TIP31A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP31A is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 60 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 3 A maximum collector current in a TO-220-3 through-hole package. The device is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of equivalent and substitute components for ongoing design and procurement requirements. Alternative parts must satisfy the electrical and mechanical specifications required for direct replacement or functional equivalence in circuit applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	60	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	3	A
Power - Max	2	W
Frequency - Transition	3	MHz
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1.2 @ 375mA, 3A	V
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	10 @ 3A, 4V	—
Operating Temperature	150	°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TIP31A is determined by the following critical parameters: transistor type (NPN), collector-emitter breakdown voltage rating, maximum collector current, power dissipation capability, transition frequency, saturation voltage characteristics, and DC current gain specifications. The package type (TO-220-3 through-hole) and mounting configuration must remain consistent for mechanical compatibility.

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Equivalents: Parts that maintain identical or superior electrical specifications across all critical parameters, ensuring drop-in replacement capability without circuit modification.

Functional Alternatives: Parts that satisfy the primary electrical requirements (voltage, current, and power ratings) but may differ in secondary characteristics such as transition frequency or current gain, suitable for applications where these variations do not impact circuit performance.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	TIP31A (onsemi)	TIP31AG (onsemi)	TIP31G (onsemi)	2N6487G (onsemi)	TIP31A (Solid State Inc.)
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Last Time Buy	Active	Active
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	60 V	60 V	40 V	60 V	60 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	3 A	3 A	3 A	15 A	3 A
Power - Max	2 W	2 W	2 W	1.8 W	40 W
Frequency - Transition	3 MHz	3 MHz	3 MHz	5 MHz	3 MHz
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	3.5V @ 5A, 15A	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	10 @ 3A, 4V	10 @ 3A, 4V	10 @ 3A, 4V	20 @ 5A, 4V	25 @ 1A, 4V
Operating Temperature	150°C (TJ)	-65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)	-65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)	-65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)	-65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
Package / Case	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3
RoHS Status	Not Specified	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

TIP31AG (onsemi) is the primary direct equivalent for the obsolete TIP31A. This part maintains identical electrical specifications across all critical parameters: 60 V breakdown voltage, 3 A maximum collector current, 2 W power rating, 3 MHz transition frequency, and matching saturation voltage and current gain characteristics. The TIP31AG is currently in active production status with ROHS3 compliance and extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C), providing superior availability and regulatory alignment compared to the obsolete original part.

TIP31A (Solid State Inc.) offers an alternative source for the TIP31A designation with identical voltage and current ratings. This variant features enhanced power dissipation capability (40 W versus 2 W) and higher DC current gain (25 @ 1A, 4V versus 10 @ 3A, 4V), providing additional design margin in applications requiring higher power handling. ROHS3 compliance and active production status support long-term procurement viability.

TIP31G (onsemi) is a functional alternative with reduced collector-emitter breakdown voltage (40 V versus 60 V). This part is suitable for applications where the 60 V rating is not required and where the lower voltage specification does not compromise circuit performance. The part is designated Last Time Buy, indicating limited future availability.

2N6487G (onsemi) is a functional alternative with significantly higher current capability (15 A versus 3 A) and higher transition frequency (5 MHz versus 3 MHz). This part is suitable for applications requiring higher current handling capacity. The reduced power rating (1.8 W versus 2 W) and higher saturation voltage (3.5V @ 5A, 15A) must be evaluated against specific circuit requirements. ROHS3 compliance and active production status support procurement continuity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TIP31AG be used as a direct replacement for the obsolete TIP31A?

A: Yes. TIP31AG maintains identical electrical specifications for voltage rating (60 V), collector current (3 A), power dissipation (2 W), transition frequency (3 MHz), saturation voltage, and DC current gain. The TO-220-3 package and through-hole mounting are identical. TIP31AG is currently in active production with ROHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the difference between TIP31A (onsemi) and TIP31A (Solid State Inc.)?

A: Both parts share the same part number designation and identical voltage (60 V) and current (3 A) ratings. The Solid State Inc. variant provides higher power dissipation (40 W versus 2 W) and higher DC current gain (25 @ 1A, 4V versus 10 @ 3A, 4V). Selection depends on whether the enhanced power handling capability is required for the application.

Q: Is TIP31G a suitable substitute for TIP31A?

A: TIP31G is a functional alternative only for applications where the reduced collector-emitter breakdown voltage (40 V versus 60 V) does not compromise circuit performance. All other electrical parameters match the original part. TIP31G is designated Last Time Buy, indicating limited future availability.

Q: When should 2N6487G be considered as a substitute?

A: 2N6487G is suitable for applications requiring higher collector current capability (15 A versus 3 A) and higher transition frequency (5 MHz versus 3 MHz). The higher saturation voltage (3.5V @ 5A, 15A) and lower power rating (1.8 W versus 2 W) must be evaluated against specific circuit requirements. This part is not a direct replacement but a functional alternative for higher-current applications.

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

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed are packaged in TO-220-3 through-hole configuration, ensuring mechanical compatibility with existing PCB layouts and thermal management solutions.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to the substitute parts?

A: TIP31AG, TIP31G, and 2N6487G (all onsemi) are ROHS3 compliant. TIP31A (Solid State Inc.) is also ROHS3 compliant. All parts are REACH unaffected or vendor-defined for REACH status. Verify specific compliance requirements for your application and regulatory jurisdiction.

Q: Which substitute part offers the best long-term availability?

A: TIP31AG (onsemi) and 2N6487G (onsemi) are both in active production status, providing the strongest long-term availability. TIP31A (Solid State Inc.) is also active. TIP31G is designated Last Time Buy, indicating limited future procurement windows.

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