legacy plastic power transistor family designed for cost-effective, robust general-purpose amplification and switching - emphasizing manufacturability, thermal reliability, and compatibility with standard TO-220 heatsinks.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current for the TIP30CTU?

The TIP30CTU has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) of 1.0 A at case temperature T_C = 25°C. Derating applies above this temperature - at T_C = 100°C, usable I_C drops to approximately 0.4 A. This rating assumes proper heatsinking; operation without a heatsink limits practical I_C to ≤200 mA due to ambient thermal constraints. The TIP30CTU must be mounted to a heatsink meeting minimum thermal resistance requirements to sustain full-rated current.

Is the TIP30CTU pin-compatible with other TIP30 variants like TIP30AG or TIP30BG?

No - the TIP30CTU is not pin-compatible with TIP30AG or TIP30BG in terms of voltage rating or guaranteed gain. While all share the same TO-220 package and pinout (Base–Collector–Emitter–Collector), the "C" suffix denotes V_CEO = 100 V and minimum h_FE = 15 at 1.0 A, whereas TIP30AG is rated for 60 V and TIP30BG for 80 V. Substituting without verifying circuit voltage margins and gain requirements risks overvoltage failure or insufficient drive in the TIP30CTU.

Does the TIP30CTU require a heatsink for operation at 500 mA continuous current?

Yes - even at 500 mA, the TIP30CTU requires a heatsink to maintain safe junction temperature. At V_CE(sat) ≈ 0.6 V and I_C = 0.5 A, power dissipation is ~0.3 W. With R_JA = 62.5 °C/W, ambient temperature rise would exceed 18°C - acceptable only in low-power, well-ventilated environments. For reliability across temperature extremes or extended life, a minimum 10 cm² copper pour or small clip-on heatsink is recommended. The TIP30CTU's R_JC = 4.167 °C/W makes heatsink attachment essential for any sustained >200 mA load.

What is the typical DC current gain (h_FE) of the TIP30CTU at 100 mA collector current?

The TIP30CTU exhibits h_FE = 40–75 at I_C = 0.2 A and V_CE = 4.0 V, per the datasheet's Electrical Characteristics table. At 100 mA (0.1 A), h_FE typically falls within 50–90, based on the DC Current Gain curve (Figure 1), which shows increasing gain with decreasing current. This higher gain at lower currents improves base drive efficiency in signal-level switching or pre-driver stages. The TIP30CTU's gain remains stable across –55°C to +150°C junction temperatures, supporting wide-temperature industrial use.

Can the TIP30CTU be used in avalanche-mode switching applications?

No - the TIP30CTU is not rated or characterized for controlled avalanche operation. Its unclamped inductive load energy rating (32 mJ) reflects ruggedness under transient inductive kickback, not intentional avalanche breakdown. The datasheet does not specify avalanche voltage, energy derating curves, or repetitive avalanche SOA. Using the TIP30CTU in avalanche mode risks parametric shift or catastrophic failure. For such applications, purpose-designed avalanche-rated transistors like the MJE13009 or FJP13009 should be selected instead of the TIP30CTU.