BUL146F Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BUL146F is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, designed for high-voltage switching applications. This device features a 400 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage rating and 6 A maximum collector current in a TO-220FP through-hole package. The BUL146F is classified as obsolete, making identification of equivalent substitute components necessary for ongoing design support and procurement continuity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Current - Collector (Ic) Max	6	A
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	400	V
Power - Max	40	W
Frequency - Transition	14	MHz
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 150	°C
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BUL146F is determined by electrical and mechanical compatibility within the following criteria:

Primary Matching Parameters:

Collector current rating: 6 A maximum
Collector-emitter breakdown voltage: minimum 380 V (BUL146F operates at 400 V)
Package type: TO-220 through-hole configuration
NPN polarity

Secondary Considerations:

Power dissipation capability
Transition frequency
Operating temperature range
Saturation voltage characteristics

The 2SD2141 qualifies as a substitute based on matching collector current (6 A) and package configuration (TO-220). Although the 2SD2141 features a Darlington configuration with different internal characteristics, it maintains electrical compatibility within the specified parameter envelope for high-voltage switching applications.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BUL146F (Main)	2SD2141 (Substitute)	Unit
Manufacturer	onsemi	Sanken Electric USA Inc.	—
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN - Darlington	—
Current - Collector (Ic) Max	6	6	A
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	400	380	V
Vce Saturation (Max)	700 mV @ 600 mA, 3 A	1.5 V @ 20 mA, 4 A	V
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	100 µA	10 µA	µA
DC Current Gain (hFE) Min	14 @ 500 mA, 5 V	1500 @ 3 A, 2 V	—
Power - Max	40	35	W
Frequency - Transition	14	20	MHz
Operating Temperature (TJ)	-65 to 150	150 (max)	°C
Package / Case	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	—
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	—
RoHS Status	Non-compliant	Compliant	—

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Product Status Consideration: The BUL146F is classified as obsolete. The 2SD2141 is an active product with current manufacturing support and availability. Selection of the 2SD2141 provides access to ongoing supply chain continuity and technical support from the manufacturer.

Compliance Status: The BUL146F is RoHS non-compliant. The 2SD2141 is RoHS compliant, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements for new designs and procurement in regulated markets.

Electrical Compatibility: Both devices share identical maximum collector current ratings (6 A) and compatible TO-220 packaging. The 2SD2141 operates at 380 V breakdown voltage, which is 20 V lower than the BUL146F. For applications requiring the full 400 V rating, this difference must be evaluated against actual circuit operating conditions. The 2SD2141 Darlington configuration results in higher saturation voltage (1.5 V versus 700 mV) and significantly higher current gain (1500 versus 14), which affects switching behavior and base drive requirements.

Thermal and Frequency Performance: The 2SD2141 provides superior transition frequency (20 MHz versus 14 MHz) and slightly reduced maximum power dissipation (35 W versus 40 W). Operating temperature maximum is identical at 150°C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 2SD2141 directly replace the BUL146F in all applications?

A: Direct replacement is possible for applications where the 380 V breakdown voltage of the 2SD2141 meets circuit requirements. The 20 V difference must be verified against the maximum voltage stress in the target application. The Darlington configuration introduces higher saturation voltage and different current gain characteristics, requiring base drive circuit evaluation.

Q: What is the primary difference between the BUL146F and 2SD2141?

A: The BUL146F is a standard NPN transistor with 400 V breakdown voltage and 14 MHz transition frequency. The 2SD2141 is a Darlington configuration with 380 V breakdown voltage, 20 MHz transition frequency, and significantly higher current gain. Both share 6 A collector current rating and TO-220 packaging.

Q: Does the 2SD2141 require different base drive than the BUL146F?

A: Yes. The 2SD2141 Darlington configuration exhibits current gain (hFE) of 1500 at 3 A, compared to 14 for the BUL146F at 500 mA. This higher gain reduces base current requirements but increases saturation voltage to 1.5 V. Base drive circuit design must account for these differences.

Q: Are there thermal management differences between these devices?

A: Both devices operate to 150°C maximum junction temperature. The 2SD2141 has a 5 W lower maximum power dissipation rating (35 W versus 40 W). Thermal management design should account for this reduced headroom in high-power applications.

Q: What is the significance of RoHS compliance for the 2SD2141?

A: The 2SD2141 is RoHS compliant, meeting environmental and regulatory requirements for products sold in regulated markets. The obsolete BUL146F is RoHS non-compliant. New designs and procurement should prioritize the compliant 2SD2141.

Q: Can the 2SD2141 operate at the full 400 V rating of the BUL146F?

A: The 2SD2141 is rated for 380 V maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage. Operation above this rating is not specified. Applications requiring 400 V operation must verify that actual circuit voltages remain below 380 V or select alternative components rated for higher voltages.

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

A: Both devices use TO-220-3 through-hole packages. The BUL146F uses TO-220FP packaging, while the 2SD2141 uses TO-220F packaging. These are mechanically compatible for PCB mounting and thermal management applications.

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