2N6490G PNP Bipolar Transistor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N6490G is an obsolete PNP bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 60 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 15 A maximum collector current in a TO-220 through-hole package. The device is designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications requiring moderate power dissipation of 1.8 W. Due to its obsolete product status, equivalent and substitute parts are necessary for circuit redesign, production continuity, and component sourcing in new applications.

Substiute Parts

2N6490G

onsemiIn Stock: 25592N6490G Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

2N6491G

onsemiIn Stock: 102202N6491G Datasheet

DirectRFQ

MJE2955T

NTE Electronics, IncIn Stock: 97231MJE2955T Datasheet

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TIP42A

NTE Electronics, IncIn Stock: 14388TIP42A Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2N6490G is determined by the following critical parameters: transistor type (PNP), package format (TO-220-3 through-hole), voltage rating (collector-emitter breakdown), maximum collector current rating, power dissipation capability, and frequency response. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility within the application's voltage and current requirements while preserving the through-hole mounting interface.

The 2N6490G substitutes are grouped into two categories:

Direct Equivalent (Higher Voltage Rating): The 2N6491G maintains identical current and power ratings while providing increased voltage capability (80 V vs. 60 V), making it a direct upgrade path for the obsolete 2N6490G.

Similar Functional Alternatives: The TIP42A and MJE2955T provide PNP switching capability in the same TO-220 package but with reduced current ratings (6 A and 10 A respectively) and different electrical characteristics. These parts are suitable only for applications where the lower current requirements are acceptable.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Recommended Primary Path):

The 2N6491G is the preferred substitute for the obsolete 2N6490G. Both devices are manufactured by onsemi, maintain identical current (15 A) and power (1.8 W) ratings, and share the same frequency response (5 MHz) and operating temperature range (-65 to 150 °C). The 2N6491G provides enhanced voltage capability (80 V vs. 60 V), ensuring compatibility with applications originally designed for the 2N6490G while offering improved headroom for voltage transients. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry Active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability.

For Current-Limited Applications:

The MJE2955T and TIP42A are suitable only for applications where collector current requirements do not exceed 10 A and 6 A respectively. The MJE2955T offers significantly higher power dissipation (75 W) compared to the 2N6490G (1.8 W), making it suitable for high-power switching applications with reduced current demands. The TIP42A is limited to 6 A maximum collector current and is appropriate only for low-current PNP switching circuits. Both alternatives are RoHS non-compliant and should be evaluated against regulatory requirements for the target application.

Compliance Considerations:

Applications requiring ROHS3 compliance must use either the 2N6490G (if remaining stock is available) or the 2N6491G. The MJE2955T and TIP42A do not meet ROHS3 requirements and are unsuitable for regulated markets or applications with environmental compliance mandates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 2N6491G be used as a direct replacement for the 2N6490G?

A: Yes. The 2N6491G is a direct substitute for the 2N6490G. Both devices share identical collector current (15 A), power dissipation (1.8 W), transition frequency (5 MHz), and operating temperature range (-65 to 150 °C). The 2N6491G provides higher voltage rating (80 V vs. 60 V), which is compatible with all applications designed for the 2N6490G.

Q: What are the limitations of using the TIP42A as a substitute?

A: The TIP42A is limited to 6 A maximum collector current, compared to the 2N6490G rating of 15 A. Applications requiring collector currents above 6 A cannot use the TIP42A. Additionally, the TIP42A does not provide transition frequency specifications and is RoHS non-compliant.

Q: Is the MJE2955T suitable for all 2N6490G applications?

A: The MJE2955T is suitable only for applications where collector current does not exceed 10 A. While the MJE2955T offers higher power dissipation (75 W), it has reduced transition frequency (2 MHz vs. 5 MHz) and a narrower operating temperature range (-55 to 150 °C vs. -65 to 150 °C). The MJE2955T is also RoHS non-compliant.

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

A: Yes. All substitute parts (2N6491G, MJE2955T, and TIP42A) are packaged in TO-220-3 through-hole format, ensuring mechanical compatibility with existing PCB layouts and mounting hardware designed for the 2N6490G.

Q: What is the primary reason to select the 2N6491G over other substitutes?

A: The 2N6491G is the primary recommended substitute because it maintains full electrical equivalence with the 2N6490G across all critical parameters (current, power, frequency, temperature range) while providing enhanced voltage capability. The 2N6491G is also ROHS3 compliant and carries Active product status, ensuring regulatory compliance and long-term supply availability.

Q: Do substitute parts require circuit redesign?

A: The 2N6491G requires no circuit redesign. The MJE2955T and TIP42A require circuit evaluation to confirm that reduced collector current ratings and modified electrical characteristics are compatible with the application's design specifications.