TIP120TU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP120TU is an NPN Darlington bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, designed for through-hole mounting in TO-220-3 package configuration. This device is rated for 60 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 5 A maximum collector current, with a maximum power dissipation of 2 W. The TIP120TU is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of equivalent substitute components for ongoing design support and procurement continuity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
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)	500µA
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 (TJ)	150°C
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TIP120TU is determined by electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence within the NPN Darlington transistor category. The critical parameters governing substitution are:

Transistor Type: NPN - Darlington configuration
Current Rating: 5 A maximum collector current
Voltage Rating: 60 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage
Power Dissipation: 2 W maximum
DC Current Gain: 1000 minimum at specified conditions
Saturation Characteristics: 4V @ 20mA, 5A
Package Configuration: TO-220-3 through-hole mounting
Compliance: ROHS3 compliant

The substitute parts TIP120G and TIP120 maintain identical electrical specifications and package compatibility with the TIP120TU, enabling direct functional replacement in circuit applications.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	TIP120TU	TIP120G	TIP120
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
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Obsolete

Engineering Selection Recommendations

TIP120G is the primary substitute for the obsolete TIP120TU. This part maintains full electrical and mechanical equivalence while offering active product status from onsemi, ensuring continued availability and manufacturing support. The TIP120G is supplied in tube packaging and operates across the extended temperature range of -65°C to 150°C, providing broader thermal operating capability compared to the TIP120TU specification of 150°C maximum junction temperature.

TIP120 is an alternative substitute that provides identical electrical specifications and package configuration. However, this part shares obsolete product status with the TIP120TU, limiting its suitability for new designs requiring long-term component availability.

For applications requiring active product status and assured supply chain continuity, TIP120G is the recommended selection. Both substitute parts satisfy all electrical and mechanical requirements for direct replacement in existing TIP120TU circuit implementations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TIP120G directly replace TIP120TU in existing circuit designs?

A: Yes. The TIP120G maintains identical electrical specifications including 5 A collector current, 60 V breakdown voltage, 2 W power dissipation, and 1000 minimum DC current gain. Package configuration and pin assignment are equivalent, enabling direct substitution without circuit modification.

Q: What is the primary advantage of TIP120G over TIP120TU?

A: TIP120G holds active product status from onsemi, ensuring ongoing manufacturing and supply availability. The TIP120TU is classified as obsolete. Additionally, TIP120G specifies an extended operating temperature range of -65°C to 150°C compared to TIP120TU at 150°C maximum.

Q: Are there packaging differences between TIP120TU and TIP120G?

A: Both parts use TO-220-3 through-hole package configuration. TIP120G is supplied in tube packaging, while TIP120TU packaging specification is not detailed. This distinction does not affect electrical performance or circuit compatibility.

Q: Is TIP120 a suitable substitute for TIP120TU?

A: TIP120 provides identical electrical and mechanical specifications for direct substitution. However, TIP120 shares obsolete product status with TIP120TU. For applications requiring assured long-term availability, TIP120G is the preferred alternative.

Q: Do all three parts comply with RoHS requirements?

A: Yes. TIP120TU, TIP120G, and TIP120 are all ROHS3 compliant, meeting environmental and regulatory requirements for electronic component manufacturing and use.

Q: What are the critical electrical parameters for substitution compatibility?

A: Substitution compatibility is determined by matching transistor type (NPN - Darlington), collector current rating (5 A), collector-emitter breakdown voltage (60 V), power dissipation (2 W), DC current gain (1000 minimum), saturation voltage (4V @ 20mA, 5A), and package configuration (TO-220-3 through-hole). All three parts satisfy these criteria.

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