Diodes Incorporated ZTX968STZ
- Part No.:
- ZTX968STZ
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- E-Line-3, Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
ZTX968STZ.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 12V 4.5A E-LINE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,046
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Product details
Overview
ZTX968STZ from Diodes Incorporated is a PNP silicon planar medium-power high-current transistor rated for −4.5 A continuous collector current, −12 V VCEO, and −220 mV VCE(sat) at IC = −5 A / IB = −200 mA. It delivers high DC current gain (hFE = 300–1000 across 10 mA–10 A), low saturation voltage, and operates up to +200°C junction temperature-used in industrial DC-DC converter output stages and high-side switch circuits.
For engineers reviewing the ZTX968STZ datasheet, ZTX968STZ pinout, ZTX968STZ application, or ZTX968STZ equivalent, key selection criteria include verified PNP polarity, TO-92-compatible E-Line package thermal performance, −20 A peak pulse rating, and hFE stability over −55°C to +100°C operating range.
Technical Context
This device functions as a medium-power PNP bipolar junction transistor with fixed emitter-base-collector terminal assignment and no integrated biasing or protection. Its design emphasizes high-current switching with low VCE(sat) and robust thermal resistance (Rth(j-amb) = 150°C/W on 1-in² PCB copper).
It supports pulsed operation up to 20 A with 300 µs pulse width and ≤2% duty cycle, and exhibits fT = 80 MHz at IC = −100 mA, enabling use in moderate-frequency linear and switching applications where gain linearity and saturation control are critical.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −12 V - maximum safe collector-emitter voltage under open-base condition; defines upper limit for DC blocking in high-side switch designs |
| IC (continuous) | −4.5 A - sustained DC load current capability; determines heatsink sizing for steady-state conduction |
| VCE(sat) | −220 mV @ IC = −5 A / IB = −200 mA - low conduction loss enabling >98% efficiency in 12 V load-switching applications |
| hFE | 300–1000 - wide DC current gain range across 10 mA–10 A; supports stable biasing without active feedback in fixed-gain drivers |
| Rth(j-amb) | 150 °C/W - thermal resistance on standard 1-in² PCB copper; sets max power dissipation to 1.2 W at 25°C ambient |
| fT | 80 MHz @ IC = −100 mA - usable bandwidth for audio-frequency amplification and PWM-driven switching below 10 MHz |
Pinout & Package
Package: E-Line TO-92-compatible plastic package with standardized lead form (3-333 layout), designed for through-hole mounting and manual soldering on FR-4 PCBs with ≥1 in² copper pour for thermal management.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| E (Emitter) | Current source terminal for PNP operation | Connected to positive rail in high-side switch; carries full load current and sets reference for base drive |
| B (Base) | Control input for minority-carrier injection | Requires negative current relative to emitter to turn on; typical drive: −200 mA for full saturation at −5 A |
| C (Collector) | Current sink terminal | Connected to load; voltage swing limited to −12 V; must remain < VE − 12 V during operation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High peak current capability | −20 A pulsed (300 µs, ≤2% duty) enables short-circuit tolerance and motor stall handling |
| Low VCE(sat) | −100 mV typ. @ IC = −2 A reduces conduction loss and self-heating in battery-powered systems |
| Wide hFE range | 300–1000 across 10 mA–10 A ensures predictable gain without binning for production-scale driver circuits |
| High-temperature operation | Junction rating up to +200°C supports use in sealed enclosures or near heat sources without derating |
| SPICE model availability | Enables accurate transient simulation of switching behavior and thermal coupling in system-level power models |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply Output Stage | Automotive Lamp Driver |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Regulated 12 V DC-DC converter output stage delivering up to 4 A to downstream loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP pass transistor controlling output voltage via emitter-follower configuration with feedback loop. Use Value: −220 mV VCE(sat) minimizes dropout and improves regulation accuracy under full load. | Use Scenario: High-side switch driving halogen headlamps (28 W, 12 V) in automotive body control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Load switch activated by microcontroller GPIO through base resistor network. Use Value: −20 A peak rating handles lamp inrush current; −55°C to +100°C hFE stability ensures reliable turn-on across vehicle thermal zones. |
| Thermal Management Fan Controller | Industrial Relay Driver |
Use Scenario: PWM-controlled 24 V cooling fan in programmable logic controller (PLC) backplane. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-speed switching element modulating fan speed with 1–10 kHz duty-cycle control. Use Value: 80 MHz fT ensures clean edge response; low VCE(sat) prevents thermal runaway during extended 100% duty cycles. | Use Scenario: Driving 12 V/1 A coil of industrial electromechanical relay in factory automation I/O module. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch providing galvanic isolation between MCU and relay coil. Use Value: Verified −4.5 A continuous rating exceeds relay hold current by 4.5×, ensuring long-term contact reliability. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP high-current switching applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJD2955G | TO-220 package, Rth(j-amb) = 40°C/W, VCEO = −60 V, IC = −10 A | Higher voltage margin and superior thermal performance but requires heatsink and PCB real estate | Select when >−12 V blocking or >1.5 W continuous dissipation is required |
| BCP53-16 | SOT-223 package, IC = −1.5 A, VCE(sat) = −500 mV @ IC = −1 A | Surface-mount, lower current, higher saturation loss-suited for space-constrained low-power drivers | Select when board area is constrained and load current remains <1.2 A |
Compared with MJD2955G and BCP53-16, ZTX968STZ uniquely balances through-hole manufacturability, −4.5 A capability, and sub-250 mV saturation in a cost-effective TO-92 footprint-ideal for mid-power industrial controls where thermal budget and assembly process are jointly constrained.
Availability
ZTX968STZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, automotive lamp drivers, thermal fan controllers, and relay driver circuits requiring stable component supply with consistent parametric performance across production batches.
Supply support for ZTX968STZ 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 semiconductor company specializing in discrete, analog, and mixed-signal devices for power management, signal integrity, and connectivity applications.
ZTX968STZ belongs to the ZTX series of high-current bipolar transistors engineered for industrial and automotive switching applications demanding reliability, thermal resilience, and repeatable gain characteristics.
FAQ
Is ZTX968STZ RoHS compliant and halogen-free?
Yes, ZTX968STZ meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and is certified halogen-free per IEC 61249-2-21. The device uses lead-free matte tin plating on leads and complies with JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 1 for unlimited floor life at ≤30°C/60% RH.
What is the recommended base drive circuit for saturation at 5 A?
A base current of −200 mA is required for full saturation at IC = −5 A. Use a 10 Ω series resistor from a −5 V logic source or a dedicated PNP driver stage; ensure base-emitter reverse voltage does not exceed −6 V during turn-off to avoid junction breakdown.
Can ZTX968STZ be used in linear amplifier configurations?
Yes, it supports Class-A and AB operation with verified hFE linearity from 10 mA to 2 A and fT = 80 MHz. However, thermal derating is mandatory above 100°C ambient; maximum linear output power is limited to ~0.8 W due to Ptot = 1.2 W at 25°C.
Does ZTX968STZ have built-in ESD or overvoltage protection?
No, ZTX968STZ has no integrated protection features. External clamping diodes are required across C–E and B–E terminals if operating in inductive load environments; V(BR)CEO = −12 V and V(BR)EBO = −6 V define absolute limits that must not be exceeded during transients.
ZTX968STZ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- E-Line-3, Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Transistor Type:
- PNP
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 4.5 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 12 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 300mV @ 200mA, 5A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 50nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 300 @ 500mA, 1V
- Power - Max:
- 1.58 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 80MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 200°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- E-Line (TO-92 compatible)
ZTX968STZ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ZTX968STZ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ZTX968STZ 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 ZTX968STZ reliable?
The price and inventory of ZTX968STZ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ZTX968STZ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ZTX968STZ?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ZTX968STZ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ZTX968STZ?
ZTX968STZ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ZTX968STZ 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 ZTX968STZ?
For technical support, including ZTX968STZ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ZTX968STZ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ZTX968STZ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ZTX968STZ 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 ZTX968STZ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ZTX968STZ?
All ZTX968STZ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ZTX968STZ, 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 ZTX968STZ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ZTX968STZ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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