2N6388 NPN Darlington Transistor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N6388 is an NPN Darlington bipolar junction transistor manufactured by STMicroelectronics, rated for 80 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 10 A maximum collector current in a TO-220-3 through-hole package. This component is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for new designs and production applications. Equivalent parts maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications, while substitute parts provide functional alternatives with allowable parameter variations within the same product category.

Substiute Parts

2N6388

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 28572N6388 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

2N6388G

onsemiIn Stock: 12342N6388G Datasheet

DirectRFQ

BDX33BG

onsemiIn Stock: 1239BDX33BG Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2N6388 is determined by the following critical parameters: transistor type (NPN - Darlington), maximum collector current (10 A), collector-emitter breakdown voltage (80 V), package type (TO-220-3), and through-hole mounting configuration. All identified substitute parts maintain these core electrical and mechanical specifications.

The 2N6388G represents a direct equivalent manufactured by onsemi, sharing identical electrical ratings and package specifications while offering active product status. The BDX33BG functions as a similar substitute, maintaining the same voltage and current ratings with allowable variations in saturation voltage, collector cutoff current, and DC current gain parameters within the NPN Darlington category.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 2N6388G is the primary direct equivalent for the obsolete 2N6388, manufactured by onsemi with active product status. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications across collector current, breakdown voltage, saturation voltage, and DC current gain parameters. The 2N6388G offers extended operating temperature range (-65 °C to 150 °C) compared to the 2N6388 (150 °C maximum), providing enhanced thermal performance. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current regulatory requirements.

The BDX33BG functions as an alternative substitute within the NPN Darlington category, maintaining the 10 A collector current and 80 V breakdown voltage specifications. The BDX33BG exhibits lower collector cutoff current (500 µA versus 1 mA) and reduced DC current gain (750 versus 1000), with improved saturation voltage characteristics (2.5 V versus 3 V). The BDX33BG provides 70 W maximum power rating, comparable to the 2N6388 at 65 W. The BDX33BG is active and ROHS3 compliant.

Selection between 2N6388G and BDX33BG depends on application-specific requirements for saturation voltage, collector cutoff current, and DC current gain parameters. Both parts are suitable for through-hole PCB assembly in TO-220-3 package configurations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 2N6388G directly replace the 2N6388 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The 2N6388G maintains identical electrical specifications for collector current (10 A), breakdown voltage (80 V), saturation voltage (3 V @ 100mA, 10A), and DC current gain (1000 @ 5A, 3V). Both use the TO-220-3 package for through-hole mounting. The 2N6388G offers extended operating temperature range and active product status.

Q: What are the key differences between the 2N6388G and BDX33BG?

A: Both parts share the same 10 A collector current and 80 V breakdown voltage ratings. The BDX33BG exhibits lower saturation voltage (2.5 V versus 3 V), reduced collector cutoff current (500 µA versus 1 mA), and lower DC current gain (750 versus 1000). The BDX33BG provides 70 W maximum power versus 2 W for the 2N6388G. Selection depends on specific saturation and gain requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same TO-220-3 package?

A: Yes. The 2N6388, 2N6388G, and BDX33BG are all manufactured in TO-220-3 through-hole packages with identical pinout and mechanical dimensions, enabling direct PCB footprint compatibility.

Q: Do the substitute parts meet RoHS and REACH compliance requirements?

A: Yes. Both the 2N6388G and BDX33BG are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current regulatory standards for electronic component manufacturing and distribution.

Q: What is the significance of the 2N6388 being classified as obsolete?

A: Obsolete status indicates the 2N6388 is no longer manufactured by STMicroelectronics and existing inventory is limited. The 2N6388G and BDX33BG are active products with ongoing manufacturing and supply availability, making them suitable for new production designs and long-term component sourcing.

Q: How do operating temperature ranges differ among the parts?

A: The 2N6388 specifies a maximum junction temperature of 150 °C. Both the 2N6388G and BDX33BG specify operating temperature ranges from -65 °C to 150 °C, providing broader thermal operating capability and improved performance in temperature-variable environments.