onsemi TIP32CTSTU

Overview

TIP32CTSTU from onsemi is a PNP silicon power transistor in TO-220AB package, rated for 100 V_CEO, 3.0 A continuous collector current, and 40 W total power dissipation at T_C = 25°C. It delivers V_CE(sat) ≤ 1.2 V at I_C = 3.0 A and I_B = 375 mA, with f_T ≥ 3.0 MHz, and is used in linear amplifiers, relay drivers, and DC motor control circuits.

For engineers reviewing the TIP32CTSTU datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 100 V blocking capability, thermal resistance R_θJC = 3.125 °C/W, safe operating area (SOA) limits up to 3 A/100 V, and compatibility with standard TO-220 heatsinking solutions.

Technical Context

The TIP32CTSTU operates as a medium-power PNP bipolar junction transistor optimized for switching and linear amplification. Its design supports DC current gain h_FE ≥ 10 at I_C = 3.0 A and V_CE = 4.0 V, and it sustains unclamped inductive load energy of 32 mJ under specified test conditions (I_C = 1.8 A, L = 20 mH, V_CC = 10 V).

Thermal performance is defined by R_θJC = 3.125 °C/W and R_θJA = 62.5 °C/W, enabling operation across –65°C to +150°C junction temperature range. The device exhibits V_BE(on) ≈ 1.8 V at I_C = 3.0 A and features low leakage: I_CEO ≤ 0.3 mA at V_CE = 100 V and I_B = 0.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-220AB (Case 221A-09), 4-pin through-hole plastic power package with two collector leads (pins 2 and 4) for enhanced current handling and thermal path.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MJE15034G, TIP32CTSTU offers higher current capacity (3.0 A vs. 2.0 A) but lower voltage margin (100 V vs. 120 V); compared with TIP32C, it provides identical electrical performance in tape-and-reel format for pick-and-place manufacturing.

Availability

TIP32CTSTU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, relay interface, linear power regulation, and audio amplifier applications requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for TIP32CTSTU 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 (Nasdaq: ON) is a global semiconductor supplier delivering energy-efficient, intelligent power and sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, medical, and IoT applications.

The TIP32CTSTU belongs to onsemi's legacy silicon power transistor family designed for cost-sensitive, medium-power linear and switching applications where ruggedness, thermal reliability, and broad voltage/current coverage are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current for TIP32CTSTU?

The TIP32CTSTU supports a maximum continuous collector current of 3.0 Adc at case temperature T_C = 25°C. Derating is required above this temperature at 0.32 W/°C, and peak current capability reaches 5.0 Adc for short-duration pulses. This rating assumes proper heatsinking per the R_θJC = 3.125 °C/W specification and adherence to the SOA curve in Figure 5 of the official datasheet.

Does TIP32CTSTU require a heatsink in normal operation?

Yes, the TIP32CTSTU requires a heatsink for any sustained operation above ~0.5 A at ambient temperatures >40°C. With its 40 W power dissipation limit at T_C = 25°C and R_θJC = 3.125 °C/W, even moderate loads (e.g., 2 A × 1 V_CE(sat) = 2 W) generate significant junction heating without thermal management. A typical 10 °C/W aluminum heatsink keeps T_J within spec for ≤15 W continuous dissipation.

What is the pin configuration of TIP32CTSTU and how are pins 2 and 4 used?

The TIP32CTSTU uses TO-220AB package with pin 1 = Base, pin 2 = Collector, pin 3 = Emitter, and pin 4 = Collector. Pins 2 and 4 are internally connected to the same collector region and must be wired to the same circuit node to achieve rated current and thermal performance. Using only one collector pin violates the SOA and thermal specifications and risks premature failure.

Can TIP32CTSTU be used as a direct replacement for TIP32C?

Yes, TIP32CTSTU is functionally identical to TIP32C - same silicon die, electrical specifications, thermal characteristics, and pinout. The "TSTU" suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging for automated assembly, whereas standard TIP32C is supplied in rails. No circuit or layout changes are needed when substituting TIP32CTSTU for TIP32C in production.

What is the safe operating area (SOA) limitation for TIP32CTSTU at 100 V collector-emitter voltage?

At V_CE = 100 V, the TIP32CTSTU's SOA is limited to ≤0.3 A for DC operation (thermal limit) and ≤1.0 A for 1 ms pulses (secondary breakdown limit), per Figure 5 of the datasheet. Exceeding these boundaries risks thermal runaway or localized junction failure. For reliable 100 V switching, pulse width, duty cycle, and heatsink performance must be validated against the normalized transient thermal impedance curve (Figure 4).