STMicroelectronics TIP32C

Overview

TIP32C from STMicroelectronics is a silicon epitaxial-base PNP power transistor in TO-220 plastic package, rated for -100 V V_CEO, -3 A I_C, and 40 W total dissipation at T_case = 25°C, designed for medium-power linear regulation and switching in industrial power supplies and motor control circuits.

For engineers reviewing the TIP32C datasheet, TIP32C pinout, TIP32C application, or TIP32C equivalent, key selection criteria include verified V_CEO/V_CBO ratings, h_FE consistency across I_C = -1A to -3A, safe operating area (SOA) derating curves, and complementary pairing with TIP31C in push-pull configurations.

Technical Context

The TIP32C operates as a medium-power PNP bipolar junction transistor with fixed gain structure optimized for DC and low-frequency switching up to ~100 kHz. Its base-emitter turn-on voltage is -1.8 V at I_C = -3 A, and saturation voltage is -1.2 V under same conditions, enabling predictable drive requirements in discrete amplifier and regulator stages.

It features a single-junction thermal design with maximum junction temperature of 150°C and storage range from -65°C to +150°C. The device lacks integrated protection circuitry and requires external base current limiting and heatsinking per SOA curves in Figure 1 and derating data in Figure 2.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-220 plastic, 3-terminal, through-hole mount with metal tab electrically connected to collector. Dimensions per ST mechanical drawing: D = 15.25–15.75 mm, E = 10–10.40 mm, L = 13–14 mm, tab thickness 0.49–0.70 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MJD32C and BDX54C, the TIP32C offers optimal balance of through-hole manufacturability, 40 W thermal headroom, and proven compatibility with TIP31C in legacy linear designs-making it preferred for repair, replacement, and cost-sensitive industrial builds.

Availability

TIP32C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, DC motor controllers, audio amplifier output stages, and relay driver interfaces requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle production programs.

Supply support for TIP32C 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power transistors, sensors, and analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The TIP32C belongs to ST's legacy bipolar power transistor family, engineered specifically for cost-effective, robust medium-power linear and switching functions in non-automotive industrial equipment where reliability and thermal predictability are prioritized over ultra-high speed or integration.

FAQ

Is the TIP32C pin-compatible with the TIP32A or TIP32B?

No. While all share TO-220 package and PNP polarity, TIP32A has V_CEO = -60 V, TIP32B = -80 V, and TIP32C = -100 V. Pinout is identical, but substituting lower-voltage variants risks avalanche failure under -100 V transients. Always verify absolute maximum ratings before interchange.

Can the TIP32C be used in switching power supplies above 50 kHz?

No. Its minority-carrier storage time and transition frequency (f_T not specified in datasheet, but typical for this class is < 3 MHz) limit practical use to ≤100 kHz. For >50 kHz SMPS, consider RF-optimized MOSFETs or faster BJTs like MJE172 with documented f_T ≥ 10 MHz.

Does the metal tab on the TO-220 package connect internally to any pin?

Yes-the collector terminal is internally bonded to the metal tab. This is confirmed in ST's mechanical data and internal schematic. When mounting to a heatsink, an insulating washer and shoulder washer must be used unless the heatsink is electrically isolated from system ground.

What is the recommended base resistor value for switching a 2 A load?

With h_FE = 25 (min at I_C = -2 A), required I_B ≥ 80 mA. Using V_BE(on) = -1.8 V and 5 V logic drive, R_B = (5 V − 1.8 V) / 0.08 A = 40 Ω. A standard 39 Ω, 0.5 W resistor ensures saturation while limiting base power dissipation to < 250 mW.