BD241C Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BD241C is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 100 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 3 A maximum collector current in a TO-220 through-hole package. This device is designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications requiring moderate power dissipation up to 40 W. The BD241C is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. Active alternatives with identical or superior electrical characteristics are available from multiple manufacturers.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	100	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	3	A
Power - Max	40	W
Frequency - Transition	3	MHz
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 150	°C

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the BD241C are classified into two categories based on electrical parameter alignment:

Direct Equivalents maintain identical maximum ratings across all critical parameters: 100 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, 3 A maximum collector current, 40 W power dissipation, and 3 MHz transition frequency. These parts are pin-compatible and functionally interchangeable without circuit modification.

Functional Alternatives share the same 100 V breakdown voltage and TO-220-3 package but differ in collector current rating (7 A maximum) and power dissipation (1.5 W). These parts operate within the same voltage class and package form factor but exhibit different current-handling capabilities and thermal characteristics.

Substitution eligibility is determined by:

Identical or higher collector-emitter breakdown voltage (100 V minimum)
Collector current rating equal to or exceeding 3 A
Compatible TO-220 package configuration
Through-hole mounting compatibility
NPN transistor type

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Ic (Max) [A]	Vce Breakdown (Max) [V]	Power (Max) [W]	Frequency [MHz]	Package	Product Status	RoHS Compliance
BD241C	onsemi	3	100	40	3	TO-220-3	Obsolete	Non-compliant
BD241CG	onsemi	3	100	40	3	TO-220-3	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
TIP31C	Fairchild Semiconductor	3	100	40	3	TO-220-3	Active	Vendor Undefined
TIP31C-BP	Micro Commercial Co	3	100	2	3	TO-220-3	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
KSC2334Y	Fairchild Semiconductor	7	100	1.5	—	TO-220-3	Active	—
KSC2334YTU	onsemi	7	100	1.5	—	TO-220-3	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: BD241CG

BD241CG is the direct successor to BD241C from the same manufacturer (onsemi). It maintains identical electrical specifications across all critical parameters: 3 A collector current, 100 V breakdown voltage, 40 W power dissipation, and 3 MHz transition frequency. BD241CG is currently in active production status with ROHS3 compliance certification, making it the preferred choice for new designs and obsolescence replacement. Inventory availability is substantial (93,396 units), ensuring supply continuity.

Secondary Substitute: TIP31C

TIP31C, manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor, provides electrical equivalence to BD241C with identical ratings for collector current (3 A), breakdown voltage (100 V), power dissipation (40 W), and transition frequency (3 MHz). TIP31C is in active production status. Pin configuration and package form factor are compatible with BD241C. RoHS compliance status is vendor-undefined; verification with the specific supplier is required for applications with regulatory compliance requirements.

Tertiary Substitute: TIP31C-BP

TIP31C-BP, manufactured by Micro Commercial Co, matches BD241C in collector current (3 A), breakdown voltage (100 V), and transition frequency (3 MHz). Power dissipation rating is reduced to 2 W compared to BD241C's 40 W specification. TIP31C-BP is ROHS3 compliant and in active production. This part is suitable for applications where the full 40 W power rating is not required.

Functional Alternative: KSC2334YTU

KSC2334YTU, manufactured by onsemi, operates at the same 100 V breakdown voltage as BD241C but with higher collector current capability (7 A maximum) and reduced power dissipation (1.5 W). This part is ROHS3 compliant and in active production. KSC2334YTU is applicable in circuits where higher current handling is beneficial and thermal constraints permit lower power ratings.

Functional Alternative: KSC2334Y

KSC2334Y, manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor, provides 100 V breakdown voltage compatibility with 7 A collector current rating and 1.5 W power dissipation. This part is in active production status. RoHS compliance and REACH status information is not provided in the available data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BD241CG be used as a direct replacement for BD241C without circuit modification?

A: Yes. BD241CG is electrically identical to BD241C across all specified parameters: 3 A collector current, 100 V breakdown voltage, 40 W power dissipation, and 3 MHz transition frequency. Pin configuration and TO-220-3 package are identical. No circuit modification is required.

Q: What is the primary difference between BD241C and KSC2334YTU?

A: The primary difference is collector current rating. BD241C is rated for 3 A maximum collector current, while KSC2334YTU is rated for 7 A. Both operate at 100 V breakdown voltage and use TO-220-3 packages. KSC2334YTU has lower power dissipation (1.5 W versus 40 W). Selection depends on circuit current requirements and thermal design constraints.

Q: Is TIP31C-BP suitable for all applications using BD241C?

A: TIP31C-BP is suitable for applications where power dissipation does not exceed 2 W. If the circuit requires the full 40 W power rating of BD241C, TIP31C-BP is not appropriate. For applications within the 2 W thermal envelope, TIP31C-BP provides equivalent electrical performance.

Q: What is the significance of ROHS3 compliance in substitute selection?

A: ROHS3 compliance indicates the part meets Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive requirements for lead-free manufacturing and restricted substance content. For applications subject to regulatory compliance requirements (particularly in European markets), ROHS3-compliant parts such as BD241CG, TIP31C-BP, and KSC2334YTU are required. BD241C is non-compliant and cannot be used in regulated applications.

Q: Are KSC2334Y and KSC2334YTU electrically identical?

A: Yes. KSC2334Y and KSC2334YTU are electrically identical, both rated for 7 A collector current and 100 V breakdown voltage. The primary difference is packaging: KSC2334Y is supplied in bulk packaging, while KSC2334YTU is supplied in tube packaging. Selection depends on procurement and handling requirements.

Q: Can BD241C be replaced with a part rated for higher collector current?

A: Yes, provided the higher-rated part maintains or exceeds the 100 V breakdown voltage and is compatible with the TO-220-3 package. KSC2334YTU and KSC2334Y, both rated for 7 A, are suitable. The circuit will operate correctly with the higher current rating; the actual current drawn depends on circuit design, not the transistor rating.

Q: What inventory considerations apply to substitute selection?

A: BD241CG has the highest inventory availability (93,396 units), followed by TIP31C (69,348 units). KSC2334YTU and KSC2334Y have lower availability (1,408 and 1,315 units respectively). For applications requiring immediate procurement or long-term supply assurance, BD241CG or TIP31C are preferred.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message