2N6388 NPN Darlington Transistor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N6388 is an NPN Darlington bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, designed for through-hole applications in the TO-220-3 package. This device is rated for 80 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 10 A maximum collector current, with a maximum power dissipation of 2 W. The 2N6388 is classified as obsolete, making identification of active equivalent parts essential for new designs and ongoing production support. The substitute part 2N6388G provides functional continuity with improved compliance status while maintaining identical electrical and mechanical specifications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN - Darlington	—
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	10	A
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	80	V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	3 V @ 100 mA, 10 A	—
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	1	mA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	1000 @ 5 A, 3 V	—
Power - Max	2	W
Operating Temperature Range	−65 to 150	°C (TJ)
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2N6388 with the 2N6388G is based on electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence. Both devices share identical specifications across all critical performance parameters: maximum collector current (10 A), collector-emitter breakdown voltage (80 V), saturation voltage characteristics (3 V @ 100 mA, 10 A), collector cutoff current (1 mA), DC current gain (1000 @ 5 A, 3 V), maximum power dissipation (2 W), operating temperature range (−65°C to 150°C), and package configuration (TO-220-3 through-hole). The substitution is valid because the 2N6388G maintains full electrical compatibility while offering improved product status and regulatory compliance. The primary distinction between these parts is packaging format (tube for 2N6388G versus unspecified for 2N6388) and compliance certifications, not functional performance.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	2N6388 (Main Part)	2N6388G (Substitute)	Match Status
Transistor Type	NPN - Darlington	NPN - Darlington	Identical
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	10 A	10 A	Identical
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	80 V	80 V	Identical
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	3 V @ 100 mA, 10 A	3 V @ 100 mA, 10 A	Identical
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	1 mA	1 mA	Identical
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	1000 @ 5 A, 3 V	1000 @ 5 A, 3 V	Identical
Power - Max	2 W	2 W	Identical
Operating Temperature Range	−65°C to 150°C (TJ)	−65°C to 150°C (TJ)	Identical
Package / Case	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	Identical
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Identical
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Different
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Different

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 2N6388G is the direct substitute for the 2N6388 in all applications requiring an NPN Darlington transistor with 80 V breakdown voltage and 10 A collector current capability in a TO-220-3 package. Selection of the 2N6388G is supported by three factors: (1) Active product status ensures ongoing availability and manufacturing support, (2) ROHS3 compliance satisfies current regulatory requirements for electronic components in most jurisdictions, and (3) electrical and mechanical specifications are fully equivalent to the obsolete 2N6388. The 2N6388G is suitable for direct replacement in existing designs without circuit modification or re-qualification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

A: Yes. The 2N6388G provides complete electrical and mechanical equivalence to the 2N6388. All performance parameters, including current ratings, voltage ratings, gain characteristics, and thermal specifications, are identical. The TO-220-3 package pinout and mounting requirements are unchanged.

Q: What is the primary reason to transition from 2N6388 to 2N6388G?

A: The 2N6388 is classified as obsolete, limiting future availability and manufacturing support. The 2N6388G is an active product with ROHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term supply chain continuity and regulatory alignment.

Q: Are there any differences in thermal performance between these parts?

A: No. Both devices operate across the identical temperature range (−65°C to 150°C junction temperature) and dissipate a maximum of 2 W. Thermal management requirements and heat sink specifications remain unchanged.

Q: Does the packaging format difference (tube for 2N6388G) affect circuit performance?

A: No. Packaging format affects only handling, storage, and supply chain logistics. The electrical and mechanical characteristics of the component itself are unaffected by whether it is supplied in tube or alternative packaging.

Q: Are both parts suitable for high-current switching applications?

A: Yes. Both the 2N6388 and 2N6388G are rated for 10 A maximum collector current and are designed for switching applications requiring Darlington gain characteristics. The 1000 minimum DC current gain at 5 A and 3 V supports efficient base drive in switching circuits.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to the 2N6388G?

A: The 2N6388G is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected. The 2N6388 is RoHS non-compliant. For applications subject to RoHS directives, the 2N6388G is the required selection.

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