STMicroelectronics TR136
- Part No.:
- TR136
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
TR136.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 400V 3A TO-220
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,327
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Product details
Overview
TR136 from STMicroelectronics is a high-voltage fast-switching NPN power transistor in TO-220 package, rated for VCES = 700 V, IC = 3 A, and Ptot = 60 W at Tc ≤ 25°C, optimized for electronic ballasts in fluorescent lighting systems with sub-microsecond switching (ts = 0.8 µs, tf = 0.16 µs).
For engineers reviewing the TR136 datasheet, TR136 pinout, TR136 application, or TR136 equivalent, key selection criteria include high-voltage blocking (VCEO = 400 V), low saturation voltage (VCE(sat) = 0.5 V @ IC = 0.5 A / IB = 0.1 A), tight dynamic parameter spread, and RBSOA-compliant operation under inductive switching.
Technical Context
The TR136 employs Multi Epitaxial Planar technology with cellular emitter structure and planar edge termination to simultaneously achieve high breakdown voltage and fast switching. Its design targets controlled turn-off behavior in inductive loads, evidenced by specified storage time (ts) and fall time (tf) under standardized test conditions (L = 50 mH, VClamp = 200 V).
It operates with DC current gain (hFE) of 10–20 across IC = 10 mA to 2 A, and maintains safe operating area integrity up to TJ = 150°C. The device is not automotive-qualified and carries ECOPACK® lead-free second-level interconnect marking per JESD97.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCES | 700 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage with base open; enables use in 400–600 V DC bus applications like electronic ballasts. |
| IC | 3 A continuous - Sustained collector current rating at case temperature ≤25°C; defines thermal design baseline for heatsink sizing. |
| ts / tf | 0.8 µs / 0.16 µs - Measured storage and fall times under inductive load (L = 50 mH); critical for minimizing switching losses in high-frequency ballast drivers. |
| VCE(sat) | 0.5 V @ IC = 0.5 A, IB = 0.1 A - Low saturation voltage reduces conduction loss and improves efficiency in hard-switched topologies. |
| hFE | 10–20 - DC current gain range across 10 mA–2 A; supports predictable base drive design without excessive overdrive margin. |
| TJ(max) | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; sets absolute thermal limit for reliability under transient overload or derated continuous operation. |
Pinout & Package
TR136 is housed in a standard TO-220 package (Type E) with three leads: emitter (pin 1), base (pin 2), collector (pin 3). The collector is internally connected to the metal tab for direct heatsinking. Mechanical dimensions comply with ST's ECOPACK® specification, including lead-free second-level interconnect.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Emitter) | Current return path for collector current | Low-inductance connection point; referenced as ground in common-emitter switch configurations. |
| 2 (Base) | Control input for bipolar conduction | Requires precise current-limited drive (IB ≤ 1.5 A) to ensure fast, reliable turn-on/turn-off without secondary breakdown. |
| 3 (Collector) | Main high-voltage current output node | Internally bonded to metal tab; must be electrically isolated from heatsink unless circuit topology permits common-collector mounting. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High-voltage capability (VCES = 700 V) | Supports direct interface with rectified AC mains (e.g., 230 VAC → ~325 VDC, with margin for transients and ringing). |
| Very high switching speed (ts + tf < 1 µs) | Enables operation above 50 kHz in resonant or quasi-resonant ballast topologies, reducing magnetic component size and audible noise. |
| Low lot-to-lot spread of dynamic parameters | Ensures consistent timing behavior across production batches-critical for mass-produced lighting equipment requiring minimal factory calibration. |
| RBSOA-compliant cellular emitter structure | Maintains safe second breakdown limits during inductive turn-off, allowing robust operation without snubber networks in cost-sensitive designs. |
Applications
| Fluorescent Lamp Electronic Ballast | Halogen Lamp Electronic Transformer |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-frequency (20–60 kHz) series-resonant inverter driving T5/T8 fluorescent tubes with instant start and dimming support. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main switching transistor in half-bridge topology; handles full DC bus voltage and load current during each half-cycle. Use Value: Fast ts/tf minimizes overlap loss; high VCES accommodates 400 V bus with safety margin; tight parameter spread ensures batch-to-batch consistency in production. | Use Scenario: Compact 12 V AC output transformer replacement for 12 V halogen lamps, powered from 230 V AC mains via bridge rectifier and filter. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side switch in flyback or forward converter operating at 30–100 kHz, regulating output voltage via duty cycle control. Use Value: VCEO = 400 V sustains peak line transients; low VCE(sat) reduces conduction loss in high-duty-cycle operation; TO-220 tab enables direct heatsinking in space-constrained enclosures. |
| Inductive Load Switching Module | AC Mains-Switched Power Supply |
Use Scenario: Solid-state relay module switching inductive solenoids or contactor coils in industrial control panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-ended switch controlling coil current with freewheeling diode; subjected to repetitive inductive kickback. Use Value: RBSOA compliance prevents secondary breakdown during turn-off; VCEO(sus) = 400 V withstands clamped inductive spikes; 150°C TJ(max) supports ambient temperatures up to 70°C. | Use Scenario: Primary-side switch in offline non-isolated buck-derived converters for auxiliary power supplies (e.g., smart meter standby rails). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-voltage NPN switch replacing MOSFETs in cost-sensitive, medium-power (<15 W) AC-DC conversion stages. Use Value: Lower gate-drive complexity than MOSFETs; 60 W Ptot supports moderate power density; TO-220 mechanical compatibility simplifies board layout and thermal management. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-voltage NPN switching transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BU2520DX | VCES = 1000 V, IC = 5 A, ts = 1.2 µs - higher voltage rating but slower switching. | Suitable for higher-input-voltage ballasts (>500 V DC bus) where switching frequency is ≤30 kHz. | Choose when extended voltage margin outweighs switching speed penalty; requires larger base drive due to higher hFE variation. |
| ST13007 | VCES = 400 V, IC = 8 A, Ptot = 100 W - lower voltage, higher current, higher power dissipation. | Better suited for lower-voltage, higher-current applications like motor control or welding inverters. | Select only if system DC bus is ≤300 V and thermal headroom allows higher Ptot; not interchangeable in 400+ V ballast designs. |
Compared with BU2520DX and ST13007, TR136 offers the optimal balance of 700 V blocking, sub-µs switching, and TO-220 thermal performance for 20–60 kHz fluorescent/halogen ballasts-neither over-specified nor under-rated for its target use case.
Availability
TR136 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electronic ballasts, halogen lamp transformers, industrial inductive load modules, and offline auxiliary power supplies requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for TR136 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, digital, and mixed-signal ICs and discrete devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The TR136 belongs to ST's high-voltage bipolar power transistor product line, developed specifically for energy-efficient lighting control and compact AC-DC conversion where fast, reliable, and repeatable switching is essential.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended base current for continuous operation?
The absolute maximum base current (IB) is 1.5 A, but for reliable continuous operation, ST specifies IB ≤ 0.5 A at Tc = 25°C. Exceeding this without adequate base resistor derating risks thermal runaway or bond wire failure, especially given the device's hFE spread and negative temperature coefficient of VBE(sat).
Can TR136 be used in avalanche mode?
No-TR136 is not rated or characterized for repetitive avalanche operation. Its VCEO(sus) = 400 V is a sustaining voltage under pulsed inductive conditions, not an avalanche energy rating. Operation beyond VCEO without external clamping risks irreversible degradation due to localized hot-spot formation in the cellular emitter structure.
Is TR136 pin-compatible with other TO-220 NPN transistors like BD243C?
Physically yes-TR136 uses standard TO-220 (E-type) pinout (E-B-C), matching BD243C. However, electrical incompatibility exists: BD243C has VCEO = 100 V and slower switching (ts > 2 µs), making it unsuitable as a drop-in replacement in 400 V ballast circuits without redesigning drive, snubbing, and thermal management.
Does TR136 require a heatsink in typical ballast applications?
Yes-TR136 dissipates up to 60 W at Tc = 25°C, but real-world ballast operation typically yields 5–15 W junction power. A minimum 2.5°C/W heatsink is required to maintain TJ ≤ 125°C at 70°C ambient; thermal interface material and mounting torque must follow ST's TO-220 Type E mechanical data to avoid voids or tab deformation.
TR136 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):
- 3 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 400 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 1V @ 500mA, 2A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- -
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 10 @ 2A, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 60 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220
TR136 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TR136 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TR136 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 TR136 reliable?
The price and inventory of TR136 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TR136 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TR136?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TR136 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TR136?
TR136 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TR136 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 TR136?
For technical support, including TR136 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TR136 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TR136 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TR136 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 TR136 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TR136?
All TR136 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TR136, 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 TR136 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TR136:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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