TIP135 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP135 is a PNP Darlington bipolar junction transistor manufactured by STMicroelectronics, housed in a TO-220-3 package for through-hole mounting applications. This device is rated for 60 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 8 A maximum collector current, with a maximum power dissipation of 2 W. The TIP135 is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute components for new designs and ongoing production requirements. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility across critical parameters including collector current, voltage ratings, and DC current gain specifications.

Substiute Parts

TIP135

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 1262TIP135 Datasheet

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TIP105

NTE Electronics, IncIn Stock: 44255TIP105 Datasheet

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TIP137

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 67733TIP137 Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the TIP135 are selected based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter compatibility. The primary substitution criteria are:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Transistor Type: PNP - Darlington configuration
• Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 8 A minimum
• Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 60 V minimum
• DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min): 1000 or greater at specified operating conditions
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: TO-220-3

Acceptable Variation Parameters:

• Power - Max: Equal to or greater than 2 W
• Vce Saturation: Equal to or lower values acceptable
• Current - Collector Cutoff (Max): Equal to or lower values acceptable
• Operating Temperature: Equal to or greater than 150°C acceptable
• Frequency - Transition: Not specified for main part; not a limiting criterion

The TIP105 and TIP137 satisfy these substitution criteria with the following distinctions: TIP105 exceeds power rating (80 W vs. 2 W) and offers improved cutoff current specification; TIP137 maintains identical electrical characteristics while providing higher voltage rating (100 V vs. 60 V).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

TIP137 (Primary Substitute): The TIP137 is the preferred substitute for the obsolete TIP135. Both devices are manufactured by STMicroelectronics and maintain identical electrical characteristics at the specified operating points. The TIP137 is classified as active product status, ensuring long-term availability. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected. The TIP137 provides a higher voltage rating (100 V vs. 60 V), which offers additional design margin in applications where the TIP135 was previously specified. Mechanical compatibility is confirmed through identical TO-220-3 packaging and through-hole mounting configuration.

TIP105 (Secondary Substitute): The TIP105 is an active substitute manufactured by NTE Electronics, Inc. This device meets all mandatory electrical parameters for substitution, including 8 A collector current and 60 V voltage rating. The TIP105 provides significant advantages in power dissipation capability (80 W vs. 2 W) and improved collector cutoff current specification (50µA vs. 500µA). However, the TIP105 is classified as RoHS non-compliant, which may restrict its use in applications subject to RoHS directives. The TIP105 is suitable for applications where RoHS compliance is not required and enhanced thermal performance is beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TIP105 be used as a direct replacement for the TIP135 in all applications?

A: The TIP105 meets all mandatory electrical substitution criteria and maintains TO-220-3 package compatibility. However, the TIP105 is RoHS non-compliant, whereas the TIP135 is ROHS3 compliant. Applications subject to RoHS directives must use the TIP137 instead. For applications without RoHS requirements, the TIP105 is electrically compatible.

Q: What is the primary advantage of the TIP137 over the TIP135?

A: The TIP137 maintains identical electrical characteristics to the TIP135 while providing a higher collector-emitter breakdown voltage rating (100 V vs. 60 V). This higher voltage rating provides additional design margin and protection against voltage transients. The TIP137 is also active product status, ensuring continued availability.

Q: Are there any thermal considerations when substituting the TIP105 for the TIP135?

A: The TIP105 has a maximum power rating of 80 W compared to the TIP135's 2 W rating. This higher power capability does not create thermal concerns; the TIP105 can safely operate in applications designed for the TIP135. The TIP105's enhanced thermal performance may reduce junction temperature in power-dissipative applications.

Q: Do all three devices use the same pinout configuration?

A: All three devices (TIP135, TIP105, and TIP137) use the TO-220-3 package with identical pinout configuration. Direct mechanical substitution is possible without circuit board modifications.

Q: Which substitute should be selected for new product designs?

A: The TIP137 is the recommended choice for new designs. It is manufactured by the same supplier as the original TIP135, maintains identical electrical specifications, is ROHS3 compliant, and is classified as active product status. The TIP137 provides superior voltage rating for enhanced design margin.

Q: What is the significance of the DC Current Gain (hFE) specification difference between TIP105 and TIP135?

A: The TIP105 specifies hFE minimum of 1000 at 3 A and 4 V, while the TIP135 specifies hFE minimum of 1000 at 4 A and 4 V. Both devices meet the minimum gain requirement of 1000. The TIP105 specification at lower collector current indicates consistent gain performance across the operating range.

Q: Can the TIP135 be used in applications requiring the TIP137's higher voltage rating?

A: No. The TIP135 has a maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 60 V. Applications requiring 100 V rating must use the TIP137 or equivalent higher-voltage device to ensure reliable operation and prevent device failure.