Send an Inquiry

To receive a quote for your project, please fill in the following information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Submit Inventory List

Please fill in the following information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Transistors > Bipolar (BJT) > Single Bipolar Transistors

STMicroelectronics TIP48

Name: TIP48
Brand: STMicroelectronics
SKU: TIP48
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

Compare

Part No.:: TIP48

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-220-3

Datasheet:: TIP48.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 300V 1A TO-220

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

Payment:

Shipping:

Inventory:2,253

Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.

Product details

Overview

TIP48 from STMicroelectronics is a silicon NPN planar transistor in TO-220 package, designed for high-voltage linear and switching applications with V_CEO = 300 V, I_C = 1 A, P_tot = 40 W at T_case ≤ 25 °C, and R_thj-case = 3.125 °C/W - used in power supply switch-mode controllers and relay drivers.

For engineers reviewing the TIP48 datasheet, TIP48 pinout, TIP48 application, or TIP48 equivalent, key selection criteria include sustained collector-emitter voltage under zero-base-drive (V_CEO(sus) = 300 V), saturation voltage at 1 A (V_CE(sat) ≤ 1 V), DC current gain range (h_FE = 30–150 at I_C = 0.3 A), thermal resistance, and TO-220 mechanical compatibility.

Technical Context

The TIP48 operates as a medium-power NPN bipolar junction transistor with multiepitaxial planar construction, enabling stable performance in both active-region amplification and hard-switching modes. Its design supports continuous collector current up to 1 A and pulsed peak current of 2 A, with guaranteed V_CEO(sus) = 300 V at I_C = 30 mA under zero-base conditions.

Thermal management is defined by a low junction-to-case thermal resistance (3.125 °C/W), allowing effective heat transfer to an external heatsink mounted on the metal tab. The device features a maximum operating junction temperature of 150 °C and storage range from –65 °C to +150 °C, supporting industrial ambient environments.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	300 V - Maximum continuous collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines safe blocking capability in switching topologies.
I_C	1 A - Continuous DC collector current rating; sets upper limit for steady-state load handling without derating.
P_tot	40 W - Total power dissipation at case temperature ≤ 25 °C; determines heatsink sizing baseline under worst-case conduction loss.
R_thj-case	3.125 °C/W - Junction-to-case thermal resistance; enables calculation of junction temperature rise above heatsink temperature.
h_FE	30–150 - DC current gain at I_C = 0.3 A, V_CE = 10 V; impacts base drive circuit design margin and saturation depth control.
V_CE(sat)	≤ 1 V - Collector-emitter saturation voltage at I_C = 1 A, I_B = 0.2 A; directly determines conduction loss and thermal load during on-state.
f_T	10 MHz - Transition frequency at V_CE = 10 V, I_C = 0.2 A; indicates usable bandwidth for small-signal amplification or fast switching edge control.

Pinout & Package

Package: JEDEC TO-220 plastic package with insulated mounting tab; pin 1 = emitter, pin 2 = base, pin 3 = collector (tab-connected); standardized for vertical PCB mounting and heatsink interface.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1 (Emitter)	Current exit path from transistor	Low-impedance terminal referenced to ground or load return; requires low-inductance routing in switching layouts.
2 (Base)	Control input for minority-carrier injection	Drives transistor into saturation or cutoff; requires current-limited drive (I_B ≤ 0.6 A) and ESD protection per application.
3 (Collector)	Current entry path into transistor	Connected internally to metal tab; must be electrically isolated from heatsink unless system grounding permits common potential.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
High V_CEO(sus)	300 V sustained blocking voltage at I_C = 30 mA with I_B = 0 - ensures reliable operation in flyback snubber circuits and inductive load switching.
Low V_CE(sat)	≤ 1 V at I_C = 1 A, I_B = 0.2 A - reduces conduction losses and improves efficiency in 50–100 kHz SMPS output stages.
Robust thermal design	R_thj-case = 3.125 °C/W - allows ≥12 W dissipation at ΔT = 37.5 °C above heatsink, supporting compact thermal solutions.
Wide h_FE range	30–150 at I_C = 0.3 A - accommodates production spread while maintaining sufficient base drive margin across batches.
TO-220 mechanical standardization	JEDEC-compliant footprint and lead pitch - enables drop-in replacement in existing board designs and compatibility with automated assembly tooling.

Applications

Switch-Mode Power Supply Output Stage

DC Motor Forward/Reverse Driver

Use Scenario: Used as main switching transistor in 20–60 W offline flyback converters with 230 VAC input.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN power switch controlling primary-side energy transfer; driven by UC3842 or similar PWM controller.

Use Value: 300 V V_CEO safely withstands reflected flyback spikes; 1 V V_CE(sat) limits conduction loss to <1 W at 1 A, reducing heatsink requirements.

Use Scenario: H-bridge half-bridge leg in 12–24 V brushed DC motor control for industrial actuators.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side or low-side switching element toggled via optocoupled gate driver for direction and enable control.

Use Value: 1 A continuous current supports 15 W mechanical output; TO-220 tab enables direct heatsinking to chassis ground in space-constrained enclosures.

Relay and Solenoid Driver

Linear Regulator Pass Element

Use Scenario: Driving 12 V/24 V electromagnetic relays and 24 V solenoids in PLC I/O modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-ended switch interfacing microcontroller GPIO to inductive load; includes flyback diode integration.

Use Value: 300 V V_CEO(sus) clamps inductive kickback without external TVS; 2 A I_CM handles surge during coil pull-in.

Use Scenario: Series pass transistor in adjustable 0–30 V, 1 A linear bench power supply.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-controlled current source regulating output via op-amp feedback loop.

Use Value: 40 W P_tot supports full-load dissipation at 30 V dropout; h_FE ≥30 ensures stable loop gain with minimal base drive error.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN switching transistor applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
MJD127	V_CEO = 100 V, I_C = 2 A, TO-252 package, lower voltage rating but higher current and surface-mount form factor	Suitable only for ≤100 V bus applications; not interchangeable in 230 VAC-derived supplies	Select when board space is constrained and voltage stress remains below 80 V.
BU508A	V_CEO = 1500 V, I_C = 8 A, TO-3P package, significantly higher voltage/current but larger footprint and slower switching	Over-specified for 300 V use cases; introduces unnecessary cost and layout complexity	Prefer only where >600 V blocking or >3 A average current is required.

Compared with MJD127 and BU508A, the TIP48 uniquely balances 300 V blocking, 1 A current, TO-220 thermal performance, and proven reliability in industrial linear/switching roles - making it optimal for mid-voltage, medium-power discrete switching where package standardization and thermal predictability are critical.

Availability

TIP48 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for switch-mode power supplies, relay drivers, and linear regulator designs requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and JEDEC-standard TO-220 compatibility.

Supply support for TIP48 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, microcontroller, power, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The TIP47/TIP48/TIP49/TIP50 series belongs to ST's legacy high-voltage bipolar power transistor product line, engineered specifically for robustness in industrial power conversion, motor control, and electromechanical interface applications.

FAQ

Is the TIP48 pin-compatible with the TIP47 or TIP49?

Yes - all four devices (TIP47–TIP50) share identical TO-220 pinout (E-B-C) and mechanical dimensions. However, voltage ratings differ: TIP47 has V_CEO = 250 V, TIP48 = 300 V, TIP49 = 350 V. Substitution requires verifying that operating V_CE stays within the lower-rated device's absolute maximum.

Does the TIP48 require a heatsink in continuous 1 A operation?

Yes - at I_C = 1 A and V_CE(sat) ≈ 1 V, conduction loss is ~1 W, but total dissipation may exceed 1 W due to switching and leakage. With R_thj-case = 3.125 °C/W, even 2 W requires ≥6.25 °C/W total system thermal resistance - necessitating a heatsink for reliable operation beyond brief duty cycles.

What is the maximum safe operating frequency for the TIP48 in switching mode?

The TIP48's f_T = 10 MHz indicates small-signal bandwidth, but practical hard-switching frequency is limited by stored charge (t_on/t_off) and thermal constraints. For 1 A resistive loads, reliable operation is confirmed up to 100 kHz; above that, switching losses dominate and require careful drive optimization and derating.

Can the TIP48 be used in avalanche mode?

No - the TIP48 is not rated or characterized for repetitive avalanche operation. Its V_CEO(sus) = 300 V is a non-repetitive sustaining voltage under pulsed test conditions (300 µs, ≤2% duty). Sustained avalanche risks secondary breakdown and permanent damage; external clamping (e.g., TVS or RCD snubber) is mandatory for inductive switching.

TIP48 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):: 1 A

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 300 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 1V @ 200mA, 1A

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 1mA

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 30 @ 300mA, 10V

Power - Max:: 2 W

Frequency - Transition:: 10MHz

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-220

TIP48 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for TIP48 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TIP48 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 TIP48 reliable?

The price and inventory of TIP48 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TIP48 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for TIP48?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TIP48 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for TIP48?

TIP48 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your TIP48 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 TIP48?

For technical support, including TIP48 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TIP48 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that TIP48 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All TIP48 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 TIP48 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of TIP48?

All TIP48 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TIP48, 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 TIP48 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for TIP48:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

Tech Hub

2026-09-08 Obsolete Electronic Components: How to Source and Evaluate Replacements

A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.

2026-09-07 TTL vs CMOS Logic Levels: 74HC and 74HCT Compatibility Explained

TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.

2026-09-04 Logic Level Shifter: How to Connect 3.3V and 5V Logic Safely

A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.

2026-09-03 74HC595 vs TPIC6B595: Output Drive, Pinout, Current, and Load Selection

The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…

2026-09-02 74HC595 Pinout, Timing, Output Current, and Applications

The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…

2026-09-01 Latch vs Flip-Flop: Timing, Differences and Design Choices

A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…

2026-08-30 D Latch Circuit: Truth Table, Timing, ICs and Applications

A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

2026-08-28 SR Latch Explained: NOR and NAND Circuits, Truth Tables, and Applications

An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…

2026-08-27 Latch Circuit: SR and D Latches, Truth Tables, Timing, and Applications

Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…

2026-08-21 What Is an LED Driver? Types, Circuits, Dimming, and Selection

An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…