TIP120 NPN Darlington Transistor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP120 is an NPN Darlington bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 60 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 5 A maximum collector current in a Through Hole TO-220-3 package. The device is classified as Obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing design and procurement requirements. Substitute parts must maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility across the specified parameter range.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN - Darlington	—
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	5	A
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	60	V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	4V @ 20mA, 5A	—
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	500	µA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	1000 @ 3A, 3V	—
Power - Max	2	W
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—
Operating Temperature (Max)	150	°C (TJ)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TIP120 is determined by equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Transistor Type: NPN - Darlington configuration
Current Rating: 5 A maximum collector current
Voltage Rating: 60 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage
Saturation Characteristics: 4V @ 20mA, 5A
Current Gain: 1000 minimum @ 3A, 3V
Power Dissipation: 2 W maximum
Package: TO-220-3 Through Hole mounting
Cutoff Current: 500µA maximum

All substitute parts listed maintain these electrical specifications and mechanical compatibility. Differences in product status, packaging format, and manufacturer do not affect functional equivalence within the specified parameter envelope.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	TIP120 (onsemi)	TIP120G (onsemi)	TIP120TU (Fairchild)
Transistor Type	NPN - Darlington	NPN - Darlington	NPN - Darlington
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	5 A	5 A	5 A
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	60 V	60 V	60 V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	4V @ 20mA, 5A	4V @ 20mA, 5A	4V @ 20mA, 5A
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	500µA	500µA	500µA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	1000 @ 3A, 3V	1000 @ 3A, 3V	1000 @ 3A, 3V
Power - Max	2 W	2 W	2 W
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3
Operating Temperature (Max)	150°C (TJ)	150°C (TJ)	150°C (TJ)
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active
Manufacturer	onsemi	onsemi	Fairchild Semiconductor

Engineering Selection Recommendations

TIP120G (onsemi) is the primary substitute for the obsolete TIP120. This part maintains identical electrical specifications and TO-220-3 package configuration. TIP120G carries Active product status and ROHS3 compliance, supporting long-term design continuity and regulatory requirements.

TIP120TU (Fairchild Semiconductor) provides an alternative substitute with equivalent electrical performance and TO-220-3 package compatibility. This part is available in Bulk packaging and maintains Active product status. Selection between TIP120G and TIP120TU depends on supplier availability, packaging requirements, and procurement logistics.

Both substitute parts satisfy the complete parameter specification of the original TIP120 and are suitable for direct replacement in existing designs without circuit modification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TIP120G directly replace the obsolete TIP120 in existing designs?

A: Yes. TIP120G maintains identical electrical specifications including 5 A collector current, 60 V breakdown voltage, 4V saturation voltage, 1000 minimum current gain, and 2 W power rating. The TO-220-3 package is mechanically and electrically compatible with the original TIP120.

Q: What is the difference between TIP120G and TIP120TU?

A: Both parts are electrically equivalent with identical ratings and TO-220-3 package configuration. The primary differences are manufacturer (onsemi vs. Fairchild Semiconductor) and packaging format (Tube vs. Bulk). Electrical performance and pin compatibility are identical.

Q: Does operating temperature range affect substitution compatibility?

A: The TIP120G specifies an operating temperature range of -65°C to 150°C, while the original TIP120 and TIP120TU specify a maximum of 150°C. For applications operating within the 0°C to 150°C range, all three parts are functionally equivalent. Applications requiring sub-zero operation should specify TIP120G.

Q: Are there packaging considerations when substituting these parts?

A: All three parts use the TO-220-3 Through Hole package and are mechanically compatible. TIP120G is supplied in Tube packaging, while TIP120TU is supplied in Bulk packaging. Packaging format does not affect electrical performance or circuit compatibility.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to substitute parts?

A: TIP120G is ROHS3 compliant. All parts listed carry REACH Unaffected status and EAR99 export classification. Compliance requirements should be verified against specific application and regional regulations.

Q: Can TIP120TU be used in applications originally designed for TIP120?

A: Yes. TIP120TU provides complete electrical equivalence with the original TIP120, including 5 A collector current, 60 V breakdown voltage, and identical saturation and gain characteristics. The TO-220-3 package ensures mechanical compatibility without circuit modification.

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