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

STMicroelectronics TIP50

Name: TIP50
Brand: STMicroelectronics
SKU: TIP50
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: TIP50

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-220-3

Datasheet:: TIP50.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 400V 1A TO-220

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

TIP50 from STMicroelectronics is a silicon NPN planar power transistor in TO-220 package, designed for high-voltage linear and switching applications such as line output stages and SMPS primary-side switches. It features V_CBO = 500 V, V_CEO = 400 V, I_C = 1 A continuous, P_tot = 40 W at T_case ≤ 25 °C, and h_FE ≥ 30 at I_C = 0.3 A.

For engineers reviewing the TIP50 datasheet, TIP50 pinout, TIP50 application, or TIP50 equivalent, key selection considerations include sustained collector-emitter voltage (V_CEO(sus) = 400 V), saturation performance (V_CE(sat) = 1 V @ I_C = 1 A, I_B = 0.2 A), thermal resistance (R_thj-case = 3.125 °C/W), and safe operating area under pulsed conditions.

Technical Context

The TIP50 operates as a single NPN bipolar junction transistor with multiepitaxial planar construction, optimized for robust high-voltage switching where fast turn-off and controlled gain are required. Its design supports both linear amplification and hard-switching modes, with specified pulse operation (300 µs, duty cycle ≤ 2%) enabling transient overvoltage tolerance.

It exhibits DC current gain h_FE of 30–150 depending on bias point, transition frequency f_T ≥ 10 MHz, and low leakage (I_CES ≤ 1 mA @ V_CE = 500 V), making it suitable for flyback and forward converter primary switches where voltage headroom and thermal stability are critical.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CBO	500 V - maximum reverse-biased collector-base voltage before breakdown; defines safe margin for inductive kick in switching circuits
V_CEO	400 V - maximum collector-emitter voltage with base open; sets upper limit for supply rail in offline converters
I_C	1 A - continuous collector current rating; determines usable load current in linear regulators or switch-mode drivers
P_tot	40 W - total power dissipation at case temperature ≤ 25 °C; requires heatsink sizing based on R_thj-case = 3.125 °C/W
h_FE	30 (min) @ I_C = 0.3 A - minimum DC current gain; ensures reliable base drive design for saturation in switching applications
V_CE(sat)	1 V @ I_C = 1 A, I_B = 0.2 A - low saturation voltage reduces conduction loss and self-heating during on-state
R_thj-case	3.125 °C/W - junction-to-case thermal resistance; enables direct heatsink thermal modeling without ambient derating assumptions

Pinout & Package

TO-220 plastic package with vertical mounting orientation, metal tab electrically connected to collector, and three leads: emitter (pin 1), base (pin 2), collector (pin 3). Standard JEDEC outline with integral heat-dissipating tab.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Pin 1 (Emitter)	Current exit path from transistor	Low-impedance terminal referenced to ground or negative rail; must be routed with low-inductance trace in high-di/dt switching
Pin 2 (Base)	Control input for minority carrier injection	Requires current-limited drive (I_B ≤ 0.6 A) and ESD protection; sensitive to overvoltage due to V_EBO = 5 V limit
Pin 3 (Collector)	Current entry path into transistor	Internally bonded to metal tab; electrically common with heatsink unless insulated mounting hardware is used

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
High V_CEO(sus)	400 V sustained collector-emitter voltage enables use in 380 VDC bus applications without snubber oversizing
Low R_thj-case	3.125 °C/W allows 40 W dissipation with modest heatsink, reducing system footprint vs. higher-R_th alternatives
Pulsed rating support	Validated 300 µs pulse capability permits short-term overload handling in protection-critical power stages
Planar multiepitaxial structure	Improves ruggedness against secondary breakdown and enhances consistency in gain and leakage across production lots

Applications

Line Output Stage

SMPS Primary Switch

Use Scenario: Horizontal deflection circuit in CRT-based monitors and TVs requiring high-voltage, high-current switching at ~15.7 kHz.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main switching transistor driving flyback transformer primary; handles repetitive 500 V spikes and 1 A peak current.

Use Value: V_CBO = 500 V and V_CEO(sus) = 400 V provide sufficient margin against flyback overshoot, minimizing need for clamping components.

Use Scenario: Discrete switch in 50–100 W offline flyback or forward converters powering industrial control modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-side power switch controlled by PWM controller; operates in hard-switched mode with 50–100 kHz frequency.

Use Value: Low V_CE(sat) = 1 V reduces conduction loss, while R_thj-case = 3.125 °C/W simplifies thermal management in compact enclosures.

Linear Regulator Pass Element

Capacitor Discharge Circuit

Use Scenario: Series pass transistor in adjustable high-voltage linear regulators supplying analog front-ends in test equipment.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Continuously biased NPN device regulating output by dissipating excess voltage across collector-emitter junction.

Use Value: P_tot = 40 W and T_j(max) = 150 °C allow stable operation up to 30 V drop at 1 A, supporting wide-input-range designs.

Use Scenario: High-energy discharge switch for flash lamps or electromagnetic actuators requiring precise timing and high peak current.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Triggered switch releasing stored capacitor energy into load; operated in pulsed mode with <300 µs duration.

Use Value: Validated pulsed rating and I_CM = 2 A enable reliable 10–20 A peak discharge without second breakdown.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
MJE13009	V_CEO = 400 V, I_C = 12 A, but h_FE min = 8 @ I_C = 2 A; higher current but lower gain uniformity	Preferred in high-current flyback converters where base drive overhead is acceptable	Select when peak current > 1.5 A is required and gain variation can be accommodated in driver design
BU508A	V_CBO = 1500 V, V_CEO = 1000 V, but P_tot = 125 W and R_thj-case = 1.2 °C/W; significantly higher voltage rating and thermal capability	Used in high-reliability broadcast transmitters and medical HV supplies where safety margin is paramount	Choose only when >600 V blocking is mandatory; otherwise over-specified and costlier than needed

Compared with MJE13009 and BU508A, the TIP50 offers optimal balance of 400 V sustain voltage, predictable h_FE, and manageable thermal interface-making it ideal for cost-sensitive, medium-power switching where design simplicity and BOM consolidation matter.

Availability

TIP50 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for CRT deflection circuits, offline SMPS primary switches, high-voltage linear regulators, and capacitor discharge systems requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for TIP50 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, specializing in power discrete devices, microcontrollers, sensors, and automotive ICs.

The TIP50 belongs to ST's legacy high-voltage bipolar transistor product line, engineered specifically for reliability-critical linear and switching power applications in industrial, consumer, and professional equipment.

FAQ

Is the TIP50 pin-compatible with TIP47, TIP48, and TIP49?

Yes - all four devices share identical TO-220 mechanical outline and pinout (emitter-base-collector). However, absolute maximum ratings differ significantly: TIP50 has V_CBO = 500 V and V_CEO = 400 V, while TIP47 is rated at 350 V and 250 V respectively. Direct substitution requires verification of voltage stress margins in the target circuit.

What is the recommended heatsink requirement for continuous 1 A operation?

At I_C = 1 A and V_CE ≈ 2 V (typical linear operation), power dissipation is ~2 W. With R_thj-case = 3.125 °C/W and max T_j = 150 °C, a heatsink with R_th-case-amb ≤ 50 °C/W is sufficient for ambient ≤ 50 °C. For switching use at full 40 W, a forced-air or large aluminum heatsink is mandatory.

Does the TIP50 have built-in base-emitter protection diode?

No - the TIP50 is a bare NPN transistor without integrated protection elements. External base-emitter clamping (e.g., 5.1 V Zener) is required if the drive circuit risks exceeding V_EBO = 5 V, especially in inductive switching environments where base ringing may occur.

Can the TIP50 be used in avalanche mode?

No - the TIP50 is not characterized or guaranteed for controlled avalanche operation. Its V_CEO(sus) rating is validated under specified pulsed conditions, but no energy-rated avalanche specs (E_AS) are provided. For intentional avalanche use, ST's dedicated avalanche-rated transistors (e.g., STN1NK60Z) should be selected instead.

TIP50 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-220-3

Packaging:: Tube

Product Status:: Active

Transistor Type:: NPN

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 1 A

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 400 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

TIP50 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for TIP50 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TIP50 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 TIP50 reliable?

The price and inventory of TIP50 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TIP50 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for TIP50?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TIP50 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for TIP50?

TIP50 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your TIP50 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 TIP50?

For technical support, including TIP50 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TIP50 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that TIP50 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All TIP50 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 TIP50 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of TIP50?

All TIP50 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TIP50, 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 TIP50 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for TIP50:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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