BD242C PNP Bipolar Junction Transistor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BD242C is an obsolete PNP 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. The device is designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications requiring moderate power dissipation up to 40 W. Due to its obsolete product status, equivalent and substitute parts are necessary for ongoing design support, production continuity, and component sourcing.

Key Parameters

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

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BD242C is determined by strict equivalence or functional compatibility across the following critical parameters:

Direct Equivalents maintain identical electrical specifications: 100 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, 3 A maximum collector current, 3 MHz transition frequency, TO-220-3 package, and through-hole mounting. Direct equivalents differ only in packaging format (tube vs. bulk) or RoHS compliance status.

Similar Substitutes share the same voltage rating (100 V) and package type (TO-220-3 through-hole) but differ in one or more of the following: maximum collector current, power dissipation, transition frequency, or DC current gain. Selection of similar substitutes requires verification that the application does not exceed the lower current or power ratings.

Current Rating Variations: The BD242C supports 3 A maximum collector current. Substitutes with lower current ratings (1 A, 6 A) are classified as similar rather than direct equivalents.

Power Dissipation Variations: The BD242C is rated for 40 W maximum power. Substitutes rated at 2 W are classified as similar and suitable only for applications not requiring the full 40 W dissipation capability.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Ic (Max) [A]	Vce Breakdown (Max) [V]	Power (Max) [W]	Frequency [MHz]	Package	RoHS Status
BD242C	onsemi	Obsolete	3	100	40	3	TO-220-3	Non-compliant
BD242CG	onsemi	Active	3	100	40	3	TO-220-3	ROHS3 Compliant
TIP32CG	onsemi	Active	3	100	2	3	TO-220-3	ROHS3 Compliant
TIP30CG	onsemi	Active	1	100	2	3	TO-220-3	ROHS3 Compliant
TIP42CG	onsemi	Active	6	100	2	3	TO-220-3	ROHS3 Compliant
TIP32C	STMicroelectronics	Active	3	100	2	—	TO-220-3	ROHS3 Compliant
TIP32C-BP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	3	100	2	3	TO-220-3	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalent Selection: BD242CG is the primary direct equivalent to BD242C. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications (3 A, 100 V, 40 W, 3 MHz) and TO-220-3 packaging. BD242CG holds active product status and ROHS3 compliance, making it the preferred replacement for obsolete BD242C applications.

Alternative Equivalent Selection: TIP32CG, TIP32C, and TIP32C-BP are functionally equivalent in voltage rating (100 V) and current rating (3 A) with identical TO-220-3 packaging. These parts are active and ROHS3 compliant. However, power dissipation is rated at 2 W rather than 40 W. Selection of these alternatives is appropriate for applications where power dissipation does not approach or exceed 2 W.

Lower Current Alternative: TIP30CG is suitable for applications requiring only 1 A maximum collector current. This part maintains 100 V voltage rating and TO-220-3 packaging with active status and ROHS3 compliance. Power dissipation is 2 W.

Higher Current Alternative: TIP42CG supports 6 A maximum collector current with 100 V voltage rating and TO-220-3 packaging. This part is active and ROHS3 compliant. Power dissipation is 2 W. Selection is appropriate for applications requiring current capacity exceeding 3 A but not exceeding 6 A.

All substitute parts listed maintain the same transistor type (PNP), operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C), and through-hole mounting configuration as the original BD242C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BD242CG directly replace BD242C in all applications?

A: BD242CG is a direct equivalent to BD242C with identical electrical specifications and packaging. Both are PNP transistors rated for 100 V, 3 A, and 40 W in TO-220-3 packages. BD242CG is active and ROHS3 compliant, whereas BD242C is obsolete and non-compliant. Direct substitution is appropriate for all applications previously using BD242C.

Q: What is the difference between BD242CG and TIP32CG?

A: Both parts are PNP transistors with 100 V and 3 A ratings in TO-220-3 packages. The primary difference is power dissipation: BD242CG is rated for 40 W, while TIP32CG is rated for 2 W. Applications requiring power dissipation approaching or exceeding 2 W must use BD242CG. Applications with power dissipation below 2 W can use either part.

Q: Can TIP30CG replace BD242C?

A: TIP30CG shares the same voltage rating (100 V) and package (TO-220-3) as BD242C but is limited to 1 A maximum collector current compared to BD242C's 3 A rating. TIP30CG is suitable only for applications requiring 1 A or less. Applications requiring 3 A collector current cannot use TIP30CG.

Q: What is the advantage of TIP42CG over BD242C?

A: TIP42CG supports 6 A maximum collector current compared to BD242C's 3 A rating, while maintaining the same 100 V voltage rating and TO-220-3 package. TIP42CG is suitable for applications requiring collector current between 3 A and 6 A. Power dissipation is limited to 2 W.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: All substitute parts listed (BD242CG, TIP32CG, TIP30CG, TIP42CG, TIP32C, TIP32C-BP) are ROHS3 compliant. The original BD242C is RoHS non-compliant. Compliance status should be verified against specific regulatory requirements for the end application.

Q: Do all substitute parts use the same TO-220-3 package?

A: All substitute parts use TO-220-3 or TO-220-3 compatible packaging (TO-220AB). Through-hole mounting configuration is identical across all parts, allowing direct PCB footprint compatibility.

Q: What is the significance of the transition frequency rating?

A: The BD242C and most substitute parts are rated for 3 MHz transition frequency, indicating suitability for switching and amplification applications up to this frequency. TIP32C (STMicroelectronics) does not specify transition frequency in the provided data. Applications requiring specific frequency performance should verify this parameter against datasheets.

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