STMicroelectronics TIP32A
- Part No.:
- TIP32A
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
TIP32A.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 60V 3A TO-220
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,512
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Product details
Overview
TIP32A from STMicroelectronics is a silicon epitaxial-base PNP power transistor in TO-220 plastic package, rated for -60 V VCEO, -3 A IC, and 40 W total dissipation at Tcase = 25°C, designed for medium-power linear regulation and switching in industrial power supplies and motor control circuits.
For engineers reviewing the TIP32A datasheet, TIP32A pinout, TIP32A application, or TIP32A equivalent, key selection criteria include verified PNP polarity, guaranteed -60 V collector-emitter sustaining voltage under pulsed conditions, DC current gain (hFE) of 25–50 at IC = -1 A, and thermal derating compliance per JEDEC TO-220 mounting guidelines.
Technical Context
The TIP32A operates as a medium-power PNP bipolar junction transistor with fixed emitter-base and collector-base junctions optimized for stable DC biasing and moderate-speed switching (fT not specified, but typical for TO-220 BJT at <1 MHz). Its complementary NPN counterpart is TIP31A, enabling push-pull or H-bridge configurations.
It features a single monolithic die in a through-hole TO-220 package with electrically isolated tab (collector-connected), requiring mechanical mounting to heatsink with insulating washer. Safe operating area (SOA) is defined up to 300 ms pulse width and ≥1.5% duty cycle per datasheet Figure 1.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | -60 V - Maximum allowable collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines breakdown margin in linear regulator or switch-off state. |
| IC | -3 A - Continuous DC collector current rating; sets maximum load-handling capability in steady-state operation. |
| PTOT | 40 W - Total power dissipation at case temperature 25°C; determines minimum heatsink requirement for thermal management. |
| hFE | 25–50 - DC current gain at IC = -1 A, VCE = -4 V; defines required base drive current for saturation in switching applications. |
| VCE(sat) | -1.2 V - Collector-emitter saturation voltage at IC = -3 A, IB = -375 mA; determines conduction loss and heat generation during on-state. |
| TJ(max) | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; sets upper thermal limit for reliability and lifetime under sustained load. |
Pinout & Package
TO-220 package with collector-connected metal tab, 3-pin vertical mounting configuration. Tab is electrically connected to collector terminal and must be insulated from heatsink unless circuit design permits direct connection.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Emitter) | Emitter terminal | Current exit path for PNP device; connects to positive rail in high-side switch or pass transistor configurations. |
| 2 (Base) | Control input | Receives forward-biased current to turn on transistor; requires current-limiting resistor in series with driving source. |
| 3 (Collector) | Collector terminal / Tab | Main current path into device; tab is electrically tied to collector and serves as primary thermal interface to heatsink. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| ECOPACK® compliant packaging | Lead-free second-level interconnect per JEDEC JESD97; supports RoHS-compliant manufacturing and reflow processes. |
| Guaranteed VCEO(sus) | -60 V under pulsed conditions (300 ms, ≥1.5% duty cycle); enables reliable operation in inductive load switching with voltage spikes. |
| Specified SOA curve | Defined safe operating area up to 300 ms pulse width; allows validated design margin for transient overload handling. |
| Complementary pairing | Matched with TIP31A (NPN) for push-pull amplifier or full-bridge driver stages without gain mismatch concerns. |
Applications
| Industrial Linear Regulator | DC Motor Driver Stage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Medium-current series pass element in adjustable 0–30 V, 2 A bench power supply. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP pass transistor regulating output voltage via feedback-controlled base current. Use Value: Delivers low-noise, continuous DC output with 40 W dissipation headroom and thermal shutdown compatibility. | Use Scenario: High-side switch in bidirectional 24 V DC brushed motor control using dual-TIP31A/TIP32A H-bridge. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP high-side switch enabling current sourcing to motor winding during forward rotation. Use Value: Provides matched VCEO and hFE with TIP31A, ensuring balanced conduction and reduced shoot-through risk. |
| Relay Driver Interface | Power Amplifier Output Stage |
Use Scenario: Driving 12 V/500 mA electromagnetic relay coil from microcontroller GPIO with opto-isolation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated PNP switch amplifying logic-level signal to full coil current. Use Value: Ensures robust turn-on with -1.2 V VCE(sat) and -375 mA base drive, minimizing power loss in coil interface. | Use Scenario: Class-AB output stage in 10 W audio amplifier feeding 4 Ω speaker load. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Complementary PNP emitter-follower delivering negative half-cycle current. Use Value: Supports 3 A peak current swing and 150 °C junction limit for short-term dynamic peaks without thermal runaway. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP power transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJE15034 | Higher VCEO (-120 V), lower hFE (15–30), TO-218 package | Designed for high-voltage audio output stages; less suitable for 60 V industrial switching | Select when higher breakdown margin is required and SOA at 120 V is validated. |
| BDX54C | Same VCEO (-60 V), higher IC (-8 A), TO-218 package, no ECOPACK marking | Targeted at higher-current motor drives; larger footprint and thermal mass than TO-220 | Choose when >3 A continuous current is needed and board space allows TO-218 mounting. |
Compared with MJE15034 and BDX54C, the TIP32A offers optimal balance of voltage rating, current capability, and TO-220 thermal/mechanical fit for cost-sensitive industrial linear and switching designs where 3 A and -60 V define the operational envelope.
Availability
TIP32A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, DC motor drivers, relay interfaces, and audio amplifier output stages requiring stable component supply and legacy-compatible through-hole assembly.
Supply support for TIP32A 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 manufacturer headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in power discrete devices, microcontrollers, and analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The TIP32A belongs to ST's legacy bipolar power transistor product line, engineered for robustness and manufacturability in medium-power linear and switching applications across industrial equipment and power conversion systems.
FAQ
Is the TIP32A lead-free and RoHS-compliant?
Yes, the TIP32A is manufactured in ST's ECOPACK® package with lead-free second-level interconnect, compliant with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. The inner box label and package marking indicate the JEDEC JESD97-defined eco-category, and soldering profiles follow ST's published lead-free reflow guidelines.
Can the TIP32A be used in parallel for higher current?
No-TIP32A lacks built-in emitter ballasting resistors and exhibits positive thermal coefficient of VBE, making current sharing unstable without external emitter resistors. Parallel operation requires individual 0.1–0.5 Ω emitter resistors and matched hFE bins to prevent thermal runaway.
What is the recommended heatsink thermal resistance for continuous 3 A operation?
At IC = -3 A and VCE ≈ -1.2 V, power dissipation is ~3.6 W. With RθJC = 1.25 °C/W (per datasheet), and max TJ = 150 °C at Tamb = 50 °C, required RθSA ≤ 24.7 °C/W. A standard 20 mm × 20 mm × 10 mm aluminum heatsink meets this requirement.
Does the TIP32A have avalanche rating or ruggedness specification?
No-ST does not specify avalanche energy (EAS) or ruggedness test data for TIP32A. It is not rated for unclamped inductive switching. External clamping (e.g., flyback diode across relay/motor) is mandatory to limit VCE to ≤ -60 V during turn-off transients.
TIP32A 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):
- 3 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 60 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:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220
TIP32A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TIP32A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TIP32A 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 TIP32A reliable?
The price and inventory of TIP32A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TIP32A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TIP32A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TIP32A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TIP32A?
TIP32A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TIP32A 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 TIP32A?
For technical support, including TIP32A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TIP32A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TIP32A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TIP32A 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 TIP32A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TIP32A?
All TIP32A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TIP32A, 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 TIP32A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TIP32A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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