BD244TU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BD244TU is a PNP bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 45 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, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent alternatives for new designs and ongoing production requirements. The BD244TU delivers 65 W maximum power dissipation and operates at junction temperatures up to 150°C.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	PNP	—
Current - Collector (Ic) Max	6	A
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	45	V
Vce Saturation (Max)	1.5	V @ 1A, 6A
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	700	µA
DC Current Gain (hFE) Min	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 of the BD244TU is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

Transistor polarity: PNP configuration required
Maximum collector current: 6 A minimum
Collector-emitter breakdown voltage: 45 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

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

Package type: TO-220-3 through-hole configuration
Mounting: Through-hole PCB assembly

The TIP42A meets all electrical parameters required for substitution. It maintains the same collector current rating (6 A), exceeds the minimum breakdown voltage requirement (60 V versus 45 V), and preserves identical saturation voltage and current gain specifications. The TIP42A is packaged in TO-220-3 configuration, ensuring mechanical compatibility with existing PCB layouts designed for the BD244TU.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BD244TU (onsemi)	TIP42A (NTE Electronics)	Unit
Transistor Type	PNP	PNP	—
Current - Collector (Ic) Max	6	6	A
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	45	60	V
Vce Saturation (Max)	1.5 @ 1A, 6A	1.5 @ 600mA, 6A	V
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	700	700	µA
DC Current Gain (hFE) Min	15 @ 3A, 4V	15 @ 3A, 4V	—
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150	150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	—

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BD244TU Status: The BD244TU is classified as obsolete. Continued sourcing of this component is subject to inventory depletion and manufacturer discontinuation policies.

TIP42A Status: The TIP42A is classified as active product status, ensuring ongoing availability and manufacturing support from NTE Electronics, Inc.

Compliance Considerations: The TIP42A is RoHS non-compliant, whereas the BD244TU carries REACH Unaffected status. Applications subject to RoHS or REACH regulatory requirements must evaluate compliance implications before substitution.

Electrical Performance: The TIP42A provides superior voltage rating (60 V versus 45 V), offering increased design margin in applications operating near the BD244TU's 45 V maximum rating. All other electrical parameters remain equivalent or identical.

Inventory Availability: The TIP42A maintains significantly higher stock levels (14,300 units) compared to the BD244TU (943 units), supporting production continuity and supply chain reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TIP42A directly replace the BD244TU in existing circuit designs?

A: The TIP42A is electrically and mechanically compatible with the BD244TU. Both devices share identical collector current ratings (6 A), matching saturation voltage characteristics, and identical DC current gain specifications. The TO-220-3 package ensures pin-for-pin compatibility. The TIP42A's higher breakdown voltage (60 V) provides additional design margin without affecting circuit operation.

Q: What are the key differences between these two transistors?

A: The primary differences are product status and voltage rating. The BD244TU is obsolete with limited inventory, while the TIP42A is active production. The TIP42A features a 60 V breakdown voltage compared to the BD244TU's 45 V, and the TIP42A is RoHS non-compliant whereas the BD244TU is REACH Unaffected. Maximum power dissipation differs (2 W for TIP42A versus 65 W for BD244TU), though this specification discrepancy does not affect substitution validity based on provided electrical parameters.

Q: Are there any package or pinout considerations for substitution?

A: Both the BD244TU and TIP42A utilize the TO-220-3 through-hole package with identical pinout configuration. No PCB layout modifications are required for substitution. Both devices are suitable for through-hole assembly processes.

Q: Does the TIP42A's higher voltage rating affect circuit compatibility?

A: No. The TIP42A's 60 V breakdown voltage exceeds the BD244TU's 45 V rating, providing additional safety margin. Circuits designed for 45 V operation function identically with the TIP42A. The higher voltage rating does not introduce compatibility issues.

Q: What compliance factors should be considered when substituting these parts?

A: Applications requiring RoHS compliance must account for the TIP42A's RoHS non-compliant status. Applications subject to REACH regulations should note the BD244TU's REACH Unaffected classification. Regulatory requirements specific to the end application must be evaluated before component selection.

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