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BD241C-S Equivalent & Substitute Parts
Part Overview
The BD241C-S is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by Bourns Inc., rated for 100 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 3 A maximum collector current in a TO-220 through-hole package. This device is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. The 40 W power rating and specified electrical characteristics define the functional requirements for suitable alternatives.
Substiute Parts
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 |
| Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic | 1.2V @ 600mA, 3A | — |
| Current - Collector Cutoff (Max) | 300 | µA |
| DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce | 25 @ 1A, 4V | — |
| Operating Temperature | -65 to 150 | °C |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole | — |
| Package / Case | TO-220-3 | — |
| RoHS Status | ROHS3 Compliant | — |
Substitute Part Grouping Explanation
Substitution of the BD241C-S is determined by matching the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:
Primary Matching Criteria:
- Transistor Type: NPN
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 100 V minimum
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 3 A minimum
- Power - Max: 40 W minimum
- Package / Case: TO-220-3
- Mounting Type: Through Hole
Secondary Compatibility Factors:
- Vce Saturation characteristics within specified operating conditions
- DC Current Gain (hFE) performance at rated conditions
- Operating temperature range coverage
- RoHS compliance status
Substitute parts are classified into two categories:
Direct Equivalents: Parts with identical electrical specifications (100 V, 3 A, 40 W) and matching package configuration. These provide pin-for-pin and functional compatibility.
Similar Alternatives: Parts with the same voltage rating and package but differing current or power ratings. These are suitable when application requirements permit higher current or power handling capability, or when lower ratings are acceptable for reduced-stress operation.
Parameter Comparison
| Part Number | Manufacturer | Product Status | Ic (Max) A | Vce Breakdown V | Power W | hFE (Min) | Vce Sat (Max) | Temp Range °C | RoHS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BD241C-S | Bourns Inc. | Obsolete | 3 | 100 | 40 | 25 @ 1A, 4V | 1.2V @ 600mA, 3A | -65 to 150 | ROHS3 |
| BD241C | STMicroelectronics | Active | 3 | 100 | 40 | 10 @ 3A, 4V | 1.2V @ 600mA, 3A | -65 to 150 | ROHS3 |
| BD241CG | onsemi | Active | 3 | 100 | 40 | 25 @ 1A, 4V | 1.2V @ 600mA, 3A | -65 to 150 | ROHS3 |
| BD239C | STMicroelectronics | Active | 2 | 100 | 2 | 15 @ 1A, 4V | 700mV @ 200mA, 1A | -65 to 150 | ROHS3 |
| BD243CG | onsemi | Active | 6 | 100 | 65 | 15 @ 3A, 4V | 1.5V @ 1A, 6A | -65 to 150 | ROHS3 |
| BD911 | NTE Electronics, Inc | Active | 15 | 100 | 90 | 40 @ 500mA, 4V | 3V @ 2.5A, 10A | -65 to 150 | Non-compliant |
| MJE15028G | onsemi | Active | 8 | 120 | 50 | 20 @ 4A, 2V | 500mV @ 100mA, 1A | -65 to 150 | ROHS3 |
| TIP29C | NTE Electronics, Inc | Active | 1 | 100 | 2 | 15 @ 1A, 4V | 700mV @ 125mA, 1A | -65 to 150 | ROHS3 |
| TIP29CG | onsemi | Active | 1 | 100 | 2 | 15 @ 1A, 4V | 700mV @ 125mA, 1A | -65 to 150 | ROHS3 |
| TIP31C | Fairchild Semiconductor | Active | 3 | 100 | 40 | 10 @ 3A, 4V | 1.2V @ 375mA, 3A | Not specified | Not specified |
| TIP31C-BP | Micro Commercial Co | Active | 3 | 100 | 2 | 10 @ 3A, 4V | 1.2V @ 375mA, 3A | -65 to 150 | ROHS3 |
Engineering Selection Recommendations
Direct Equivalents for BD241C-S Replacement:
BD241CG (onsemi) and BD241C (STMicroelectronics) are direct functional equivalents with identical voltage, current, and power ratings. Both are active products with ROHS3 compliance. BD241CG maintains the hFE specification of 25 @ 1A, 4V, matching the original part. BD241C exhibits lower hFE (10 @ 3A, 4V) but remains within the same electrical class. Both support the full operating temperature range of -65°C to 150°C.
Pin-Compatible Alternatives with Identical Ratings:
TIP31C (Fairchild Semiconductor) and TIP31C-BP (Micro Commercial Co) provide 3 A, 100 V, 40 W performance in TO-220-3 packages. TIP31C is an active product with REACH compliance confirmed. TIP31C-BP is actively stocked with ROHS3 compliance and full temperature range support. Both exhibit hFE of 10 @ 3A, 4V.
Higher Current Capability Alternatives:
BD243CG (onsemi) provides 6 A maximum collector current with 65 W power rating at 100 V breakdown voltage. This part is suitable for applications requiring increased current margin or higher power dissipation capability. ROHS3 compliance and full temperature range are supported.
Higher Voltage and Current Alternative:
MJE15028G (onsemi) offers 8 A collector current and 120 V breakdown voltage with 50 W power rating. This part exceeds the original specifications and is appropriate for designs requiring enhanced voltage or current headroom. ROHS3 compliance and full temperature range are supported.
Lower Current Alternatives:
TIP29C and TIP29CG are rated for 1 A maximum collector current with 2 W power dissipation at 100 V. These parts are suitable only for applications where the original 3 A specification exceeds actual requirements.
Non-Compliant Alternative:
BD911 (NTE Electronics, Inc) is an active product with 15 A, 100 V, 90 W capability but is RoHS non-compliant. This part is not recommended for new designs subject to RoHS requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can BD241C from STMicroelectronics directly replace BD241C-S from Bourns Inc.?
A: BD241C provides identical voltage (100 V), current (3 A), and power (40 W) ratings in the same TO-220-3 package. The primary difference is hFE specification: BD241C specifies 10 @ 3A, 4V versus the original 25 @ 1A, 4V. Both are ROHS3 compliant and support the full -65°C to 150°C operating range. Functional compatibility is confirmed for applications where the lower hFE specification is acceptable.
Q: What is the difference between BD241CG and BD241C?
A: Both parts are manufactured by different suppliers (onsemi versus STMicroelectronics) but share identical electrical specifications: 100 V, 3 A, 40 W in TO-220-3 packages. BD241CG maintains hFE of 25 @ 1A, 4V, matching the original BD241C-S specification more closely. Both are ROHS3 compliant and actively produced.
Q: Is TIP31C a suitable replacement for BD241C-S?
A: TIP31C provides matching voltage (100 V), current (3 A), and power (40 W) ratings in a TO-220-3 package. The part is manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor and is actively available. Operating temperature range and RoHS status are not specified in available data. Pin compatibility and electrical performance are equivalent to BD241C-S for standard applications.
Q: When should BD243CG be used instead of a direct BD241C-S equivalent?
A: BD243CG is appropriate when the application requires higher current capability (6 A versus 3 A) or increased power dissipation margin (65 W versus 40 W). The part maintains 100 V breakdown voltage and TO-220-3 package compatibility. This selection is suitable for designs where thermal or current stress reduction is a design objective.
Q: Why is BD911 not recommended despite being an active product?
A: BD911 is RoHS non-compliant, making it unsuitable for applications subject to RoHS requirements. While the part offers higher current (15 A) and power (90 W) capability at 100 V, compliance status disqualifies it from new designs in regulated markets.
Q: Can TIP29C or TIP29CG replace BD241C-S?
A: TIP29C and TIP29CG are rated for only 1 A maximum collector current and 2 W power dissipation, compared to the original 3 A and 40 W specifications. These parts are suitable only for applications where the original current and power requirements are not needed. They are not direct replacements.
Q: What is the significance of the TO-220-3 package specification?
A: TO-220-3 is a three-lead through-hole package with standardized pin configuration and thermal characteristics. All listed substitute parts use this package, ensuring mechanical and thermal compatibility with existing PCB layouts and heat sink mounting arrangements.
Q: Does MJE15028G provide backward compatibility with BD241C-S?
A: MJE15028G is pin-compatible in TO-220-3 package but exceeds the original specifications: 8 A versus 3 A, 120 V versus 100 V, and 50 W versus 40 W. The part is suitable for applications where higher performance margins are beneficial. ROHS3 compliance and full temperature range support are confirmed.
Q: Are all listed substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?
A: All substitute parts except BD911 are ROHS3 compliant. BD911 is RoHS non-compliant and should not be used in designs subject to RoHS requirements.
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