STMicroelectronics TIP34C

Overview

TIP34C from STMicroelectronics is a complementary PNP power transistor in TO-247 package, rated for 100 V V_CEO, 10 A I_C, and 80 W power dissipation at T_case = 25 °C; designed for linear regulation and switching in high-current DC power supplies and motor control circuits.

For engineers reviewing the TIP34C datasheet, TIP34C pinout, TIP34C application, or TIP34C equivalent, key selection criteria include V_CEO = 100 V, I_C = 10 A, R_thj-case = 1.56 °C/W, h_FE ≥ 40 @ I_C = 1 A, and V_CE(sat) ≤ 1 V @ I_C = 3 A / I_B = 0.3 A.

Technical Context

The TIP34C is a silicon planar epitaxial-base PNP bipolar junction transistor optimized for medium-power linear and switching operation. It features low saturation voltage (V_CE(sat) ≤ 1 V at I_C = 3 A), high current gain (h_FE ≥ 40 at I_C = 1 A), and robust thermal performance (R_thj-case = 1.56 °C/W).

Its absolute maximum ratings include V_CBO = −140 V, V_CEO = −100 V, I_C = −10 A, and T_J(max) = 150 °C. The device supports pulsed operation up to I_CM = −15 A (t_P < 5 ms) and exhibits f_T = 3 MHz at I_C = 0.5 A, V_CE = 10 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-247 - three-terminal, through-hole, isolated tab package with center-tab emitter configuration; thermally efficient for high-power mounting on heatsinks.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MJ15024 and BD912, the TIP34C offers optimal balance of voltage rating, thermal efficiency (TO-247 + 1.56 °C/W), and gain linearity for mid-power industrial switching and linear regulation-without over-spec'ing for TO-3 complexity or under-spec'ing for TO-126 thermal limits.

Availability

TIP34C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC power supplies, motor control circuits, and audio amplifier output stages requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for TIP34C 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 analog, digital, and mixed-signal ICs and discrete components for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The TIP34C belongs to ST's legacy power bipolar transistor family, developed for robust, cost-effective medium-power linear and switching applications where reliability, thermal performance, and complementary pairing are essential.

FAQ

Is the TIP34C RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes. Per ST's ECOPACK® documentation, the TIP34C uses lead-free second-level interconnect and complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. The inner box label and package marking indicate the JEDEC JESD97-compliant eco-category.

What is the correct pinout orientation for TO-247 mounting?

With the flat side facing the viewer and leads pointing downward, the pins from left to right are: Emitter (tab), Base, Collector. The metal tab is electrically connected to the emitter and must be insulated from the heatsink unless circuit topology requires emitter-to-chassis connection.

Can TIP34C replace TIP34B or TIP34A in existing designs?

Yes, with verification. TIP34C has identical pinout and package but improved V_CEO (−100 V vs. −80 V for TIP34B/A) and tighter h_FE min (40 vs. 25). Existing designs benefit from higher voltage margin and more predictable gain, provided layout accommodates same TO-247 footprint.

Does TIP34C require a minimum base current to ensure saturation?

Yes. To guarantee V_CE(sat) ≤ 1 V, the datasheet specifies I_B = −0.3 A at I_C = −3 A (h_FE ≥ 10). For I_C = −10 A, use I_B ≥ −2.5 A (h_FE ≥ 4) to maintain saturation; undersized base drive risks excessive power dissipation and thermal runaway.