STMicroelectronics TIP41CN
- Part No.:
- TIP41CN
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
TIP41CN.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 100V 6A TO-220
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,518
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Product details
Overview
TIP41CN from STMicroelectronics is an NPN silicon power transistor in TO-220 package, designed for linear amplification and switching in audio and power supply circuits. It delivers 6 A continuous collector current, 100 V collector-emitter sustaining voltage (VCEO(sus)), and 65 W total power dissipation at TC ≤ 25 °C, with hFE grouped into R/O/Y variants for consistent gain matching in push-pull amplifier stages.
For engineers reviewing the TIP41CN datasheet, TIP41CN pinout, TIP41CN application, or TIP41CN equivalent, key selection criteria include verified DC current gain linearity across 0.3–3 A, low 1.5 V VCE(sat) at 6 A/0.6 A drive, and thermal robustness up to 150 °C junction temperature in high-reliability linear output stages.
Technical Context
The TIP41CN employs base island silicon technology to improve hFE linearity and switching speed over legacy TIP41C, enabling stable Class AB audio output operation without gain collapse at mid-current levels. Its complementary PNP counterpart is TIP42CN, supporting matched pair design in push-pull configurations.
Designed for operation with fixed-base bias or emitter-follower driver stages, it supports resistive load switching times under 1 µs (ton/toff) and maintains VBE(on) ≤ 2 V at IC = 6 A, reducing driver stage power loss in discrete power amplifier designs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO(sus) | 100 V - Sustains full rated voltage at IC = 30 mA, enabling safe operation in 80 V rail linear amplifiers |
| IC | 6 A - Continuous collector current rating defines maximum undistorted output in Class AB audio stages |
| Ptot | 65 W - Total dissipation at case temperature ≤ 25 °C sets heatsink sizing baseline for 30 W RMS audio output |
| VCE(sat) | 1.5 V @ IC = 6 A, IB = 0.6 A - Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss and thermal stress in switching regulators |
| hFE | 30–75 (Group R/O/Y) - Pre-selected DC gain bins ensure predictable bias point stability across production lots |
| TJ(max) | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature allows reliable operation with standard TO-220 heatsinking in enclosed enclosures |
| ICEO | 0.7 mA @ VCE = 60 V - Low leakage supports stable quiescent current setting in temperature-compensated bias networks |
Pinout & Package
TO-220 package with vertical mounting orientation, metal tab electrically connected to collector (Pin 2), requiring insulated mounting hardware when used with grounded heatsinks.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Emitter) | Current sink terminal | Connected to ground or negative rail in common-emitter amplifier; requires low-inductance path for high-frequency stability |
| 2 (Collector) | Main current output terminal | Internally bonded to metal tab; must be electrically isolated from heatsink unless system ground reference permits direct mounting |
| 3 (Base) | Control input terminal | Receives forward-biased drive current; requires series resistor to limit IB to ≤3 A peak per absolute max rating |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Enhanced hFE linearity | Gain variation < ±15% across 0.3–3 A range enables consistent biasing in multi-stage linear amplifiers |
| High-speed switching | ton/toff < 1 µs (resistive load) supports PWM-based DC-DC converters up to 100 kHz |
| Grouped hFE bins | R/O/Y selection ensures matched gain pairs with TIP42CN for symmetrical push-pull output stages |
| Improved thermal performance | 65 W dissipation at TC = 25 °C allows ≥25 W continuous audio output with standard 2°C/W heatsink |
Applications
| Audio Power Amplifier | Linear Voltage Regulator |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Discrete Class AB output stage in 20–50 W stereo amplifiers driving 4–8 Ω speakers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN power switch delivering amplified audio signal to load with minimal crossover distortion. Use Value: Grouped hFE and low VCE(sat) maintain thermal stability and reduce second-harmonic distortion below 0.5% THD+N. | Use Scenario: Pass transistor in adjustable 3–30 V, 3 A linear regulator for lab bench supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Series pass element controlling output voltage via base drive from error amplifier. Use Value: 100 V VCEO(sus) supports >25 V input-to-output differential, enabling wide-range regulation without derating. |
| DC Motor Driver | Switching Power Supply |
Use Scenario: H-bridge half-bridge leg driving 12–24 V brushed DC motors in industrial actuators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current NPN switch turning motor winding on/off under PWM control. Use Value: 10 A ICM peak rating handles motor stall currents; fast ton/toff reduces switching losses at 20 kHz PWM. | Use Scenario: Main switch in 50–100 W flyback or forward converter for AC-DC adapters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-side power switch conducting during ON-time, blocking during OFF-time. Use Value: 100 V VCBO withstands reflected flyback spikes; 65 W Ptot supports continuous operation with active cooling. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN power transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJD127G | TO-263 surface-mount package; 8 A IC, 100 V VCEO, but lower hFE linearity (20–70) | Suitable for automated PCB assembly; less ideal for precision audio biasing due to wider hFE spread | Select when board space or reflow compatibility outweighs gain-matching requirements |
| TIP31C | Same TO-220 package; 3 A IC, 100 V VCEO, 40 W Ptot, ungrouped hFE (10–50) | Limited to ≤15 W audio or low-power switching; no hFE binning for matched pairs | Choose only for cost-sensitive, non-critical linear applications where gain consistency is not required |
Compared with MJD127G and TIP31C, the TIP41CN provides superior hFE linearity and higher continuous current handling in through-hole form, making it the preferred choice for thermally demanding, gain-stable linear amplifier and regulator designs.
Availability
TIP41CN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio power amplifiers, linear voltage regulators, and DC motor drivers requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for TIP41CN 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, specializing in power, analog, MCU, and sensor technologies for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The TIP41CN belongs to ST's legacy silicon power transistor family, engineered specifically for high-fidelity audio output stages and rugged linear power control where reliability, thermal margin, and gain predictability are critical.
FAQ
Is the TIP41CN pin-compatible with the TIP41C?
Yes, the TIP41CN is a direct replacement for the TIP41C in TO-220 footprint and pinout, with identical 1–Emitter, 2–Collector, 3–Base arrangement. However, it features enhanced hFE linearity and improved switching speed, allowing drop-in upgrades in existing designs without layout changes.
What is the significance of hFE grouping (R/O/Y)?
hFE grouping ensures consistent DC current gain across production lots: Group R (30–42), Group O (15–28), and Group Y (24–44). This enables precise bias network design and matched pair selection with TIP42CN for push-pull amplifiers, reducing thermal drift and distortion.
Can the TIP41CN be used in switching power supplies?
Yes - its 10 A peak collector current, sub-1 µs switching times, and 100 V VCBO rating make it suitable for flyback and forward converter primary switches up to 100 W. Thermal design must account for 65 W Ptot at TC = 25 °C, requiring adequate heatsinking for continuous operation.
Does the metal tab connect to a specific pin internally?
Yes, the metal tab is internally connected to Pin 2 (Collector) in the TO-220 package. When mounting to a heatsink, electrical isolation (e.g., mica washer + insulating sleeve) is mandatory unless the collector node is referenced to chassis ground in the system design.
TIP41CN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 6 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 100 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 1.5V @ 600mA, 6A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 700µA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 15 @ 3A, 4V
- Power - Max:
- 65 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220
TIP41CN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TIP41CN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TIP41CN 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 TIP41CN reliable?
The price and inventory of TIP41CN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TIP41CN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TIP41CN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TIP41CN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TIP41CN?
TIP41CN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TIP41CN 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 TIP41CN?
For technical support, including TIP41CN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TIP41CN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TIP41CN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TIP41CN 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 TIP41CN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TIP41CN?
All TIP41CN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TIP41CN, 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 TIP41CN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TIP41CN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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