onsemi TIP32
- Part No.:
- TIP32
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
TIP32.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 40V 3A TO-220-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,035
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Product details
Overview
TIP32 from onsemi is a PNP silicon power transistor in TO−220 package, rated for 40 VCEO, 3.0 A continuous collector current, and 40 W power dissipation at TC = 25°C, designed for general-purpose linear amplification and switching in DC power supplies, motor drivers, and relay control circuits.
For engineers reviewing the TIP32 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page delivers verified electrical ratings, thermal derating behavior, safe operating area limits, switching timing data, and validated alternative parts for industrial power stage design.
Technical Context
The TIP32 operates as a medium-power PNP bipolar junction transistor with DC current gain (hFE) of 10–50 at IC = 3.0 A and VCE = 4.0 V, and exhibits VCE(sat) ≤ 1.2 V under IC = 3.0 A / IB = 375 mA drive. Its fT is 3.0 MHz, supporting audio-frequency amplification and low-speed switching up to ~100 kHz.
Thermal performance is defined by RJC = 3.125 °C/W and RJA = 62.5 °C/W, with linear power derating above 25°C (0.32 W/°C at case, 0.016 W/°C at ambient). Safe operating area (SOA) curves confirm secondary breakdown limits at pulse widths ≥1 ms and VCE ≤ 40 V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 40 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown under open-base conditions; sets upper rail limit in low-voltage PNP switch designs. |
| IC (continuous) | 3.0 A - Sustained collector current capability; defines maximum load current in linear regulators or emitter-follower output stages. |
| PD @ TC = 25°C | 40 W - Total power dissipation at heatsink-mounted case temperature; requires ≥12 cm² aluminum heatsink for full-load operation. |
| hFE | 10–50 - DC current gain range at IC = 3.0 A; determines required base drive current (375 mA max for saturation) in switching applications. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤1.2 V - Collector-emitter saturation voltage at IC/IB = 8; directly impacts conduction loss (≤3.6 W at 3 A) and thermal rise in saturated switches. |
| fT | 3.0 MHz - Current-gain bandwidth product; supports stable audio amplification and limits usable switching frequency in PWM drivers. |
| RJC | 3.125 °C/W - Junction-to-case thermal resistance; enables accurate heatsink sizing when device is mounted with thermal interface material. |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO−220−3 (Case 221A), 10.10 × 15.12 × 4.45 mm, 2.54 mm pin pitch, Pb-free, RoHS compliant. Mounting tab is electrically connected to collector (pins 2 and 4).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base | Current-controlled input terminal; requires ≥375 mA drive for full saturation at 3 A load; sensitive to ESD due to thin oxide layer. |
| 2 & 4 | Collector | Main high-side current path; electrically tied to metal tab; must be isolated from heatsink unless circuit ground reference permits direct mounting. |
| 3 | Emitter | Output/common return node; carries full load current; polarity reversal relative to NPN TIP31 series enables complementary push-pull configurations. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High-current PNP complement | Enables matched pair usage with TIP31 series in Class AB audio amplifiers and H-bridge driver stages without discrete level-shifting. |
| TO−220 mechanical robustness | Standardized footprint supports automated assembly and field-replaceable heatsink mounting; tab provides low-inductance collector connection. |
| Unclamped inductive energy rating | 32 mJ at IC = 1.8 A, L = 20 mH - quantifies safe turn-off capability into inductive loads like solenoids and DC motors without snubber networks. |
| Pb-free and RoHS compliance | Meets global environmental regulations; compatible with lead-free reflow profiles (peak ≤ 260°C) and eliminates post-solder cleaning requirements. |
Applications
| DC Power Supply Regulation | Relay & Solenoid Driver |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Linear voltage regulation in 12 V automotive accessory supplies with adjustable output via emitter-follower configuration. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP pass transistor controlling output voltage through base bias network; operates in active region for ripple suppression. Use Value: Delivers 3 A continuous output with <1.2 V dropout at full load, minimizing heat sink size compared to higher-VCE(sat) alternatives. |
Use Scenario: Driving 24 V DC industrial relays (1.2 A coil) from microcontroller GPIO pins via base resistor network. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side switch enabling ground-referenced logic control; configured in common-emitter mode for full coil energization. Use Value: Supports 100% duty cycle operation with verified 32 mJ unclamped inductive energy handling, eliminating need for external flyback diodes in many cases. |
| H-Bridge Motor Control | Audio Amplifier Output Stage |
Use Scenario: Upper-leg PNP switch in discrete half-bridge for bidirectional 24 V brushed DC motor control (≤3 A stall current). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Complementary high-side switch paired with NPN TIP31 in push-pull topology; driven by isolated gate driver or optocoupler. Use Value: Matches TIP31's VCEO, IC, and SOA characteristics, ensuring symmetrical current sourcing/sinking and thermal balance across bridge legs. |
Use Scenario: Emitter-follower output stage in 10 W Class AB audio amplifier for speaker driving (4–8 Ω loads). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-output-impedance buffer delivering peak currents >2 A during transients; biased in linear region for minimal crossover distortion. Use Value: Provides hFE ≥10 at 3 A and fT = 3 MHz, enabling stable closed-loop gain up to 20 kHz with <0.5% THD+N at rated power. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP power transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJD32C | Surface-mount DPAK package (vs. through-hole TO−220); identical VCEO = 100 V, IC = 3 A, but lower PD = 20 W @ TC = 25°C. | Requires PCB layout change; unsuitable for high-power linear operation without forced-air cooling; better for space-constrained switching designs. | Select MJD32C only when board space is constrained and thermal management allows ≤20 W dissipation; verify SOA compatibility for inductive loads. |
| BD140 | TO−126 package; lower VCEO = 80 V, same IC = 1.5 A (not 3 A); hFE min = 40 at IC = 0.5 A - not rated for 3 A continuous operation. | Not a drop-in replacement for 3 A loads; limited to ≤1.5 A applications; requires redesign of base drive and heatsinking. | Use BD140 only in low-current (<1.5 A), high-voltage (≤80 V) scenarios where TO−126 footprint is preferred; avoid in TIP32's 3 A use cases. |
Compared with MJD32C and BD140, the TIP32 offers superior thermal handling (40 W vs. 20 W or derated 1.5 A), verified 32 mJ inductive energy tolerance, and TO−220 mechanical stability for manual serviceability - making it the preferred choice for industrial 3 A switching and linear regulation.
Availability
TIP32 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC power supply regulation, relay/solenoid driving, H-bridge motor control, and audio amplifier output stages requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.
Supply support for TIP32 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 is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power, analog, sensing, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.
The TIP32 belongs to onsemi's legacy plastic power transistor family, engineered for rugged, cost-effective linear amplification and switching in industrial control, power conversion, and electromechanical actuation systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the TIP32?
The TIP32 is rated for 3.0 A continuous collector current (IC) at case temperature TC = 25°C. This rating assumes proper heatsinking; derating applies at higher temperatures (0.32 W/°C). At ambient temperature (TA = 25°C), the usable continuous current drops to approximately 2.0 A due to higher thermal resistance to ambient (RJA = 62.5 °C/W). Always verify SOA curves for pulsed or inductive load conditions.
Is the TIP32 pin-compatible with the TIP31 series?
Yes, the TIP32 shares identical TO−220−3 pinout (Style 1: Pin 1 = Base, Pins 2 & 4 = Collector, Pin 3 = Emitter) with the NPN TIP31 series, enabling direct complementary placement in push-pull and H-bridge circuits. However, polarity reversal means base drive logic must be inverted - the TIP32 sinks current from its base to turn on, unlike the TIP31 which sources base current.
Does the TIP32 require a heatsink in all applications?
A heatsink is mandatory for any TIP32 application dissipating >1 W continuously. At full 3.0 A load with VCE(sat) ≈ 1.2 V, conduction loss reaches 3.6 W - exceeding the 2.0 W ambient-rated limit. Even at 1 A, junction temperature exceeds safe limits without heatsinking. Use thermal interface material and verify RJC = 3.125 °C/W in your mechanical layout to ensure TJ stays below 150°C.
What is the unclamped inductive energy rating of the TIP32, and how is it used?
The TIP32 has a specified unclamped inductive energy rating of 32 mJ under test conditions (IC = 1.8 A, L = 20 mH, VCC = 10 V, 10 Hz repetition). This value quantifies safe turn-off capability into inductive loads without external clamping. It informs snubber design: if calculated energy (½·L·I²) exceeds 32 mJ, a flyback diode or RC snubber is required to prevent second breakdown.
How does the TIP32's DC current gain (hFE) vary with operating conditions?
The TIP32's hFE ranges from 10 (min at IC = 3.0 A, VCE = 4.0 V) to 50 (max at IC = 1.0 A, VCE = 4.0 V), per onsemi's Electrical Characteristics table. Gain decreases with rising collector current and junction temperature - Figure 8 shows hFE dropping to ~25 at IC = 2 A and falling further above 100°C. Design base drive for worst-case hFE = 10 to ensure saturation under all conditions.
TIP32 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- PNP
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 3 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 40 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 1.2V @ 375mA, 3A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 300µA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 10 @ 3A, 4V
- Power - Max:
- 2 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 3MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220-3
TIP32 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TIP32 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TIP32 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 TIP32 reliable?
The price and inventory of TIP32 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TIP32 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TIP32?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TIP32 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TIP32?
TIP32 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TIP32 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 TIP32?
For technical support, including TIP32 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TIP32 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TIP32 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TIP32 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 TIP32 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TIP32?
All TIP32 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TIP32, 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 TIP32 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TIP32:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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