TIP31C Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP31C is a Bipolar (BJT) NPN transistor manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation, designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. The device is rated for 100V collector-emitter breakdown voltage with a maximum collector current of 3A and 40W power dissipation capability in a TO-220 through-hole package.

The TIP31C is classified as obsolete product status. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production requirements for applications utilizing this component.

Substiute Parts

TIP31C

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 69440TIP31C Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

TIP31C

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 69458TIP31C Datasheet

DirectRFQ

TIP31C-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 4433TIP31C-BP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

TIP31CG

onsemiIn Stock: 6765TIP31CG Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the TIP31C are determined by electrical and mechanical parameter compatibility within the Bipolar (BJT) NPN transistor category. The substitution logic is based on the following critical parameters:

Electrical Parameters:

• Transistor Type: NPN configuration
• Current - Collector (Ic) Max: 3A minimum requirement
• Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown: 100V minimum rating
• Vce Saturation characteristics: 1.2V @ 375mA, 3A
• DC Current Gain (hFE): 10 @ 3A, 4V minimum
• Frequency - Transition: 3MHz minimum

Mechanical Parameters:

• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: TO-220-3 configuration

All substitute parts listed maintain these electrical specifications and physical package compatibility, enabling direct functional replacement in circuit applications designed for the TIP31C.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

TIP31C (Fairchild Semiconductor): This part maintains identical electrical specifications to the original Renesas TIP31C, including 40W maximum power dissipation. The Fairchild variant is classified as active product status, ensuring continued availability. This option is suitable for applications requiring the full 40W power rating of the original design.

TIP31C-BP (Micro Commercial Co): This substitute offers active product status with ROHS3 compliance and improved moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1 - Unlimited). The maximum power dissipation is rated at 2W, which differs from the original 40W specification. This part is suitable for applications where the 40W power rating is not required and RoHS compliance is mandated.

TIP31CG (onsemi): This substitute provides active product status with ROHS3 compliance and extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C). The maximum power dissipation is rated at 2W. This option is appropriate for applications requiring RoHS compliance and extended temperature operation where the 40W power rating is not a design requirement.

For applications requiring the full 40W power dissipation capability of the original TIP31C, the Fairchild Semiconductor TIP31C is the appropriate substitute. For applications where RoHS compliance is required and power dissipation does not exceed 2W, either the Micro Commercial Co TIP31C-BP or onsemi TIP31CG are suitable alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TIP31C-BP or TIP31CG be used as direct replacements for the original Renesas TIP31C in all applications?

A: Direct replacement compatibility depends on the application's power dissipation requirements. The TIP31C-BP and TIP31CG are rated for 2W maximum power dissipation, while the original Renesas TIP31C is rated for 40W. If the circuit design requires power dissipation exceeding 2W, these substitutes are not suitable. For applications operating within 2W power dissipation limits, these parts are electrically compatible based on collector current, breakdown voltage, saturation voltage, and current gain specifications.

Q: What is the significance of the different Collector Cutoff Current (Icbo) ratings between the original TIP31C and the substitutes?

A: The original Renesas TIP31C specifies a maximum Collector Cutoff Current of 200µA, while the TIP31C-BP and TIP31CG specify 300µA. This parameter represents leakage current in the off state. The higher rating in the substitutes indicates slightly higher leakage, which may affect circuit performance in applications with stringent leakage current requirements. For most general-purpose switching applications, this difference is not significant.

Q: Are there RoHS compliance considerations when selecting a substitute?

A: The original Renesas TIP31C is RoHS non-compliant. The TIP31C-BP (Micro Commercial Co) and TIP31CG (onsemi) are both ROHS3 compliant. If the application or end-product requires RoHS compliance, the Fairchild Semiconductor TIP31C does not specify RoHS status and should be evaluated against specific compliance requirements. The Micro Commercial Co and onsemi variants are suitable for RoHS-compliant designs.

Q: What is the difference between the TO-220 and TO-220AB package designations?

A: Both TO-220 and TO-220AB refer to the same three-lead through-hole package form factor with identical pin configuration and mechanical dimensions. The "AB" designation in the TIP31C-BP supplier device package specification indicates a specific variant of the TO-220 package. Both are compatible with standard TO-220-3 footprints and mounting hardware.

Q: How does the Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) affect component handling and storage?

A: The original Renesas TIP31C has MSL 3 (168 Hours), indicating the component must be used within 168 hours of exposure to moisture above specified humidity levels. The TIP31C-BP has MSL 1 (Unlimited), requiring no moisture-related time restrictions. The TIP31CG has MSL Not Applicable, indicating no moisture sensitivity constraints. For applications with extended storage periods or in high-humidity environments, the TIP31C-BP or TIP31CG offer superior handling flexibility.

Q: Can the TIP31CG operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C) be utilized in all applications?

A: The TIP31CG specifies an operating temperature range of -65°C to 150°C, while the original Renesas TIP31C does not specify an operating temperature range in the provided data. The TIP31C-BP specifies a maximum junction temperature of 150°C. The extended low-temperature capability of the TIP31CG (-65°C) is available for applications requiring operation in cold environments. Standard applications operating within 0°C to 70°C do not require this extended range.