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

STMicroelectronics TR236

Name: TR236
Brand: STMicroelectronics
SKU: TR236
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: TR236

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-220-3

Datasheet:: TR236.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 400V 4A TO-220

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:5,110

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Product details

Overview

TR236 from STMicroelectronics is a high-voltage fast-switching NPN power transistor designed for inductive switching in lighting control circuits. It features V_CEO = 400 V, I_C = 4 A continuous, P_tot = 70 W at T_c ≤ 25 °C, t_s = 0.6 µs storage time, and TO-220 package - used primarily in electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps.

For engineers reviewing the TR236 datasheet, TR236 pinout, TR236 application, or TR236 equivalent, key selection criteria include high-voltage blocking (V_CES = 700 V), low dynamic parameter spread, RBSOA compliance under inductive load, and thermal performance in compact lighting drivers.

Technical Context

The TR236 employs Multi Epitaxial Planar technology with cellular emitter structure and planar edge termination to optimize switching speed while preserving ruggedness. Its V_CE(sat) = 1.1 V at I_C = 0.8 A / I_B = 0.1 A and t_f = 0.1 µs support high-frequency operation in resonant lamp drivers.

Designed for pulsed inductive loads (L = 200 µH, V_CC = 200 V), it delivers stable V_CEO(sus) = 400 V at I_C = 10 mA and maintains h_FE ≥ 8 at I_C = 2.5 A, enabling robust base drive design in cost-sensitive ballast topologies.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CES	700 V - supports surge-tolerant operation in mains-connected lighting circuits
V_CEO	400 V - rated blocking voltage for reliable operation in 230 V AC-fed electronic ballasts
I_C (cont.)	4 A - enables direct drive of medium-power lamp loads without paralleling
t_s / t_f	0.6 µs / 0.1 µs - ensures minimal switching loss in 20–50 kHz resonant inverters
P_tot	70 W at T_c ≤ 25 °C - requires heatsink for sustained >30 W dissipation in enclosed fixtures
h_FE	10–28 - provides predictable base current scaling across production lots
R_BSOA	Validated per Figure 2 test circuit - guarantees safe operation under inductive turn-off stress

Pinout & Package

TR236 is housed in a standard TO-220 package (Type E) with three leads: emitter (pin 1), base (pin 2), collector (pin 3). The metal tab is electrically connected to the collector and must be insulated when mounted to grounded heatsinks.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1 (Emitter)	Current return path for main load current	Low-inductance connection required to minimize switching overshoot in ballast half-bridge legs
2 (Base)	Control input for bipolar conduction	Requires active pull-down (V_BE(off) = –5 V) to achieve specified t_s and prevent latch-up
3 (Collector)	Main high-side current output node	Tab-connected to collector - mandates insulating washer or mica pad when heatsink is grounded

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
High-voltage capability	V_CES = 700 V enables direct use in 230 V AC line-switched topologies without snubber stacking
Low dynamic parameter spread	Lot-to-lot consistency in t_s, t_f, and h_FE reduces need for binning in mass-produced ballasts
Cellular emitter + planar termination	Optimizes trade-off between switching speed and secondary breakdown margin (RBSOA)
ECOPACK® lead-free construction	Complies with JEDEC JESD97 marking and RoHS requirements for lighting OEMs

Applications

Fluorescent Lamp Ballast

Halogen Lamp Electronic Transformer

Use Scenario: High-frequency (20–60 kHz) series-resonant inverter driving T8/T5 fluorescent tubes.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main switching transistor in half-bridge configuration, handling 2–4 A peak lamp current.

Use Value: Low t_s/t_f minimizes switching losses at 35 kHz, improving ballast efficiency by ~2.5% vs. slower alternatives.

Use Scenario: Compact 12 V AC output transformer replacing magnetic units in 20–50 W halogen systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side switch in self-oscillating Royer or push-pull topology.

Use Value: V_CEO(sus) = 400 V sustains reliable operation during no-load and short-circuit transients.

UV-C Germicidal Lamp Driver

Inductive Heating Starter Circuit

Use Scenario: DC-fed resonant driver for low-pressure mercury UV-C lamps requiring precise current regulation.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary switching element controlling power delivery to resonant tank.

Use Value: Tight h_FE distribution (10–28) allows fixed-gain base drive design across production batches.

Use Scenario: Ignition pulse generator in induction cooktop preheat stages using flyback energy transfer.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-turn-off switch releasing stored inductor energy into spark gap.

Use Value: 0.6 µs storage time ensures rapid current collapse, generating >5 kV ignition pulses.

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
STW20NK50Z	MOSFET (500 V, 20 A); gate-driven, no base current needed; R_DS(on) = 0.22 Ω	Lower conduction loss above 1 A but higher gate drive complexity and cost	Prefer for new designs needing >10 A peak or PWM dimming compatibility
BU508A	Bipolar (1500 V, 8 A); slower (t_s ≈ 2.5 µs); TO-3P package	Higher voltage margin but unsuitable for >25 kHz due to excessive switching loss	Only for legacy 20–30 kHz magnetic-ballast replacements where V_CES > 1 kV is mandatory

Compared with STW20NK50Z and BU508A, TR236 offers optimal balance of speed, voltage rating, and drive simplicity for 20–50 kHz fluorescent/halogen drivers - delivering lower system cost than MOSFETs and better frequency response than ultra-high-voltage bipolars.

Availability

TR236 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for fluorescent ballasts, halogen electronic transformers, UV-C lamp drivers, and induction starter circuits requiring stable component supply despite its obsolete status.

Supply support for TR236 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, designing and manufacturing analog, power, MCU, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The TR236 belongs to ST's high-voltage bipolar power transistor family, engineered specifically for lighting control applications demanding reliability, consistent dynamic performance, and thermal robustness in compact form factors.

FAQ

Is TR236 still in active production?

No - STMicroelectronics has marked TR236 as Obsolete (as confirmed in Rev 2, Feb 2008 datasheet). However, Aetrix Electronics maintains verified legacy stock with full traceability, including original ST packaging and ECOPACK® compliance documentation.

Can TR236 replace BU2508DF in a 25 kHz ballast?

No - BU2508DF has V_CEO = 1500 V and different pinout (TO-218). TR236's 400 V rating suits 230 V AC-fed ballasts but lacks voltage margin for universal-input or surge-prone designs where BU2508DF is specified.

What is the maximum recommended case temperature for continuous operation?

The datasheet specifies T_J(max) = 150 °C and derates linearly from P_tot = 70 W at T_c = 25 °C. With typical thermal resistance R_θJC ≈ 1.8 °C/W, sustained operation above T_c = 95 °C risks exceeding junction limit - heatsink design must maintain T_c ≤ 85 °C at full load.

Does TR236 require a base resistor in series with the driver?

Yes - base current must be limited to ≤2 A peak (I_BM). For typical h_FE = 15 at I_C = 2.5 A, a 10–22 Ω series resistor (1/4 W) is required with ±5 V drive to ensure I_B ≈ 0.5 A and avoid overdrive-induced secondary breakdown.

TR236 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):: 4 A

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 400 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 1.3V @ 600mA, 2.5A

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 250µA

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 8 @ 2.5A, 5V

Power - Max:: 70 W

Frequency - Transition:: -

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-220

TR236 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for TR236 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TR236 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 TR236 reliable?

The price and inventory of TR236 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TR236 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for TR236?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TR236 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for TR236?

TR236 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your TR236 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 TR236?

For technical support, including TR236 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TR236 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that TR236 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All TR236 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 TR236 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of TR236?

All TR236 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TR236, 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 TR236 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for TR236:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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