MJE13005 PBFREE Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MJE13005 PBFREE is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp, rated for 400 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 4 A maximum collector current in a TO-220-3 through-hole package. This device is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing production and maintenance applications. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility within the specified parameter ranges while meeting current manufacturing and compliance standards.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	400	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	4	A
Power - Max	2	W
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1 V @ 1 A, 4 A	—
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	8 @ 2 A, 5 V	—
Operating Temperature Range	−65 to 150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the MJE13005 PBFREE are selected based on strict electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria. The primary substitution parameters are:

Critical Matching Parameters:

Transistor Type: NPN (all substitutes must be NPN)
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 400 V minimum
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 4 A minimum
Package / Case: TO-220-3 (through-hole mounting)
Operating Temperature Range: −65°C to 150°C minimum

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

Vce Saturation characteristics
DC Current Gain (hFE) specifications
Power dissipation capability
RoHS and REACH compliance status

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: direct equivalents (matching all critical parameters) and functional substitutes (meeting or exceeding critical parameters with enhanced performance characteristics). Parts exceeding the original specifications in voltage rating, current capacity, or power dissipation are acceptable substitutes provided they maintain electrical compatibility and package conformance.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Ic (Max) [A]	Vce Breakdown (Max) [V]	Power (Max) [W]	Vce Sat @ Ib, Ic [V]	hFE (Min) @ Ic, Vce	Package	Status
MJE13005 PBFREE	Central Semiconductor	4	400	2	1 @ 1A, 4A	8 @ 2A, 5V	TO-220-3	Obsolete
MJE13005 SL PBFREE	Central Semiconductor	4	400	2	1 @ 1A, 4A	10 @ 1A, 5V	TO-220-3	Active
ST13005	STMicroelectronics	4	400	75	1 @ 1A, 4A	8 @ 2A, 5V	TO-220-3	Active
BUL128D-B	STMicroelectronics	4	400	70	0.5 @ 1A, 4A	12 @ 2A, 5V	TO-220-3	Active
BUL138	STMicroelectronics	5	400	80	0.7 @ 1A, 5A	8 @ 2A, 5V	TO-220-3	Active
BUL38D	STMicroelectronics	5	450	80	1.1 @ 0.75A, 3A	10 @ 10mA, 5V	TO-220-3	Active
BUL49D	STMicroelectronics	5	450	80	1.2 @ 0.8A, 4A	4 @ 7A, 10V	TO-220-3	Active
BUL742C	STMicroelectronics	4	400	70	1.5 @ 1A, 3.5A	25 @ 0.8A, 3V	TO-220-3	Active
BUT11A	STMicroelectronics	5	450	83	1.5 @ 0.5A, 2.5A	10 @ 0.5A, 5V	TO-220-3	Obsolete
FJP5555TU	Fairchild Semiconductor	5	400	75	1.5 @ 1A, 3.5A	20 @ 0.8A, 3V	TO-220-3	Active
TSC742CZ C0G	Taiwan Semiconductor	5	420	70	1.5 @ 1A, 3.5A	48 @ 0.1A, 5V	TO-220-3	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: MJE13005 SL PBFREE

The MJE13005 SL PBFREE is the manufacturer-recommended direct equivalent. This part maintains identical electrical specifications to the original MJE13005 PBFREE while offering active product status. Both devices are Central Semiconductor Corp products with ROHS3 compliance and identical package configuration. The SL variant provides improved DC current gain (10 @ 1A, 5V versus 8 @ 2A, 5V) and includes specified collector cutoff current (1 mA), enhancing circuit predictability.

Secondary Recommendations for Enhanced Performance:

ST13005 (STMicroelectronics) provides identical electrical parameters to the original part with significantly enhanced power dissipation capability (75 W versus 2 W). This device is suitable for applications requiring improved thermal performance while maintaining electrical compatibility. Active product status and ROHS3 compliance ensure long-term availability.

BUL128D-B (STMicroelectronics) meets all critical electrical requirements with 4 A maximum collector current and 400 V breakdown voltage. Enhanced power rating (70 W) and improved saturation characteristics (0.5 V @ 1A, 4A) provide superior performance margins. Active status and full compliance documentation support production deployment.

BUL138 (STMicroelectronics) exceeds original specifications with 5 A collector current capacity and 80 W power dissipation while maintaining 400 V voltage rating. This device accommodates applications requiring higher current handling without circuit redesign.

Compliance and Availability:

All recommended active substitutes maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status. Inventory availability ranges from 1016 to 25200 units across recommended parts, supporting both prototype and production-volume requirements. Obsolete parts (MJE13005 PBFREE, BUT11A) should be phased out in favor of active equivalents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MJE13005 SL PBFREE directly replace MJE13005 PBFREE in existing designs?

A: Yes. Both parts are NPN transistors with identical voltage (400 V), current (4 A), and power (2 W) ratings in TO-220-3 packages. The SL variant offers improved specifications (higher hFE, specified cutoff current) and active product status, making it a direct functional replacement.

Q: What is the difference between MJE13005 PBFREE and ST13005?

A: Both devices share identical electrical specifications (400 V, 4 A, 1 V Vce saturation @ 1A/4A, 8 hFE @ 2A/5V). The primary difference is power dissipation: ST13005 is rated 75 W versus 2 W for MJE13005 PBFREE. ST13005 is manufactured by STMicroelectronics and maintains active product status. The enhanced power rating allows operation in higher thermal environments without performance degradation.

Q: Are parts rated for 5 A collector current (BUL138, BUL38D, FJP5555TU) suitable substitutes for the 4 A MJE13005?

A: Yes, provided circuit design accommodates the higher current capability. These parts exceed the original 4 A specification and maintain compatible voltage ratings (400 V or higher). Enhanced current capacity provides design margin and does not compromise compatibility with circuits designed for 4 A operation. Verify thermal management and PCB current-carrying capacity for the application.

Q: What is the significance of voltage ratings exceeding 400 V (BUL38D at 450 V, BUL49D at 450 V)?

A: Higher voltage ratings provide additional design margin for transient overvoltage conditions and circuit protection. These parts remain compatible with 400 V circuit designs. The higher rating does not degrade performance in 400 V applications and may improve reliability in environments with voltage spikes or switching transients.

Q: Why is BUL742C recommended despite higher Vce saturation (1.5 V @ 1A, 3.5A)?

A: BUL742C maintains the critical 400 V voltage and 4 A current specifications with active product status and 70 W power dissipation. The elevated saturation voltage (1.5 V versus 1 V) represents a trade-off for enhanced current gain (25 @ 0.8A, 3V versus 8 @ 2A, 5V). This device is suitable for applications where higher gain and power dissipation capability outweigh saturation voltage considerations. Circuit validation is required for saturation-sensitive applications.

Q: Are obsolete parts (BUT11A) acceptable for new designs?

A: No. Obsolete parts should not be selected for new production designs. BUT11A is classified obsolete and inventory depletion will eventually occur. Active equivalents (BUL138, BUL38D, FJP5555TU) provide identical or superior electrical performance with guaranteed long-term availability and manufacturer support.

Q: What packaging considerations apply to these substitutes?

A: All recommended substitutes use TO-220-3 through-hole packages, maintaining mechanical compatibility with existing PCB layouts and thermal management solutions. Verify PCB pad spacing and heatsink mounting compatibility before design release. No package conversion is required for direct substitution.

Q: How do RoHS and REACH compliance affect part selection?

A: All active recommended substitutes maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, ensuring regulatory compliance for EU and global markets. Obsolete parts may have limited compliance documentation. Verify compliance requirements for your target market and select parts with current certification status.

Q: Can FJP5555TU (Fairchild Semiconductor) substitute for Central Semiconductor MJE13005 PBFREE?

A: Yes. FJP5555TU meets critical electrical requirements with 5 A collector current, 400 V voltage rating, and 75 W power dissipation in TO-220-3 package. The higher current and power ratings provide design margin. Fairchild Semiconductor is an established manufacturer with active product status. Cross-manufacturer substitution is acceptable when electrical and mechanical parameters align.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message