onsemi TIP42G
- Part No.:
- TIP42G
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
TIP42G.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 40V 6A TO-220
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:909
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Product details
Overview
TIP42G from onsemi is a PNP silicon power transistor in TO-220 package, rated for 40 V VCEO, 6 A continuous collector current, and 65 W power dissipation at TC = 25°C. It operates across –65°C to +150°C junction temperature range and is Pb-free/RoHS compliant, commonly used in linear power supplies and relay drivers.
For engineers reviewing the TIP42G datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include VCEO = 40 V, IC = 6 A, hFE ≥ 30 (at IC = 0.3 A), VCE(sat) ≤ 1.5 V (at IC = 6 A, IB = 600 mA), and thermal resistance RJC = 1.67 °C/W - all critical for thermal design and switching efficiency validation.
Technical Context
The TIP42G is a complementary PNP counterpart to the NPN TIP41G, sharing identical TO-220 package, pinout (Style 1), and thermal characteristics (RJC = 1.67 °C/W). Its DC current gain hFE ranges from 30 to 75 depending on operating point, with VBE(on) ≤ 2.0 V at IC = 6 A.
It supports unclamped inductive switching with E = 62.5 mJ (IC = 2.5 A, L = 20 mH), and exhibits fT = 3.0 MHz under small-signal conditions (IC = 500 mA, VCE = 10 V). Safe operating area (SOA) curves are defined up to 150°C junction temperature with secondary breakdown limits validated per pulse test conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 40 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines safe DC/peak voltage headroom in amplifier or switch applications. |
| IC (continuous) | 6.0 A - Continuous collector current rating; sets maximum steady-state load current capability without derating. |
| PD @ TC = 25°C | 65 W - Total power dissipation at case temperature 25°C; determines heatsink sizing when mounted to thermally conductive surface. |
| hFE | 30–75 - DC current gain range at IC = 0.3 A / 3.0 A; impacts base drive requirements and bias stability in linear circuits. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤1.5 V - Saturation voltage at IC = 6 A, IB = 600 mA; directly affects conduction loss and thermal rise in switching operation. |
| RJC | 1.67 °C/W - Junction-to-case thermal resistance; enables precise calculation of junction temperature rise above heatsink temperature. |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-220 (Case 221A, Style 1), plastic-encapsulated, through-hole mount, Pb-free, UL 94 V−0 compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base | Control terminal; requires sufficient forward bias (VBE ≈ 1.6–2.0 V) and base current (IB ≥ IC/hFE) to saturate the transistor. |
| 2 & 4 | Collector | High-current output terminal (dual-tab connection); electrically common; must be connected to heatsink for thermal management. |
| 3 | Emitter | Common emitter node; typically tied to positive rail in PNP high-side switch configurations. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Pb-free / RoHS compliant | Meets global environmental regulations; eliminates lead-based solder compatibility concerns and simplifies end-of-life compliance reporting. |
| UL 94 V−0 epoxy | Flame-retardant encapsulation certified at 0.125 in thickness; satisfies safety standards for industrial and consumer power equipment. |
| 65 W power rating @ TC = 25°C | Enables high-current linear regulation or switching without external parallel devices in medium-power designs (e.g., 24 V/3 A supplies). |
| –65°C to +150°C operating range | Supports deployment in harsh environments including automotive under-hood, industrial controls, and outdoor power systems. |
Applications
| Linear Power Supply Regulation | DC Motor Driver Stage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Used as pass transistor in adjustable linear regulators delivering up to 5 A at 12–24 V output. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP series pass element controlling output voltage via base-emitter bias; operates in active region for regulation. Use Value: Delivers low-noise, ripple-free DC output with VCE(sat) ≤ 1.5 V minimizing dropout and heat generation at full load. | Use Scenario: Drives bidirectional brushed DC motors up to 30 W in H-bridge half-bridge configurations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side PNP switch enabling current sourcing to motor windings during forward rotation phase. Use Value: Supports 6 A peak motor stall current with SOA-limited pulse operation and 62.5 mJ unclamped inductive energy handling. |
| Relay and Solenoid Driver | Audio Amplifier Output Stage |
Use Scenario: Switches 24 V/2 A industrial relays and pneumatic solenoids in PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated PNP switch turning on relay coil by sinking base current while sourcing coil current from VCC. Use Value: Ensures reliable turn-on with hFE ≥ 30 at IC = 2 A, reducing required base drive and improving noise immunity. | Use Scenario: Complementary output pair (with TIP41G) in Class AB audio amplifiers delivering 10–15 W into 4 Ω loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP emitter-follower output stage providing current gain and low output impedance for speaker drive. Use Value: Maintains linearity with hFE variation < ±20% over 0.1–3 A range and fT = 3.0 MHz supporting audio bandwidth fidelity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP power transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJD42G | TO-252 (DPAK) surface-mount package; same VCEO = 40 V, IC = 6 A, but lower PD = 25 W @ TA = 25°C. | Suitable for space-constrained PCBs where thermal coupling to copper pour replaces heatsink mounting. | Select MJD42G only if board-level thermal design supports adequate junction cooling without mechanical heatsink. |
| TIP42CG | Same TO-220 package but higher VCEO = 100 V; otherwise identical pinout, hFE, and thermal specs. | Required in 48 V or higher bus applications where 40 V margin is insufficient (e.g., telecom power shelves). | Choose TIP42CG when system voltage exceeds 30 V DC or transient spikes exceed 40 V - no layout change needed. |
Compared with MJD42G and TIP42CG, the TIP42G offers optimal balance of through-hole manufacturability, 65 W heatsink-mounted power handling, and cost-effective 40 V rating for 12–24 V industrial control designs - making it preferred where mechanical robustness and thermal headroom outweigh surface-mount density needs.
Availability
TIP42G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for linear power supplies, relay drivers, DC motor controllers, and audio amplifier output stages requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.
Supply support for TIP42G 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 supplier specializing in energy-efficient power, analog, sensor, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.
The TIP42G belongs to onsemi's legacy plastic power transistor family designed for general-purpose amplifier and switching applications - emphasizing ruggedness, wide temperature operation, and ease of integration in cost-sensitive industrial power systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for TIP42G?
The TIP42G has a maximum collector-emitter voltage (VCEO) rating of 40 V DC. This value is confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table of the official onsemi datasheet (Rev. 12, June 2024) and applies under standard test conditions with IC = 30 mA and IB = 0. Exceeding this voltage risks avalanche breakdown and permanent device failure. The TIP42G is therefore suited for 12 V and 24 V systems but not for 48 V nominal buses without additional clamping.
Does TIP42G have a documented safe operating area (SOA) curve?
Yes, the TIP42G includes a published Safe Operating Area (SOA) curve in Figure 5 of the onsemi datasheet. It defines IC–VCE limits for single-pulse operation up to 150°C junction temperature, covering thermal limitation, bonding wire limit, and secondary breakdown boundaries. Engineers must ensure operating points remain within this curve - especially during inductive switching - to prevent catastrophic failure. The TIP42G SOA is identical to that of the TIP41G due to matched construction.
What is the base-emitter on voltage (VBE(on)) specification for TIP42G?
The TIP42G has a maximum base-emitter on voltage (VBE(on)) of 2.0 V DC when operated at IC = 6.0 A and VCE = 4.0 V, per the Electrical Characteristics table. This parameter determines minimum base drive voltage required to achieve saturation. At lower currents (e.g., IC = 0.3 A), VBE(on) drops to approximately 1.6 V, as shown in Figure 10. Designers must size base resistors accordingly to deliver ≥600 mA base current for full 6 A collector conduction.
Is TIP42G pin-compatible with other TIP42x variants like TIP42AG or TIP42CG?
Yes, all TIP42x variants - including TIP42G, TIP42AG, TIP42BG, and TIP42CG - share identical TO-220 package outline (Case 221A, Style 1) and pinout: Pin 1 = Base, Pins 2 & 4 = Collector, Pin 3 = Emitter. However, they differ in VCEO ratings (40 V, 60 V, 80 V, 100 V respectively), meaning electrical substitution requires verification of voltage margin in the target circuit. Mechanical replacement is direct; electrical suitability is not guaranteed.
What thermal resistance values apply to TIP42G in heatsink-mounted operation?
For heatsink-mounted operation, the TIP42G has a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RJC) of 1.67 °C/W, as specified in the Thermal Characteristics table. This value enables accurate junction temperature calculation using TJ = TC + (PD × RJC). When mounted to a heatsink with interface material, total thermal path includes RCS (case-to-sink) and RSA (sink-to-ambient); RJA = 57 °C/W applies only for free-air operation and is not relevant for properly heatsinked use.
TIP42G 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):
- 40 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:
- -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220
TIP42G FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TIP42G through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TIP42G 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 TIP42G reliable?
The price and inventory of TIP42G are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TIP42G is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TIP42G?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TIP42G transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TIP42G?
TIP42G orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TIP42G 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 TIP42G?
For technical support, including TIP42G datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TIP42G requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TIP42G is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TIP42G 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 TIP42G meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TIP42G?
All TIP42G units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TIP42G, 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 TIP42G part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TIP42G:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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