TIP31ATU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP31ATU 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. This device is classified as obsolete, making identification of equivalent and substitute parts essential for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. The TIP31ATU serves in general-purpose switching and amplification applications requiring moderate power dissipation and current handling capability.

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
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	V
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	10 @ 3A, 4V	—
Frequency - Transition	3	MHz
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	300	µA
Operating Temperature (Max)	150	°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TIP31ATU is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Transistor Type: NPN (required match)
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 60 V (required match or higher)
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 3 A (required match or higher)
Package / Case: TO-220-3 (required match for mechanical compatibility)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (required match)

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

Vce Saturation characteristics
DC Current Gain (hFE)
Frequency - Transition
Operating Temperature range

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories based on their relationship to the TIP31ATU:

Parametric Equivalents: Parts with identical electrical specifications and package type, differing only in product status or manufacturer designation.
Direct Substitutes: Parts with matching core parameters (voltage, current, package) from alternative manufacturers or product lines.
Similar Alternatives: Parts with higher current ratings or modified electrical characteristics that remain compatible within the TO-220-3 package constraint.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	TIP31ATU	TIP31AG	TIP31A	TIP31G	2N6487G
Manufacturer	onsemi	onsemi	Solid State Inc.	onsemi	onsemi
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Last Time Buy	Active
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	60 V	60 V	60 V	40 V	60 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	3 A	3 A	3 A	3 A	15 A
Power - Max	2 W	2 W	40 W	2 W	1.8 W
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	3.5V @ 5A, 15A
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	10 @ 3A, 4V	10 @ 3A, 4V	25 @ 1A, 4V	10 @ 3A, 4V	20 @ 5A, 4V
Frequency - Transition	3 MHz	3 MHz	3 MHz	3 MHz	5 MHz
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	300 µA	300 µA	300 µA	300 µA	1 mA
Operating Temperature (Max)	150°C	150°C	150°C	150°C	150°C
Package / Case	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
RoHS Status	Not Specified	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

TIP31AG (Recommended Primary Substitute)

The TIP31AG is the optimal substitute for the obsolete TIP31ATU. This part maintains identical electrical specifications across all critical parameters: 60 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, 3 A maximum collector current, 2 W power rating, and 3 MHz transition frequency. The TIP31AG carries Active product status from onsemi, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity. The device is ROHS3 compliant and housed in the identical TO-220-3 package. Vce saturation characteristics and DC current gain parameters are equivalent to the TIP31ATU, enabling direct functional replacement without circuit modification.

TIP31A (Alternative Substitute)

The TIP31A from Solid State Inc. provides electrical equivalence to the TIP31ATU with identical voltage, current, and frequency ratings. This part is Active in product status with significantly higher inventory availability (49,232 pcs). The TIP31A exhibits enhanced power dissipation capability (40 W versus 2 W) and improved DC current gain (25 @ 1A, 4V versus 10 @ 3A, 4V), offering superior performance margins in switching applications. ROHS3 compliance is confirmed. Selection of TIP31A is appropriate when enhanced thermal performance or higher current gain is beneficial to circuit design.

TIP31G (Voltage-Reduced Alternative)

The TIP31G maintains identical current and power specifications but operates at a reduced maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 40 V compared to the TIP31ATU's 60 V rating. This part carries Last Time Buy status, indicating limited future availability. The TIP31G is suitable only for applications where the 40 V voltage rating is sufficient and where the reduced supply window is acceptable. ROHS3 compliance is confirmed.

2N6487G (Higher Current Alternative)

The 2N6487G is an onsemi NPN transistor with 60 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage matching the TIP31ATU, but rated for 15 A maximum collector current. This part is Active in product status with robust inventory (2,412 pcs). The 2N6487G is suitable for applications requiring higher current handling than the TIP31ATU's 3 A rating, provided that the modified Vce saturation characteristics (3.5V @ 5A, 15A) and higher collector cutoff current (1 mA) are acceptable to the circuit design. The 5 MHz transition frequency exceeds the TIP31ATU specification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TIP31AG be used as a direct replacement for the TIP31ATU without circuit modification?

A: Yes. The TIP31AG is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications for voltage, current, power, and frequency ratings. The TO-220-3 package and through-hole mounting are identical. No circuit modification is required.

Q: What is the primary reason for substituting the TIP31ATU?

A: The TIP31ATU is classified as obsolete. Substitution is necessary to ensure continued design support and procurement availability. The TIP31AG provides the most direct replacement path with Active product status.

Q: Can the 2N6487G replace the TIP31ATU in all applications?

A: The 2N6487G is electrically compatible for voltage and package specifications but is rated for 15 A collector current versus the TIP31ATU's 3 A. The higher current rating does not prevent substitution in lower-current applications. However, the modified Vce saturation characteristics (3.5V @ 5A, 15A) and higher collector cutoff current (1 mA) must be evaluated against circuit requirements. The 2N6487G is suitable for applications where the TIP31ATU's 3 A rating is not fully utilized.

Q: What is the difference between TIP31AG and TIP31A?

A: Both parts are electrically equivalent to the TIP31ATU with 60 V, 3 A, and 2 W specifications. The TIP31AG is manufactured by onsemi with ROHS3 compliance. The TIP31A is manufactured by Solid State Inc. and offers higher power dissipation (40 W) and improved DC current gain (25 @ 1A, 4V). Selection depends on manufacturer preference and whether enhanced thermal performance is required.

Q: Is the TIP31G suitable as a substitute?

A: The TIP31G is electrically compatible for current and power specifications but operates at a reduced 40 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage compared to the TIP31ATU's 60 V rating. Substitution is appropriate only for applications where the 40 V rating is sufficient. The TIP31G carries Last Time Buy status, limiting future availability.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: The TIP31AG, TIP31A, TIP31G, and 2N6487G are all ROHS3 compliant. The original TIP31ATU does not specify RoHS status.

Q: What is the inventory status of available substitutes?

A: TIP31AG has 1,941 pcs in stock. TIP31A has 49,232 pcs in stock (highest availability). TIP31G has 1,622 pcs in stock. 2N6487G has 2,412 pcs in stock. All substitutes are available for immediate procurement.

Q: Can the TIP31ATU be used in new designs?

A: No. The TIP31ATU is obsolete and not recommended for new designs. The TIP31AG is the recommended substitute for new applications requiring equivalent specifications.

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