TIP120-BP Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP120-BP is an NPN Darlington bipolar junction transistor manufactured by Micro Commercial Co, rated for 60 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 5 A maximum collector current in a TO-220AB through-hole package. This component is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of equivalent substitute parts for ongoing design and procurement requirements. Substitute parts must maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility across the specified parameter range to ensure functional equivalence in circuit applications.

Substiute Parts

TIP120-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1201TIP120-BP Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

TIP120

onsemiIn Stock: 30306TIP120 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

TIP120G

onsemiIn Stock: 1414TIP120G Datasheet

DirectRFQ

TIP120TU

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 3898TIP120TU Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the TIP120-BP are qualified based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence. The following criteria determine substitution eligibility:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• 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
• Package / Case: TO-220-3
• Mounting Type: Through Hole

All identified substitute parts meet these mandatory electrical and mechanical requirements. Variations in maximum power rating, operating temperature range, product status, and packaging format (tube vs. bulk) do not preclude substitution when the core electrical specifications are identical.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: TIP120G (onsemi)

The TIP120G is the preferred substitute for the obsolete TIP120-BP. This part maintains full electrical equivalence across all critical parameters while offering active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability. The TIP120G carries ROHS3 compliance certification, matching the environmental regulatory status of the original part. Operating temperature range extends to -65°C, providing broader thermal operating envelope than the TIP120-BP.

Secondary Recommendation: TIP120TU (Fairchild Semiconductor)

The TIP120TU provides electrical equivalence and active product status. This part is supplied in bulk packaging format, suitable for high-volume procurement scenarios. Operating temperature specification is limited to 150°C maximum, matching the upper thermal limit of the TIP120-BP.

Tertiary Recommendation: TIP120 (onsemi)

The TIP120 from onsemi maintains complete electrical equivalence but carries obsolete product status classification. This part is suitable only when existing inventory is available and long-term procurement is not required.

All three substitute parts are electrically and mechanically interchangeable with the TIP120-BP in TO-220-3 through-hole mounting applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TIP120G replace TIP120-BP directly in existing circuit designs?

A: Yes. The TIP120G maintains identical electrical specifications across all critical parameters: 5 A maximum collector current, 60 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, 4V saturation voltage at specified bias conditions, and 1000 minimum DC current gain. Both parts use TO-220-3 through-hole packaging with identical pin configuration and mechanical footprint.

Q: What is the difference between TIP120, TIP120G, and TIP120TU?

A: All three parts are electrically equivalent to TIP120-BP. Primary differences are: TIP120G is active product status with ROHS3 compliance and extended temperature range (-65°C to 150°C); TIP120TU is active status supplied in bulk packaging; TIP120 is obsolete status. Selection depends on procurement requirements and supply chain considerations.

Q: Does the maximum power rating difference affect substitution?

A: The TIP120-BP is rated 65 W maximum power, while substitute parts are rated 2 W. Power rating reflects thermal dissipation capability under specified conditions. Substitution is valid when circuit design ensures actual power dissipation remains within the lower 2 W rating of substitute parts. Thermal management and heatsinking requirements must be evaluated for the specific application.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: TIP120G is explicitly ROHS3 compliant. TIP120 and TIP120TU compliance status is not specified in available documentation. For applications requiring verified ROHS3 compliance, TIP120G is the recommended selection.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for each substitute?

A: TIP120-BP operates -55°C to 150°C. TIP120G operates -65°C to 150°C, providing extended low-temperature capability. TIP120 and TIP120TU are specified to 150°C maximum only. Selection depends on application thermal requirements.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in PCB designs?

A: Yes. All parts use identical TO-220-3 through-hole package with three leads (Base, Collector, Emitter) in standard configuration. PCB footprints, lead spacing, and mounting hole patterns are identical. No PCB redesign is required for substitution.