MJE15029 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MJE15029 is a PNP bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 120 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 8 A maximum collector current in a TO-220 through-hole package. This device is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. The MJE15029 series provides 50 W power dissipation capability with a 30 MHz transition frequency, suitable for general-purpose switching and amplification applications requiring moderate power handling.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	PNP	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	120	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	8	A
Power - Max	50	W
Frequency - Transition	30	MHz
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	500 mV @ 100 mA, 1 A	—
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	20 @ 4 A, 2 V	—
Operating Temperature Range	−65 to 150	°C
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the MJE15029 are classified into two categories based on electrical and mechanical compatibility:

Direct Equivalent (Identical Electrical Specifications): The MJE15029G maintains all electrical parameters of the original MJE15029, including 120 V breakdown voltage, 8 A collector current, 50 W power rating, and 30 MHz transition frequency. The primary distinction is product status: MJE15029G is active, whereas MJE15029 is obsolete. Both devices use TO-220-3 packaging and through-hole mounting. The MJE15029G differs only in packaging format (tube versus unspecified) and compliance status (RoHS3 compliant versus non-compliant).

Similar Substitute (Reduced Electrical Ratings): The TIP42C-BP is a PNP transistor with reduced electrical specifications compared to the MJE15029. Key parameter reductions include: collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 100 V (versus 120 V), maximum collector current of 6 A (versus 8 A), and maximum power dissipation of 2 W (versus 50 W). The transition frequency is also reduced to 3 MHz (versus 30 MHz). The TIP42C-BP uses TO-220AB packaging and is suitable only for applications where the reduced ratings are acceptable.

Substitution eligibility is determined by the following parameters: transistor type (PNP), package type (TO-220 family), mounting method (through-hole), and electrical ratings (voltage, current, power, frequency) that meet or exceed application requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	MJE15029	MJE15029G	TIP42C-BP
Manufacturer	onsemi	onsemi	Micro Commercial Co
Transistor Type	PNP	PNP	PNP
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	120 V	120 V	100 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	8 A	8 A	6 A
Power - Max	50 W	50 W	2 W
Frequency - Transition	30 MHz	30 MHz	3 MHz
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	500 mV @ 100 mA, 1 A	500 mV @ 100 mA, 1 A	1.5 V @ 600 mA, 6 A
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	20 @ 4 A, 2 V	20 @ 4 A, 2 V	15 @ 3 A, 4 V
Operating Temperature Range	−65 to 150 °C	−65 to 150 °C	Up to 150 °C
Package / Case	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active
RoHS Status	Non-compliant	RoHS3 Compliant	RoHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement: The MJE15029G is the preferred substitute for the obsolete MJE15029. Both devices are manufactured by onsemi and provide identical electrical performance across all specified parameters. The MJE15029G is currently in active production status with 10,100 units in stock, ensuring supply continuity. The MJE15029G achieves RoHS3 compliance, whereas the original MJE15029 does not, making it suitable for applications subject to environmental regulations. No circuit redesign or thermal management modifications are required when substituting MJE15029G for MJE15029.

For Reduced-Rating Applications: The TIP42C-BP manufactured by Micro Commercial Co may be selected only when application requirements are compatible with its reduced electrical specifications. This device is appropriate for circuits where collector-emitter voltage does not exceed 100 V, collector current remains below 6 A, power dissipation is limited to 2 W, and switching frequency does not exceed 3 MHz. The TIP42C-BP is RoHS3 compliant and actively produced with 4,741 units in stock. Circuit validation is required to confirm that reduced ratings do not compromise performance or reliability.

Compliance Considerations: Both active substitutes (MJE15029G and TIP42C-BP) are RoHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements. The original MJE15029 is RoHS non-compliant and should be phased out in favor of compliant alternatives for new designs and production runs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MJE15029G be used as a direct drop-in replacement for MJE15029?

A: Yes. The MJE15029G is electrically and mechanically identical to the MJE15029. Both devices share the same TO-220-3 package, through-hole mounting configuration, and all electrical specifications including 120 V breakdown voltage, 8 A collector current, 50 W power rating, and 30 MHz transition frequency. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the primary reason to substitute MJE15029 with MJE15029G?

A: The MJE15029 is classified as obsolete, while MJE15029G is in active production. MJE15029G ensures long-term supply availability and is RoHS3 compliant, meeting current environmental regulations. Existing inventory of MJE15029 should be consumed before transitioning to MJE15029G for new production.

Q: Can TIP42C-BP replace MJE15029 in all applications?

A: No. The TIP42C-BP has reduced electrical ratings and is suitable only for applications where these reductions are acceptable. Specifically, the TIP42C-BP is limited to 100 V (versus 120 V), 6 A (versus 8 A), 2 W (versus 50 W), and 3 MHz (versus 30 MHz). Applications requiring the full 50 W power dissipation or 30 MHz switching frequency cannot use TIP42C-BP without circuit redesign.

Q: Are there package compatibility differences between these substitutes?

A: All three devices use TO-220 family packaging with through-hole mounting. MJE15029 and MJE15029G use TO-220-3, while TIP42C-BP uses TO-220AB. Both package variants are mechanically compatible with standard TO-220 PCB footprints and heat sink mounting hardware.

Q: What are the compliance differences between MJE15029 and its substitutes?

A: MJE15029 is RoHS non-compliant. Both MJE15029G and TIP42C-BP are RoHS3 compliant. All three devices are REACH unaffected. For applications subject to environmental regulations or customer requirements, MJE15029G or TIP42C-BP must be selected.

Q: How do saturation voltage characteristics compare between these devices?

A: MJE15029 and MJE15029G both exhibit 500 mV saturation voltage at 100 mA base current and 1 A collector current. TIP42C-BP has a higher saturation voltage of 1.5 V at 600 mA base current and 6 A collector current, indicating higher conduction losses in saturation mode.

Q: What inventory status should influence substitution decisions?

A: MJE15029 has 1,982 units in stock but is obsolete. MJE15029G has 10,100 units in stock and is active. TIP42C-BP has 4,741 units in stock and is active. For new designs and long-term production, MJE15029G is the recommended choice due to superior availability and active status.

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