Diodes Incorporated ZTX788BSTOA

Overview

ZTX788BSTOA from Diodes Incorporated is a PNP silicon planar medium-power high-gain bipolar junction transistor (BJT) with V_CEO = −15 V, h_FE = 300 at I_C = −2 A, and V_CE(sat) = −0.25 V at I_C = −1 A / I_B = −5 mA; used in battery-powered motor drivers and flash gun converters where low saturation voltage and high DC gain are critical.

For engineers reviewing the ZTX788BSTOA datasheet, ZTX788BSTOA pinout, ZTX788BSTOA application, or ZTX788BSTOA equivalent, key selection criteria include verified PNP polarity, TO-92-compatible E-Line package thermal performance (R_th(j-amb) = 116 °C/W on 1-in² PCB), −15 V breakdown ratings, and validated switching times (t_on = 35 ns, t_off = 400 ns).

Technical Context

This BJT operates as a medium-power PNP switch or linear amplifier with fixed polarity and current-controlled conduction. Its design emphasizes high DC current gain (h_FE ≥ 150 up to I_C = −6 A) and low V_CE(sat) (−0.15 V min at I_C = −0.5 A), enabling efficient operation in saturated-switching topologies.

Thermal behavior is defined by two ambient thermal resistance values: 175 °C/W (free-air) and 116 °C/W (1-in² PCB copper), with junction temperature rated from −55 °C to +200 °C. Transition frequency f_T = 100 MHz at I_C = −50 mA confirms usable RF capability within switching applications.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: E-Line TO-92-compatible plastic package (3-lead, straight lead form), standardized footprint matching legacy TO-92 but optimized for improved thermal conduction via extended copper pad contact.

Key Features

Applications

Availability

ZTX788BSTOA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor drivers, flash gun converters, Darlington pre-drivers, and battery-powered load switches requiring stable component supply across industrial and consumer design cycles.

Supply support for ZTX788BSTOA 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

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with design centers across Asia and manufacturing in China, Taiwan, and Malaysia.

The ZTX788B series belongs to Diodes' high-reliability general-purpose BJT product line, engineered for cost-sensitive medium-power switching and amplification in portable, automotive, and industrial equipment.

FAQ

Is ZTX788BSTOA pin-compatible with standard TO-92 transistors?

Yes - ZTX788BSTOA uses an E-Line TO-92-compatible mechanical outline (3-273) with emitter-base-collector (E-B-C) pin sequence matching industry-standard PNP TO-92 parts like BC557 and MPSA92. Lead spacing and body dimensions are identical, enabling drop-in replacement on existing footprints.

What is the maximum continuous collector current at 70°C ambient?

At T_amb = 70 °C, derating from 25 °C starts at 5.7 mW/°C. With P_tot = 1.5 W at 25 °C, allowable power drops to 1.24 W, supporting I_C ≈ −1.8 A continuously (using V_CE(sat) ≈ −0.25 V), assuming adequate PCB copper area and no additional heatsinking.

Can ZTX788BSTOA be used in linear amplifier configurations?

Yes - its h_FE stability across I_C = −10 mA to −6 A and V_CE = −2 V bias point supports Class-A and AB audio preamplifier stages. However, thermal design must account for R_th(j-amb) = 116 °C/W; linear operation above 300 mW requires active cooling or forced airflow.

Does ZTX788BSTOA have built-in ESD protection?

No - ZTX788BSTOA is an unprotected discrete BJT. Its V_EBO = −5 V and V_CBO = −15 V define absolute limits, not ESD robustness. External TVS diodes or series resistors are required for IEC 61000-4-2 compliance in end-equipment with user-accessible ports or connectors.