BD243C Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BD243C is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by STMicroelectronics, rated for 100 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 6 A maximum collector current in a TO-220 through-hole package. This device is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent parts for ongoing procurement and design applications. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility across critical parameters including voltage rating, current capacity, and DC current gain characteristics.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	100	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	6	A
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1.5V @ 1A, 6A	V
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	700	µA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	15 @ 3A, 4V	—
Power - Max	65	W
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the BD243C is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

Transistor Type: NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 100 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 6 A
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic: 1.5V @ 1A, 6A
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max): 700 µA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce: 15 @ 3A, 4V
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package / Case: TO-220-3

All identified substitute parts meet these mandatory electrical and mechanical parameters. Differences in maximum power dissipation, frequency response, and operating temperature range do not disqualify substitution when the primary electrical characteristics align with the BD243C specification.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BD243C (STMicroelectronics)	TIP41C (NTE Electronics)	BD243CG (onsemi)	TIP41C-BP (Micro Commercial Co)	TIP41CG (onsemi)
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	100 V	100 V	100 V	100 V	100 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	6 A	6 A	6 A	6 A	6 A
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1.5V @ 1A, 6A	1.5V @ 600mA, 6A	1.5V @ 1A, 6A	1.5V @ 600mA, 6A	1.5V @ 600mA, 6A
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	700 µA	700 µA	700 µA	700 µA	700 µA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	15 @ 3A, 4V	15 @ 3A, 4V	15 @ 3A, 4V	15 @ 3A, 4V	15 @ 3A, 4V
Power - Max	65 W	2 W	65 W	2 W	2 W
Frequency - Transition	—	3 MHz	3 MHz	3 MHz	3 MHz
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150°C	150°C	-65°C ~ 150°C	150°C	-65°C ~ 150°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All four substitute parts—TIP41C, BD243CG, TIP41C-BP, and TIP41CG—satisfy the electrical and mechanical requirements for direct substitution with the obsolete BD243C. Selection among these alternatives should be based on the following criteria:

BD243CG (onsemi): This part maintains the 65 W maximum power dissipation specification of the original BD243C, making it the preferred choice for applications requiring sustained high-power operation. The extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C) provides additional thermal margin. Active product status ensures long-term availability.

TIP41CG (onsemi): This part offers the widest operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C) and active product status. The reduced maximum power rating (2 W) is suitable for applications where the full 65 W capability is not required. onsemi manufacturing provides supply chain consistency.

TIP41C (NTE Electronics): This part maintains active product status with standard operating temperature range (150°C maximum). The 2 W power rating is appropriate for moderate-power applications. Bag packaging may require additional handling considerations.

TIP41C-BP (Micro Commercial Co): This part is functionally equivalent with active product status and tube packaging. The 2 W power rating and standard operating temperature range (150°C maximum) align with typical application requirements. Tube packaging provides protection during storage and handling.

All substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance and EAR99 export classification consistent with the original BD243C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the BD243C be directly replaced with any of these substitute parts?

A: Yes. All four substitute parts—TIP41C, BD243CG, TIP41C-BP, and TIP41CG—meet the mandatory electrical parameters of the BD243C: 100 V breakdown voltage, 6 A maximum collector current, 1.5 V saturation voltage, 700 µA cutoff current, and 15 minimum DC current gain. Direct pin-compatible substitution in TO-220-3 packages is supported.

Q: What is the significance of the power rating difference between BD243C (65 W) and TIP41C variants (2 W)?

A: The power rating indicates maximum continuous dissipation capability. The BD243C specification of 65 W supports sustained high-current operation. TIP41C variants rated at 2 W are suitable for applications with lower average power dissipation. Selection depends on the specific thermal requirements of the application. Both ratings are valid for the same electrical operating point (6 A, 100 V).

Q: Are there packaging differences among the substitute parts?

A: Yes. TIP41C is supplied in Bag packaging, BD243CG in Tube packaging, TIP41C-BP in Tube packaging, and TIP41CG in Tube packaging. Tube packaging provides superior protection during storage and automated assembly processes. Bag packaging requires additional handling precautions. All parts use identical TO-220-3 case geometry.

Q: Which substitute part has the longest operating temperature range?

A: Both BD243CG and TIP41CG specify an operating temperature range of -65°C to 150°C, compared to 150°C maximum for TIP41C and TIP41C-BP. The extended lower temperature limit provides operational capability in cold environments and may offer improved reliability margins in temperature-cycling applications.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All substitute parts—TIP41C, BD243CG, TIP41C-BP, and TIP41CG—carry ROHS3 compliance certification, matching the environmental compliance status of the original BD243C.

Q: What is the difference between BD243CG and TIP41CG?

A: Both parts are manufactured by onsemi and share identical electrical specifications and extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C). The primary difference is the maximum power rating: BD243CG is rated at 65 W, while TIP41CG is rated at 2 W. Selection between these parts depends on the thermal requirements of the specific application.

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