BD244A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BD244A is a PNP bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 60 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 6 A maximum collector current in a TO-220-3 through-hole package. This device is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. The BD244A delivers 65 W maximum power dissipation and operates at junction temperatures up to 150°C. Identifying functionally compatible alternatives ensures component availability for legacy system maintenance and new designs requiring equivalent electrical performance.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	PNP	—
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	6	A
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	60	V
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	—
Power - Max	65	W
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BD244A is determined by matching the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Transistor type: PNP configuration
Collector current rating: 6 A minimum
Collector-emitter breakdown voltage: 60 V minimum
Vce saturation characteristics: 1.5 V maximum at specified base and collector currents
DC current gain (hFE): 15 minimum at 3 A collector current and 4 V Vce
Collector cutoff current: 700 µA maximum
Mounting type: Through hole
Package: TO-220-3 compatible footprint

Substitution Categories:

Direct Equivalents maintain all critical electrical parameters within the BD244A specification envelope. These parts are pin-compatible and electrically interchangeable without circuit modification.

Functional Equivalents meet or exceed the primary electrical requirements but may differ in secondary parameters such as maximum power rating, frequency response, or operating temperature range. These parts are suitable for applications where the BD244A specifications are met or exceeded.

Similar Parts share the same transistor type and package but have reduced current ratings or other parameter variations. These parts are applicable only in circuits where the reduced specifications are acceptable.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BD244A	BD244CG	TIP42AG	TIP32AG	TIP42A
Manufacturer	onsemi	onsemi	onsemi	onsemi	NTE Electronics, Inc
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active
Transistor Type	PNP	PNP	PNP	PNP	PNP
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	6 A	6 A	6 A	3 A	6 A
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	60 V	100 V	60 V	60 V	60 V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1.5V @ 1A, 6A	1.5V @ 1A, 6A	1.5V @ 600mA, 6A	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	1.5V @ 600mA, 6A
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	700 µA	700 µA	700 µA	300 µA	700 µA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	15 @ 3A, 4V	15 @ 3A, 4V	15 @ 3A, 4V	10 @ 3A, 4V	15 @ 3A, 4V
Power - Max	65 W	65 W	2 W	2 W	2 W
Frequency - Transition	—	3 MHz	3 MHz	3 MHz	—
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150°C	-65°C ~ 150°C	-65°C ~ 150°C	-65°C ~ 150°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
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	RoHS non-compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BD244CG (onsemi) is the primary direct equivalent for the BD244A. This part maintains identical electrical specifications for collector current, saturation voltage, and DC current gain. The BD244CG features an enhanced collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 100 V, providing superior voltage margin in applications. The part is active in production status with ROHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory alignment. The extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C) accommodates wider environmental conditions compared to the BD244A specification.

TIP42AG (onsemi) and TIP42A (NTE Electronics, Inc) are direct electrical equivalents matching the 60 V breakdown voltage, 6 A collector current, and DC current gain specifications of the BD244A. Both parts maintain the required Vce saturation and collector cutoff current parameters. TIP42AG is ROHS3 compliant and active in production. TIP42A is active in production but is RoHS non-compliant; this part is suitable for applications where RoHS compliance is not required. The reduced maximum power rating (2 W versus 65 W) in both TIP42 variants indicates lower thermal dissipation capability; these parts are applicable in circuits where power dissipation does not exceed 2 W.

TIP32AG (onsemi) is a similar part with reduced collector current rating of 3 A. This part is suitable only for applications where the maximum collector current requirement does not exceed 3 A. The DC current gain is reduced to 10 minimum, and collector cutoff current is 300 µA. TIP32AG is ROHS3 compliant and active in production.

For applications requiring the full 65 W power dissipation capability of the BD244A, BD244CG is the recommended selection. For lower power applications, TIP42AG or TIP42A provide equivalent electrical performance. Selection of TIP32AG is limited to circuits with maximum 3 A collector current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BD244CG directly replace BD244A in all applications?

A: Yes. BD244CG maintains all critical electrical parameters of the BD244A: 6 A collector current, 1.5 V Vce saturation at specified conditions, and 15 minimum DC current gain. The enhanced 100 V breakdown voltage provides additional voltage margin. Both parts use identical TO-220-3 packaging and are pin-compatible. BD244CG is active in production, addressing the obsolete status of BD244A.

Q: What is the difference between TIP42AG and TIP42A?

A: TIP42AG is manufactured by onsemi and is ROHS3 compliant. TIP42A is manufactured by NTE Electronics, Inc and is RoHS non-compliant. Both parts have identical electrical specifications: 60 V breakdown voltage, 6 A collector current, and 15 minimum DC current gain. Selection depends on regulatory requirements and supply chain preferences. Both are pin-compatible with BD244A in TO-220-3 packages.

Q: Why does TIP42AG show 2 W maximum power versus 65 W for BD244A?

A: The maximum power rating reflects the thermal design of each device. TIP42AG is rated for 2 W continuous dissipation, while BD244A is rated for 65 W. In applications where power dissipation remains below 2 W, TIP42AG is electrically equivalent. For applications requiring higher power dissipation, BD244CG maintains the 65 W rating and is the appropriate selection.

Q: Is TIP32AG suitable as a substitute for BD244A?

A: TIP32AG is suitable only in applications where the maximum collector current does not exceed 3 A. The part has reduced DC current gain (10 minimum versus 15 minimum) and reduced collector cutoff current (300 µA versus 700 µA). TIP32AG is not a direct substitute for BD244A in circuits requiring 6 A collector current.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same TO-220-3 package?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts use TO-220-3 through-hole packaging, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility with BD244A PCB layouts. Pin assignments are identical across all parts listed.

Q: Which substitute part has the best long-term availability?

A: BD244CG, TIP42AG, and TIP32AG are all active in production status with ROHS3 compliance, ensuring regulatory alignment and ongoing supply. TIP42A is active but RoHS non-compliant. BD244CG is the recommended selection for new designs requiring long-term production support and regulatory compliance.

Q: Can I use BD244CG in a circuit designed for BD244A without any modifications?

A: Yes. BD244CG is a direct pin-compatible replacement with identical electrical specifications for all critical parameters. No circuit modifications are required. The enhanced 100 V breakdown voltage of BD244CG provides additional design margin.

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