BD241CTU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BD241CTU 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-220-3 through-hole package. This device is classified as obsolete, though 2175 pieces remain in stock as new original inventory. The BD241CTU delivers 40 W maximum power dissipation and features a minimum DC current gain of 25 at 1 A collector current and 4 V collector-emitter voltage.

Due to the obsolete product status of the BD241CTU, identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary for ongoing design support, production continuity, and long-term component availability. Active alternatives with matching or superior electrical characteristics are available from multiple manufacturers.

Key Parameters

Parameter	BD241CTU 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	V
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	300	µA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	25 @ 1A, 4V	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Operating Temperature (Max)	150	°C (TJ)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BD241CTU is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Transistor type: NPN
Voltage rating: 100 V minimum collector-emitter breakdown voltage
Current rating: 3 A minimum collector current capacity
Package: TO-220-3 through-hole configuration
Power dissipation: 40 W minimum
Saturation voltage: 1.2 V maximum at specified base and collector currents
Collector cutoff current: 300 µA maximum
RoHS3 compliance

Direct Substitutes are parts that match all primary criteria and maintain identical electrical performance specifications. These parts are pin-compatible and functionally interchangeable without circuit modification.

Similar Parts are devices that share the same voltage and package specifications but differ in current rating, power dissipation, or gain characteristics. These parts are suitable for applications with different current or power requirements but require design verification.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Ic (Max) [A]	Vce Breakdown (Max) [V]	Power (Max) [W]	Vce Sat (Max) [V]	hFE (Min)	Package
BD241CTU	onsemi	Obsolete	3	100	40	1.2	25	TO-220-3
BD241CG	onsemi	Active	3	100	40	1.2	25	TO-220-3
BD241C	STMicroelectronics	Active	3	100	40	1.2	10	TO-220-3
TIP31C	Fairchild Semiconductor	Active	3	100	40	1.2	10	TO-220-3
TIP31CG	onsemi	Active	3	100	2	1.2	10	TO-220-3
TIP31C-BP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	3	100	2	1.2	10	TO-220-3
TIP29CG	onsemi	Active	1	100	2	0.7	15	TO-220-3
BD243CG	onsemi	Active	6	100	65	1.5	15	TO-220-3

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Substitutes (Pin-Compatible, Functionally Equivalent):

BD241CG (onsemi) and BD241C (STMicroelectronics) are direct substitutes for the BD241CTU. Both devices maintain the 3 A collector current, 100 V breakdown voltage, 40 W power rating, and 1.2 V saturation voltage specifications. BD241CG is manufactured by the original equipment manufacturer (onsemi) and carries active product status with 93,396 pieces in stock. BD241C is manufactured by STMicroelectronics and maintains active status with 8,912 pieces available. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected.

The primary distinction between BD241CG and BD241C is the DC current gain specification: BD241CG specifies a minimum hFE of 25 at 1 A and 4 V, matching the original BD241CTU, while BD241C specifies a minimum hFE of 10 at 3 A and 4 V. For applications requiring the higher gain characteristic of the BD241CTU, BD241CG is the preferred direct substitute.

Functional Alternatives (Same Voltage and Package, Different Current/Power):

TIP31C (Fairchild Semiconductor) and TIP31CG (onsemi) are functionally equivalent to the BD241CTU in terms of voltage rating (100 V), current capacity (3 A), and package (TO-220-3). However, both devices specify a maximum power dissipation of 40 W (TIP31C) or 2 W (TIP31CG), with TIP31CG representing a significant power derating. TIP31C maintains active product status with 69,348 pieces in inventory. TIP31CG is active with 6,666 pieces available. Both are ROHS3 compliant.

TIP31C-BP (Micro Commercial Co) provides identical electrical specifications to TIP31CG with 4,421 pieces in stock and active product status. This variant uses a TO-220AB package variant and specifies 2 W maximum power dissipation.

Similar Parts (Higher Current/Power Capability):

BD243CG (onsemi) is a higher-current variant rated for 6 A maximum collector current and 65 W power dissipation at the same 100 V breakdown voltage. This device is suitable for applications requiring increased current handling or power dissipation beyond the 3 A / 40 W specification of the BD241CTU. BD243CG is active with 1,600 pieces in stock and is ROHS3 compliant.

Lower Current Alternative:

TIP29CG (onsemi) is rated for 1 A maximum collector current and 2 W power dissipation. This device is suitable only for applications with reduced current requirements and is not recommended as a substitute for the BD241CTU in circuits designed for 3 A operation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BD241CG be used as a direct replacement for BD241CTU?

A: Yes. BD241CG is a direct substitute for BD241CTU. Both devices share identical electrical specifications: 3 A collector current, 100 V breakdown voltage, 40 W power dissipation, 1.2 V saturation voltage, and TO-220-3 package. BD241CG is manufactured by onsemi (the original manufacturer of BD241CTU) and carries active product status. The primary advantage of BD241CG is its higher minimum DC current gain (25 at 1 A, 4 V) compared to some alternative devices.

Q: What is the difference between BD241CG and BD241C?

A: Both BD241CG and BD241C are direct substitutes for BD241CTU with matching voltage, current, power, and package specifications. The key difference is the DC current gain specification: BD241CG specifies hFE (Min) of 25 at 1 A and 4 V, while BD241C specifies hFE (Min) of 10 at 3 A and 4 V. BD241CG is manufactured by onsemi; BD241C is manufactured by STMicroelectronics. For applications sensitive to gain characteristics, BD241CG is the preferred choice.

Q: Can TIP31C replace BD241CTU?

A: TIP31C is functionally compatible with BD241CTU for voltage and current specifications (100 V, 3 A, TO-220-3 package). However, TIP31C specifies a maximum power dissipation of 40 W, matching the BD241CTU. The saturation voltage differs slightly: TIP31C specifies 1.2 V at 375 mA and 3 A, while BD241CTU specifies 1.2 V at 600 mA and 3 A. TIP31C is suitable as a substitute in applications where the saturation voltage difference is acceptable. TIP31C is manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor and carries active product status.

Q: Why do TIP31CG and TIP31C-BP specify only 2 W power dissipation when TIP31C specifies 40 W?

A: TIP31CG and TIP31C-BP are variants of the TIP31 series with reduced power dissipation ratings (2 W) compared to TIP31C (40 W). These lower-power variants are not suitable as direct substitutes for the BD241CTU in applications requiring 40 W power dissipation. Selection of these parts requires verification that the application circuit does not exceed 2 W power dissipation.

Q: Is BD243CG a suitable substitute for BD241CTU?

A: BD243CG is not a direct substitute for BD241CTU. BD243CG is rated for 6 A collector current and 65 W power dissipation, compared to the 3 A and 40 W specifications of BD241CTU. BD243CG is suitable only for applications requiring higher current or power handling than the BD241CTU specification. Use of BD243CG in circuits designed for 3 A operation is not necessary and may introduce unnecessary cost and thermal management complexity.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: All direct and similar substitute parts listed (BD241CG, BD241C, TIP31C, TIP31CG, TIP31C-BP, BD243CG, and TIP29CG) are ROHS3 compliant. The original BD241CTU is also ROHS3 compliant. All parts are REACH unaffected.

Q: What is the difference between TO-220-3 and TO-220AB packages?

A: TO-220-3 and TO-220AB are both through-hole packages with three leads suitable for the BD241CTU application. TO-220AB is a variant designation used by some manufacturers. Both package types are mechanically and electrically compatible for the BD241CTU circuit application. TIP31C-BP uses the TO-220AB designation; all other substitute parts use the TO-220-3 designation.

Q: Can I use TIP29CG as a substitute for BD241CTU?

A: No. TIP29CG is rated for only 1 A maximum collector current, compared to the 3 A specification of BD241CTU. TIP29CG is suitable only for applications with significantly reduced current requirements and is not a functional substitute for circuits designed for 3 A operation.

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