BDW42 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BDW42 is an NPN Darlington bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, designed for high-current switching and amplification applications. This device features a 100 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage rating and a maximum collector current of 15 A, housed in a TO-220-3 through-hole package. The BDW42 is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent substitute components necessary for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. The TIP142T from STMicroelectronics serves as an active-status alternative with comparable electrical characteristics and identical package configuration.

Substiute Parts

BDW42

onsemiIn Stock: 2015BDW42 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

TIP142T

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 21597TIP142T Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BDW42 with the TIP142T is based on alignment of the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Matching Parameters:

• Transistor topology: Both devices are NPN Darlington configurations
• Voltage rating: Identical 100 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage
• DC current gain: Both specify 1000 hFE minimum at 5 A, 4 V
• Current-collector cutoff: Both rated at 2 mA maximum
• Vce saturation: Both specified at 3 V maximum at rated conditions
• Package configuration: Identical TO-220-3 through-hole package
• Mounting type: Both through-hole mounted
• Moisture sensitivity: Both MSL 1 (Unlimited)
• Regulatory classification: Both EAR99 and HTSUS 8541.29.0095

Differentiating Parameters:

• Maximum collector current: BDW42 rated 15 A; TIP142T rated 10 A
• Maximum power dissipation: BDW42 rated 85 W; TIP142T rated 80 W
• Transition frequency: BDW42 specified 4 MHz; TIP142T not specified
• Product status: BDW42 obsolete; TIP142T active
• RoHS compliance: BDW42 non-compliant; TIP142T ROHS3 compliant

The TIP142T is suitable as a substitute in applications where the 10 A collector current rating and 80 W power dissipation are sufficient for the design requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BDW42 (Primary Part - Obsolete Status): The BDW42 is classified as obsolete and carries 1916 units in current inventory. This part is RoHS non-compliant. Selection of this component is limited to legacy system maintenance or applications where existing stock must be utilized. New designs should not incorporate this part number.

TIP142T (Active Substitute): The TIP142T is an active-status component with 21570 units in inventory and ROHS3 compliance certification. This part is suitable for new designs and ongoing production. The TIP142T is recommended for applications where the 10 A maximum collector current and 80 W power dissipation meet circuit requirements. The identical 100 V voltage rating, matching DC current gain specification, and TO-220-3 package configuration ensure functional compatibility in most switching and amplification circuits designed for the BDW42.

Selection between these parts depends on application current requirements. If the design requires the full 15 A capability of the BDW42, the TIP142T's 10 A rating may be insufficient. For applications operating at or below 10 A, the TIP142T provides an active, compliant alternative with superior availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TIP142T directly replace the BDW42 in all applications?

A: Direct replacement is possible only in applications where the collector current does not exceed 10 A. The TIP142T is rated for 10 A maximum, while the BDW42 is rated for 15 A. If the circuit design requires currents between 10 A and 15 A, the TIP142T is not suitable. Both devices share identical 100 V voltage ratings, matching DC current gain specifications, and identical TO-220-3 package configurations, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility within the current limitation.

Q: What is the significance of the RoHS compliance difference?

A: The BDW42 is RoHS non-compliant, while the TIP142T is ROHS3 compliant. For new product designs and applications subject to RoHS regulations, the TIP142T is the required choice. For legacy systems or applications without RoHS requirements, either part may be used within the stated electrical parameters.

Q: Are there differences in operating temperature ranges?

A: The BDW42 specifies an operating temperature range of -55°C to 150°C. The TIP142T specifies a maximum junction temperature of 150°C. For applications requiring operation below 0°C, the BDW42's extended lower temperature rating may be necessary. For standard industrial and consumer applications operating within 0°C to 150°C, both devices are equivalent.

Q: How do the power dissipation ratings compare?

A: The BDW42 is rated for 85 W maximum power dissipation, while the TIP142T is rated for 80 W. In applications approaching or exceeding 80 W dissipation, thermal management and circuit design must account for the TIP142T's lower rating. For applications below 80 W, both devices are equivalent.

Q: Is the TO-220-3 package identical between both parts?

A: Yes. Both the BDW42 and TIP142T use the TO-220-3 through-hole package. Pin configuration, mechanical dimensions, and mounting requirements are identical. No PCB layout or mechanical redesign is required when substituting between these parts.

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

A: The BDW42 specifies a transition frequency of 4 MHz, while the TIP142T does not provide this specification in the available data. For high-frequency switching applications requiring operation above 4 MHz, the BDW42's specified frequency rating should be verified against circuit requirements. For standard switching applications below 4 MHz, this parameter difference is not significant.