TIP29C Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP29C is a Bipolar (BJT) NPN transistor rated for 100 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 1 A maximum collector current in a TO-220-3 through-hole package. Manufactured by onsemi, this device is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute components for new designs and ongoing production requirements. The TIP29C operates across a temperature range of -65°C to 150°C with a maximum power dissipation of 2 W and transition frequency of 3 MHz.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	100	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	1	A
Power - Max	2	W
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	700mV @ 125mA, 1A	—
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	15 @ 1A, 4V	—
Frequency - Transition	3	MHz
Operating Temperature	-65 to 150	°C
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TIP29C is determined by strict equivalence and compatibility across the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Equivalence Criteria:

Transistor Type: NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 100 V minimum
Package / Case: TO-220-3
Mounting Type: Through Hole

Secondary Compatibility Criteria:

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): Equal to or greater than 1 A
Power - Max: Equal to or greater than 2 W
Vce Saturation (Max): Compatible saturation characteristics
DC Current Gain (hFE): Minimum 15 at specified conditions
Operating Temperature: Minimum -65°C to 150°C range

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Equivalents: Parts with identical electrical specifications and active product status, suitable for direct replacement without circuit modification.

Compatible Substitutes: Parts with equal or superior electrical ratings that maintain functional compatibility within the same package family. These parts accommodate higher current or power requirements while maintaining voltage and temperature specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Ic (Max)	Vce Breakdown (Max)	Power (Max)	Vce Sat (Max)	hFE (Min)	Frequency	Temp Range	Package	Status
TIP29C	onsemi	1 A	100 V	2 W	700mV @ 125mA, 1A	15 @ 1A, 4V	3 MHz	-65 to 150°C	TO-220-3	Obsolete
TIP29CG	onsemi	1 A	100 V	2 W	700mV @ 125mA, 1A	15 @ 1A, 4V	3 MHz	-65 to 150°C	TO-220-3	Active
TIP29C	NTE Electronics, Inc	1 A	100 V	2 W	700mV @ 125mA, 1A	15 @ 1A, 4V	3 MHz	-65 to 150°C	TO-220-3	Active
BD239C	STMicroelectronics	2 A	100 V	2 W	700mV @ 200mA, 1A	15 @ 1A, 4V	—	-40 to 150°C	TO-220-3	Active
BD239CTU	onsemi	2 A	100 V	30 W	700mV @ 200mA, 1A	15 @ 1A, 4V	—	-40 to 150°C	TO-220-3	Last Time Buy
BD241CG	onsemi	3 A	100 V	40 W	1.2V @ 600mA, 3A	25 @ 1A, 4V	3 MHz	-65 to 150°C	TO-220-3	Active
BD243CG	onsemi	6 A	100 V	65 W	1.5V @ 1A, 6A	15 @ 3A, 4V	3 MHz	-65 to 150°C	TO-220-3	Active
TIP31CG	onsemi	3 A	100 V	2 W	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	10 @ 3A, 4V	3 MHz	-65 to 150°C	TO-220-3	Active
KSC2334YTU	onsemi	7 A	100 V	1.5 W	600mV @ 500mA, 5A	120 @ 3A, 5V	—	-40 to 150°C	TO-220-3	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Replacement (Identical Specifications):

TIP29CG (onsemi) is the direct active equivalent of the obsolete TIP29C. This part maintains identical electrical specifications including 1 A maximum collector current, 100 V breakdown voltage, 2 W power dissipation, and -65°C to 150°C operating temperature range. TIP29CG is ROHS3 compliant and carries active product status, making it the primary selection for direct substitution in existing designs.

TIP29C (NTE Electronics, Inc) provides an alternative source for the identical specification profile with active product status and ROHS3 compliance.

Compatible Substitutes (Higher Current Rating):

BD239C (STMicroelectronics) accommodates applications requiring 2 A collector current while maintaining 100 V breakdown voltage and 2 W power dissipation. This part is ROHS3 compliant and active. The operating temperature range is -40°C to 150°C, which is narrower than the original TIP29C specification.

BD241CG (onsemi) supports 3 A collector current with 40 W power dissipation and maintains 100 V breakdown voltage. This part is ROHS3 compliant, active, and covers the full -65°C to 150°C temperature range. Selection of BD241CG is appropriate for applications requiring higher current capacity within the same voltage class.

BD243CG (onsemi) provides 6 A collector current capability with 65 W power dissipation at 100 V breakdown voltage. This part is ROHS3 compliant, active, and operates across -65°C to 150°C. Selection is appropriate for high-current applications within the 100 V voltage class.

Compliance Status:

All recommended active substitutes carry ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status. The obsolete TIP29C (onsemi) is RoHS non-compliant. BD239CTU (onsemi) carries Last Time Buy status and should not be selected for new designs requiring long-term availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TIP29CG directly replace the obsolete TIP29C in existing circuits?

A: Yes. TIP29CG is the direct active equivalent with identical electrical specifications: 1 A maximum collector current, 100 V breakdown voltage, 2 W power dissipation, and -65°C to 150°C operating temperature. No circuit modification is required.

Q: What is the difference between TIP29C and TIP29CG?

A: Both parts are manufactured by onsemi with identical electrical specifications. The primary difference is product status: TIP29C is obsolete, while TIP29CG is active. TIP29CG is also ROHS3 compliant, whereas the original TIP29C is RoHS non-compliant.

Q: Can I use BD239C as a substitute for TIP29C?

A: BD239C is compatible for applications where 2 A collector current is acceptable. Both parts maintain 100 V breakdown voltage and 2 W power dissipation. However, BD239C has a narrower operating temperature range (-40°C to 150°C versus -65°C to 150°C). Selection depends on circuit temperature requirements.

Q: What are the advantages of using BD241CG instead of TIP29C?

A: BD241CG provides higher current capacity (3 A versus 1 A) and significantly higher power dissipation (40 W versus 2 W) while maintaining the same 100 V breakdown voltage. This part is suitable for applications requiring higher current handling or thermal performance. The full -65°C to 150°C temperature range is maintained.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same TO-220-3 package?

A: Yes. All recommended substitute parts use the TO-220-3 through-hole package, ensuring mechanical and thermal compatibility with existing PCB layouts and heat sink mounting arrangements.

Q: Which substitute should I select for a new design?

A: For new designs requiring 1 A collector current at 100 V, select TIP29CG (onsemi). This part is the direct active equivalent with full compliance certifications and long-term availability. For applications requiring higher current capacity, select BD241CG (3 A) or BD243CG (6 A) based on circuit requirements.

Q: What is the significance of the transition frequency specification?

A: Transition frequency (fT) indicates the frequency at which current gain drops to unity. TIP29C and its direct equivalents specify 3 MHz transition frequency. Parts without specified transition frequency (BD239C, BD239CTU, KSC2334YTU) may have different high-frequency characteristics and should be evaluated for applications with frequency-dependent performance requirements.

Q: Can KSC2334YTU replace TIP29C?

A: KSC2334YTU is not recommended as a direct substitute. While it maintains 100 V breakdown voltage and TO-220-3 packaging, it specifies 7 A collector current and 1.5 W power dissipation, which differs significantly from TIP29C specifications. Additionally, the operating temperature range is -40°C to 150°C, narrower than the original part. Selection should be based on specific circuit current and power requirements.

Q: What compliance certifications should I verify for production use?

A: All active substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status. The obsolete TIP29C (onsemi) is RoHS non-compliant and should not be used in new production. Verify ROHS3 compliance for all components entering new manufacturing processes.

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