TIP31-BP Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP31-BP is a Bipolar (BJT) NPN transistor manufactured by Micro Commercial Co, rated for 40 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 3 A maximum collector current in a TO-220AB through-hole package. This device is classified as obsolete, making identification of suitable substitute components necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. The TIP31-BP delivers 2 W maximum power dissipation with a 3 MHz transition frequency, suitable for general-purpose switching and amplification applications in legacy systems.

Substiute Parts

TIP31-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 939TIP31-BP Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

TIP31C-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 4433TIP31C-BP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TIP31-BP is determined by strict electrical and mechanical compatibility within the following parameters:

Critical Substitution Criteria:

• Transistor Type: NPN (must match)
• Package / Case: TO-220-3 (must match for mechanical fit)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (must match)
• Current - Collector (Ic) Max: 3 A (must equal or exceed)
• Vce Saturation: 1.2 V @ 375mA, 3A (must match or be lower)
• Current - Collector Cutoff (Max): 300 µA (must equal or be lower)
• Power - Max: 2 W (must equal or exceed)
• Frequency - Transition: 3 MHz (must equal or exceed)
• Operating Temperature: 150°C (TJ) (must equal or exceed)
• RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant (must maintain compliance)

Voltage Rating Consideration: The TIP31-BP operates at 40 V maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage. Substitute parts may operate at higher voltage ratings without functional degradation in 40 V applications, provided all other electrical parameters remain compatible.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The TIP31C-BP is a direct functional substitute for the TIP31-BP. Both devices share identical electrical performance across all critical parameters: 3 A collector current, 1.2 V saturation voltage, 300 µA cutoff current, 2 W power dissipation, and 3 MHz transition frequency. Both maintain TO-220-3 through-hole packaging and ROHS3 compliance.

The primary distinction is voltage rating: the TIP31C-BP operates at 100 V maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage compared to the TIP31-BP's 40 V rating. This higher voltage capability in the TIP31C-BP presents no functional limitation in applications designed for 40 V operation and provides enhanced margin for transient voltage conditions.

The TIP31-BP is classified as obsolete, while the TIP31C-BP maintains active product status with significantly higher inventory availability (4421 pieces in stock versus 928 pieces). For new designs and production continuity, the TIP31C-BP is the appropriate selection.

Both devices maintain identical moisture sensitivity (MSL 1, Unlimited) and regulatory compliance, ensuring equivalent reliability and handling requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TIP31C-BP directly replace the TIP31-BP in existing circuit designs?

A: Yes. The TIP31C-BP is electrically and mechanically compatible with the TIP31-BP. Both devices deliver identical collector current (3 A), saturation voltage (1.2 V @ 375mA, 3A), cutoff current (300 µA), power dissipation (2 W), and transition frequency (3 MHz). The TIP31C-BP's higher voltage rating (100 V versus 40 V) does not affect operation in 40 V applications.

Q: What is the significance of the voltage rating difference between TIP31-BP and TIP31C-BP?

A: The TIP31-BP is rated for 40 V maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage, while the TIP31C-BP is rated for 100 V. In applications operating at or below 40 V, the higher voltage rating of the TIP31C-BP provides additional safety margin without altering electrical performance. The device will not conduct differently or exhibit altered switching characteristics at 40 V operation.

Q: Are the packaging and mounting specifications identical?

A: Yes. Both the TIP31-BP and TIP31C-BP use TO-220-3 through-hole packages with identical pin configurations and mechanical dimensions. No PCB layout modifications are required for substitution.

Q: Do both devices maintain the same compliance certifications?

A: Yes. Both the TIP31-BP and TIP31C-BP are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating. Handling, storage, and environmental requirements are identical.

Q: Why is the TIP31C-BP recommended over the TIP31-BP for new applications?

A: The TIP31-BP is classified as obsolete, indicating discontinued manufacturing and limited future availability. The TIP31C-BP maintains active product status with substantially higher inventory levels, ensuring reliable supply for production and design continuity.

Q: Are there differences in DC current gain (hFE) between the two devices?

A: Yes. The TIP31-BP specifies hFE minimum of 25 @ 1A, 4V, while the TIP31C-BP specifies hFE minimum of 10 @ 3A, 4V. These measurements are taken at different collector current levels. For applications operating at 1 A collector current, verify that the TIP31C-BP's hFE specification at 3 A operation meets circuit requirements.

Q: What is the base product number for these devices?

A: Both the TIP31-BP and TIP31C-BP share the base product number TIP31, indicating they are members of the same device family with common electrical architecture and pin configuration.