Diodes Incorporated ZXT790AKTC

Overview

ZXT790AKTC from Diodes Incorporated is a 40V PNP medium-power high-gain transistor in TO252 (DPAK) package, rated for -3A continuous collector current, -40V V_CEO, and 83mΩ typical R_CE(SAT). It delivers high DC current gain (>200 @ -1A) and low saturation voltage, making it suitable for MOSFET gate driving and DC-DC converter switching stages.

For engineers reviewing the ZXT790AKTC datasheet, ZXT790AKTC pinout, ZXT790AKTC application, or ZXT790AKTC equivalent, key selection criteria include verified PNP polarity, TO252 thermal performance on 25mm×25mm 1oz copper (R_θJA = 59°C/W), AEC-Q101 qualification, and confirmed -3A/–40V safe operating area boundaries per DS33640 Rev. 2-2.

Technical Context

This PNP bipolar junction transistor operates with emitter-grounded configuration and supports linear and saturated switching modes. Its high h_FE (300 min @ -10mA, 390 typ @ -500mA) enables efficient base drive reduction in high-side switch topologies, while its -40V BV_CEO and -6A I_CM peak rating support transient robustness in automotive power rails.

Thermal design relies on the exposed collector pad of the TO252 package: power dissipation reaches 2.1W at T_A = +25°C on 25mm×25mm 1oz FR4, scaling to 3.9W with 50mm×50mm 2oz copper. V_CE(SAT) remains ≤ –260mV at –2A/–50mA base drive, ensuring minimal conduction loss in charging circuits and siren drivers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO252 (DPAK), surface-mount, with exposed collector pad for thermal conduction and mechanical anchoring. Molded green compound, UL 94V-0 rated, 0.34g weight.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP medium-power switching applications.

Compared with ZXT790AKTC, ZXT791AKTC offers complementary NPN functionality but demands full circuit redesign, while MJD44H11T4G trades gain and efficiency for higher voltage tolerance-making ZXT790AKTC optimal for cost- and thermally constrained 12–24V automotive and industrial switching where precision saturation and AEC-Q101 compliance are critical.

Availability

ZXT790AKTC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC-DC converters, MOSFET gate drivers, and automotive charging circuits requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 reliability, and TO252 thermal performance.

Supply support for ZXT790AKTC 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 and manufacturing operations across Asia and the Americas.

The ZXT790AKTC belongs to Diodes' high-reliability bipolar transistor product line, engineered specifically for automotive power switching, industrial control, and consumer power management applications demanding AEC-Q101 qualification and robust thermal performance in compact surface-mount packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current for ZXT790AKTC at 100°C ambient?

At T_A = +100°C, the maximum continuous collector current is derated to approximately –1.5A based on the 59°C/W R_θJA value and 2.1W P_D rating. This assumes mounting on 25mm×25mm 1oz FR4 copper; using larger copper areas improves thermal capacity proportionally per DS33640 Figure 4.

Is ZXT790AKTC pin-compatible with other TO252 PNP transistors like MMBT4403?

No-ZXT790AKTC uses the standard TO252 (DPAK) 3-pin layout (Emitter-Base-Collector), whereas MMBT4403 is an SOT-323 package with different pin order and thermal characteristics. Physical compatibility requires matching footprint and pad layout; electrical behavior differs significantly due to gain, saturation voltage, and current ratings.

Does ZXT790AKTC require a heatsink in typical 2A switching applications?

Not necessarily-a 25mm×25mm 1oz copper pour provides sufficient thermal relief for 2A continuous operation at T_A ≤ +60°C, given its 2.1W P_D rating and 59°C/W R_θJA. Heatsinking becomes advisable only above 2.5A or in enclosed, still-air environments exceeding +70°C ambient.

Can ZXT790AKTC be used in linear regulator pass transistor applications?

Yes-it supports linear operation with V_CE > V_CE(SAT), but its SOA curve limits safe linear use to <–1.5A at –10V V_CE under DC conditions. For sustained linear regulation, thermal design must account for worst-case power dissipation (e.g., –1A × –10V = 10W), requiring substantial copper or external heatsink per DS33640 Figure 2.