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onsemi TIP42CTU
- Part No.:
- TIP42CTU
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
TIP42CTU.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 100V 6A TO-220-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,637
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Product details
Overview
TIP42CTU from onsemi is a PNP epitaxial silicon power transistor in TO-220 package, rated for -100 V collector-emitter voltage, -6 A DC collector current, and 65 W case power dissipation at 25°C; it serves as a medium-power linear or switching device in DC motor control, power supply regulation, and audio amplifier output stages.
For engineers reviewing the TIP42CTU datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its -100 V VCEO rating, hFE range of 15–75 at IC = -3 A, VCE(sat) ≤ -1.5 V at IC = -6 A/IB = -600 mA, and safe operating area validated up to 5 ms pulse width.
Technical Context
This PNP bipolar junction transistor operates with emitter-grounded configuration and requires base current drive for saturation; its DC current gain (hFE) is specified at two operating points: min 30 at IC = -0.3 A and min 15 at IC = -3 A, reflecting gain compression under high-current conditions.
Thermal derating begins at TC = 25°C, with linear reduction to zero dissipation at TC = 150°C; the device supports pulse operation up to -10 A with duty cycle ≤ 2% and pulse width ≤ 300 μs, enabling short-duration overload handling in protection circuits.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | -100 V - Maximum sustainable collector-emitter voltage before breakdown in common-emitter configuration |
| IC (DC) | -6 A - Continuous collector current capability with heatsink at TC = 25°C |
| PC (TC=25°C) | 65 W - Maximum steady-state power dissipation at case temperature of 25°C |
| hFE | 15–75 - DC current gain range across -0.3 A to -3 A collector current, critical for base drive sizing |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ -1.5 V - Saturation voltage at -6 A collector and -600 mA base current, defining conduction loss |
| fT | 3.0 MHz - Current gain bandwidth product at -500 mA and -10 V, limiting high-frequency switching use |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-220 3L (Single Gauge), through-hole, vertical mounting, metal tab electrically connected to collector.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Base) | Control input | Receives forward-biased base current to turn on transistor; requires current-limiting resistor in series |
| 2 (Collector) | High-side power path | Connected to load or supply rail; metal tab is collector, requiring insulated mounting when not referenced to chassis ground |
| 3 (Emitter) | Current return path | Typically tied to system ground or negative rail; carries full load current and defines reference for base drive |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Medium-power PNP switching | Enables robust DC load control up to 65 W with thermal management, suitable for relay drivers and lamp dimmers |
| Complementary to TIP41 series | Allows matched NPN/PNP pair design in push-pull amplifiers and H-bridge motor drivers without topology redesign |
| JEDEC TO-220 package | Standardized mechanical footprint and thermal interface compatible with widely available heatsinks and mounting hardware |
| 150°C maximum junction temperature | Supports operation in industrial ambient environments up to 85°C with appropriate heatsinking and derating |
Applications
| DC Motor Control | Linear Power Supply |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Bidirectional brushed DC motor driver in industrial actuators with discrete H-bridge topology. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP high-side switch controlling positive rail connection to motor winding. Use Value: -100 V VCEO withstands back-EMF spikes during commutation; -6 A IC supports motors drawing up to 5 A continuous load. | Use Scenario: Series pass element in adjustable linear voltage regulator delivering up to 5 A at 24 V output. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-controlled current source regulating output by varying base current in response to error amplifier. Use Value: 65 W PC enables stable operation at 24 V × 5 A = 120 W dissipation only with adequate heatsink; VCE(sat) ≤ -1.5 V minimizes dropout loss. |
| Audio Amplifier Output | Relay/Lamp Driver |
Use Scenario: Complementary output stage in Class AB audio amplifier driving 4 Ω or 8 Ω speakers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Negative-rail sourcing transistor in push-pull pair, delivering current during negative half-cycle. Use Value: hFE ≥ 15 at -3 A ensures sufficient gain for low-distortion output drive; fT = 3.0 MHz supports audio band fidelity without slew limiting. | Use Scenario: High-current DC load switch for automotive relays or incandescent lamps in control panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-ended PNP switch turning on load between positive supply and ground. Use Value: -100 V VCBO prevents breakdown during inductive kickback; TO-220 tab-to-collector connection simplifies heatsink isolation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP power transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJD42C | Surface-mount DPAK package; same -100 V VCEO, -6 A IC, but lower PC = 35 W at TC = 25°C | Requires PCB layout change; unsuitable for through-hole legacy designs or high-power derated operation | Select for space-constrained SMT boards where thermal budget allows ≤35 W dissipation |
| BD912 | TO-126 package; -100 V VCEO, -8 A IC, PC = 80 W, hFE min 40 at -3 A - higher current and gain | Larger safe operating area; better suited for >6 A pulsed loads but requires different mounting hole pattern | Choose when higher peak current headroom or improved gain consistency is required and TO-126 footprint is acceptable |
Compared with MJD42C and BD912, the TIP42CTU offers standardized TO-220 through-hole compatibility, proven thermal performance at 65 W, and direct complementarity to TIP41-series NPN devices-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, serviceable, and legacy-compatible power stage designs.
Availability
TIP42CTU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC motor control, linear power supply regulation, and audio amplifier output stages requiring stable component supply with consistent parametric performance across production lots.
Supply support for TIP42CTU 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 (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power, analog, sensor, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.
The TIP42CTU belongs to onsemi's legacy power bipolar transistor family, designed specifically for medium-power linear and switching applications where ruggedness, thermal stability, and complementary NPN pairing are essential.
FAQ
What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for the TIP42CTU?
The TIP42CTU has a maximum collector-emitter sustaining voltage (VCEO(sus)) of -100 V under test conditions of IC = -30 mA and IB = 0. This rating defines the upper limit of reverse bias the device can block in common-emitter configuration without breakdown, and must be respected in circuit design to prevent avalanche failure. The TIP42CTU datasheet confirms this value applies specifically to the TIP42C variant, which includes the TIP42CTU ordering code.
How does the TIP42CTU differ from the TIP42C in terms of packaging and ordering?
The TIP42CTU is the rail-packed version of the TIP42C device, sharing identical electrical specifications, TO-220 3L package, and marking "TIP42C" on the top surface. The "TU" suffix denotes tape-and-reel alternative packaging per JEDEC standard, while the base part number TIP42C refers to bulk-packed units. Both variants are electrically and mechanically interchangeable in design.
Can the TIP42CTU be used as a direct replacement for the TIP42 in existing designs?
No-the TIP42CTU is not a drop-in replacement for the TIP42 due to differing voltage ratings: TIP42 has VCEO = -40 V, while TIP42CTU (TIP42C variant) is rated at -100 V. Although pinout and package match, substituting TIP42CTU into a circuit designed for -40 V may over-specify the device unnecessarily, and using TIP42 in place of TIP42CTU risks breakdown under higher voltage transients. Always verify operating voltage margins before interchange.
What is the recommended base current to fully saturate the TIP42CTU at 6 A collector load?
To achieve saturation (VCE ≤ -1.5 V) at IC = -6 A, the TIP42CTU requires IB = -600 mA per the datasheet's VCE(sat) test condition. A conservative design uses IB/IC = 0.1 (i.e., -600 mA), ensuring reliable turn-on across process and temperature variation. Lower ratios risk incomplete saturation and excessive power loss, so the TIP42CTU must be driven with a capable base driver stage capable of sourcing ≥600 mA.
Is the metal tab on the TIP42CTU electrically isolated from the leads?
No-the metal tab on the TIP42CTU is internally connected to the collector terminal (Pin 2), as confirmed by the TO-220 package diagram and absolute maximum ratings table. When mounting to a heatsink, electrical isolation (e.g., mica washer + shoulder washer) is mandatory unless the heatsink is intentionally held at collector potential. Failure to isolate may cause short circuits or ground loop issues in emitter-follower or high-side configurations.
TIP42CTU Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- PNP
- 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:
- 2 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 3MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220-3
TIP42CTU FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TIP42CTU through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TIP42CTU 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 TIP42CTU reliable?
The price and inventory of TIP42CTU are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TIP42CTU is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TIP42CTU?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TIP42CTU transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TIP42CTU?
TIP42CTU orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TIP42CTU 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 TIP42CTU?
For technical support, including TIP42CTU datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TIP42CTU requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TIP42CTU is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TIP42CTU 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 TIP42CTU meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TIP42CTU?
All TIP42CTU units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TIP42CTU, 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 TIP42CTU part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TIP42CTU:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
TIP42CTU Tags
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MMBT3906LT1G
onsemi
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Diodes Incorporated
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MMBT3904LT1G
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MMBT3906-7-F
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MMBT3904-TP
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MMBT2222A-7-F
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BC846BLT1G
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BC847B,215
Nexperia USA Inc.
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SMMBT3904LT1G
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MMBTA06LT1G
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