Diodes Incorporated ZTX1056A
- Part No.:
- ZTX1056A
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- E-Line-3
- Datasheet:
-
ZTX1056A.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 160V 3A E-LINE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,873
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Product details
Overview
ZTX1056A from Zetex (now Diodes Incorporated) is an NPN silicon planar medium-power high-gain transistor rated for 160 V VCEO, 3 A continuous collector current, and 6 A pulse current, with VCE(sat) as low as 25 mV at IC=0.1 A/IB=5 mA. It operates from −55 °C to +200 °C and is used in industrial switching, linear regulator pass elements, and high-reliability DC-DC converter output stages.
For engineers reviewing the ZTX1056A datasheet, ZTX1056A pinout, ZTX1056A application, or ZTX1056A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 160 V breakdown rating, 275–1200 hFE range across 10 mA–6 A, low 25–300 mV saturation voltage under varying load conditions, and TO-92-compatible E-Line package thermal performance up to +200 °C junction temperature.
Technical Context
The ZTX1056A is a discrete bipolar junction transistor optimized for medium-power linear and switching operation. Its high hFE (min 275 at 10 mA, min 30 at 3 A) enables efficient base drive in low-loss emitter-follower and series-pass configurations, while its 1 W Ptot at Tamb=25 °C and transient thermal resistance profile support pulsed operation up to 6 A with controlled duty cycle.
Electrical behavior is characterized by tight V(BR)CBO/VCEO distribution (200–310 V), low leakage (ICBO ≤ 10 nA at 150 V), and fT = 120 MHz at 50 mA/10 V - confirming suitability for audio-frequency amplification and fast-switching applications below 10 MHz where gain-bandwidth trade-offs are critical.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 160 V - maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before avalanche in common-emitter configuration |
| IC Continuous | 3 A - continuous DC collector current capability with adequate heatsinking at 25 °C ambient |
| VCE(sat) | 25–300 mV - collector-emitter saturation voltage across 0.1–3 A loads, directly impacting conduction loss in switch mode |
| hFE | 275–1200 - DC current gain spanning 10 mA to 6 A, enabling scalable base drive design |
| fT | 120 MHz - transition frequency at 50 mA/10 V, limiting usable bandwidth in small-signal amplification |
| Tj Range | −55 °C to +200 °C - extended junction temperature rating for aerospace, downhole, or high-temp industrial use |
| Ptot | 1 W - total power dissipation limit at 25 °C ambient, derating linearly above that temperature |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-92-compatible E-Line plastic package with standard lead spacing and outline per Zetex Issue 3 (Jan 1995). Leads are arranged in straight-line configuration with emitter (E), base (B), and collector (C) terminals identified on device marking and datasheet diagram.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| E (Emitter) | Current exit path in NPN operation | Low-impedance terminal for return current; connected to ground or low-side reference in most topologies |
| B (Base) | Control electrode for minority-carrier injection | Requires precise current-limited drive (max 500 mA) to avoid second breakdown during switching transients |
| C (Collector) | Current entry path under forward active/saturation | High-voltage node handling up to 160 V; electrically isolated from mounting surface in TO-92 package |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High VCEO with low leakage | 160 V rating and ICBO ≤ 10 nA at 150 V supports stable operation in high-impedance bias networks |
| Wide hFE range across current | 275–1200 gain ensures predictable base drive scaling from signal-level to 3 A load conditions |
| Low VCE(sat) at high current | 140 mV at IC=2 A/IB=100 mA reduces conduction loss in linear regulators and motor drivers |
| Extended temperature operation | Rated for −55 °C to +200 °C junction operation, validated for harsh-environment reliability testing |
| SPICE-model supported | Validated 1995 SPICE model (IS=1.41E-12, BF=600, VAF=120) enables accurate circuit simulation |
Applications
| Industrial Linear Regulators | High-Temperature Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Used as series pass element in adjustable 3-terminal linear regulators delivering up to 2.5 A at 12–48 V input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN pass transistor operating in active region, dissipating up to 1 W continuously with thermal foldback protection. Use Value: Low VCE(sat) (≤140 mV at 2 A) minimizes dropout voltage and improves efficiency over wide load range. | Use Scenario: Amplifies low-level thermocouple or RTD signals in oil & gas downhole tools operating at 175 °C ambient. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete NPN configured as DC-coupled amplifier stage with matched bias network. Use Value: Stable hFE and leakage (ICBO ≤ 10 nA) maintained across −55 °C to +200 °C enable calibrated gain accuracy without recalibration. |
| DC-DC Converter Output Stage | Relay/Valve Driver Interface |
Use Scenario: Drives synchronous rectifier or flyback secondary in isolated 24 V input, 5 V/3 A output converters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-speed switching transistor with ton=110 ns/toff=2450 ns, operated in saturated switch mode. Use Value: 6 A pulse rating and 120 MHz fT allow reliable operation at 100–500 kHz switching frequencies with controlled turn-off tail. | Use Scenario: Interfaces microcontroller GPIO to 24 V industrial relay coils or solenoid valves requiring 100–500 mA drive. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-stage NPN switch with base resistor network, providing galvanic isolation and current gain. Use Value: High hFE (≥400 at 100 mA) reduces required MCU drive current; 160 V VCEO withstands inductive kickback without snubber. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN medium-power switching and linear applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZTX855 | Higher VCEO (200 V), same TO-92 package, hFE min 300 at 10 mA, VCE(sat) 100 mV @ 2 A | Direct replacement with improved voltage margin and tighter gain spec; recommended for new designs | Select ZTX855 when designing for >160 V bus rails or requiring guaranteed minimum hFE ≥300 at low current |
| MJD112 | TO-220 package, 100 V VCEO, 2 A continuous, higher Ptot (1.5 W), lower fT (3 MHz) | Not pin-compatible; requires PCB redesign but offers higher power handling and thermal mass | Choose MJD112 only when thermal budget exceeds TO-92 limits and voltage requirements are ≤100 V |
Compared with ZTX1056A, ZTX855 provides higher voltage headroom and tighter gain consistency for new designs, while MJD112 trades package size and voltage rating for greater thermal capacity - neither is drop-in compatible, and ZTX855 is explicitly designated as the preferred migration path per Zetex documentation.
Availability
ZTX1056A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial linear regulators, high-temperature sensor interfaces, and relay driver circuits requiring stable component supply despite its obsolete status.
Supply support for ZTX1056A 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
Zetex plc, founded in the UK and acquired by Diodes Incorporated in 2008, specialized in high-performance discrete semiconductors for demanding analog and power applications.
The ZTX series was developed for medium-power linear and switching applications requiring extended temperature operation, high gain consistency, and robust SOA - targeting industrial control, aerospace, and energy infrastructure markets.
FAQ
Is ZTX1056A still in active production?
No. ZTX1056A is officially obsolete per Zetex documentation dated January 1995, with ZTX855 designated as the direct replacement. Aetrix Electronics supplies remaining original-stock ZTX1056A for legacy repair and continuity programs, with full traceability and test validation.
What is the maximum safe operating voltage for ZTX1056A in switching applications?
The absolute maximum collector-emitter voltage is 160 V (VCEO). In practice, design margins require limiting steady-state VCE to ≤120 V and transient spikes to ≤140 V, especially with inductive loads, to ensure long-term reliability and avoid second breakdown.
Can ZTX1056A be used in parallel for higher current?
Parallel operation is not recommended due to gain mismatch and thermal runaway risk. The hFE variation (275–1200) and positive temperature coefficient of VBE(sat) make current sharing unstable without individual emitter resistors and matched thermal coupling - use a single higher-rated device instead.
Does ZTX1056A have a qualified SPICE model for simulation?
Yes. An official SPICE model was released by Zetex in January 1995 (revision 24/1/95), including parameters for IS, BF, VAF, CJC, CJE, TF, and TR. It is validated for DC, AC, and transient analysis at 25 °C and supports basic temperature scaling in commercial simulators.
ZTX1056A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- E-Line-3
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 3 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 160 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 300mV @ 200mA, 3A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 10nA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 300 @ 500mA, 10V
- Power - Max:
- 1 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 120MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 200°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- E-Line (TO-92 compatible)
ZTX1056A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ZTX1056A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ZTX1056A 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 ZTX1056A reliable?
The price and inventory of ZTX1056A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ZTX1056A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ZTX1056A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ZTX1056A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ZTX1056A?
ZTX1056A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ZTX1056A 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 ZTX1056A?
For technical support, including ZTX1056A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ZTX1056A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ZTX1056A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ZTX1056A 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 ZTX1056A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ZTX1056A?
All ZTX1056A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ZTX1056A, 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 ZTX1056A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ZTX1056A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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