TIP31C Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP31C is a Bipolar (BJT) NPN transistor rated for 100 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 3 A maximum collector current in a TO-220-3 through-hole package. The main part from onsemi is classified as obsolete, while equivalent versions from other manufacturers remain in active production. Identifying suitable substitutes is necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure component availability for new production runs and field replacements.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	100	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	3	A
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	V
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	10 @ 3A, 4V	—
Power - Max	2	W
Frequency - Transition	3	MHz
Operating Temperature	-65 to 150	°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TIP31C is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Direct Substitutes (identical electrical and mechanical specifications):

Transistor Type: NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 100 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 3 A
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic: 1.2V @ 375mA, 3A
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce: 10 @ 3A, 4V
Power - Max: 2 W
Frequency - Transition: 3 MHz
Operating Temperature: -65°C to 150°C (TJ)
Package / Case: TO-220-3
Mounting Type: Through Hole

Similar Substitutes (compatible voltage and current ratings with parameter variations):

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

Parts that deviate from the 100 V breakdown voltage specification (such as TIP31G at 40 V) are classified as similar but not direct substitutes due to reduced voltage rating.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Ic (Max)	Vce Breakdown (Max)	Vce Sat @ Ib, Ic	hFE (Min) @ Ic, Vce	Power (Max)	Freq Trans	Temp Range	Package	Status
TIP31C	onsemi	3 A	100 V	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	10 @ 3A, 4V	2 W	3 MHz	-65 to 150°C	TO-220-3	Obsolete
TIP31CG	onsemi	3 A	100 V	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	10 @ 3A, 4V	2 W	3 MHz	-65 to 150°C	TO-220-3	Active
BD241C	STMicroelectronics	3 A	100 V	1.2V @ 600mA, 3A	10 @ 3A, 4V	40 W	—	150°C	TO-220-3	Active
TIP31C	Fairchild Semiconductor	3 A	100 V	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	10 @ 3A, 4V	40 W	3 MHz	—	TO-220-3	Active
TIP31C-BP-HF	Micro Commercial Co	3 A	100 V	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	25 @ 1A, 4V	2 W	3 MHz	-65 to 150°C	TO-220-3	Active
BD243CG	onsemi	6 A	100 V	1.5V @ 1A, 6A	15 @ 3A, 4V	65 W	3 MHz	-65 to 150°C	TO-220-3	Active
KSC2334Y	Fairchild Semiconductor	7 A	100 V	600mV @ 500mA, 5A	120 @ 3A, 5V	1.5 W	—	150°C	TO-220-3	Active
KSC2334YTU	onsemi	7 A	100 V	600mV @ 500mA, 5A	120 @ 3A, 5V	1.5 W	—	150°C	TO-220-3	Active
TIP29CG	onsemi	1 A	100 V	700mV @ 125mA, 1A	15 @ 1A, 4V	2 W	3 MHz	-65 to 150°C	TO-220-3	Active
TIP31G	onsemi	3 A	40 V	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	10 @ 3A, 4V	2 W	3 MHz	-65 to 150°C	TO-220-3	Last Time Buy
BD911	NTE Electronics, Inc	15 A	100 V	3V @ 2.5A, 10A	40 @ 500mA, 4V	90 W	3 MHz	-65 to 150°C	TO-220-3	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Substitutes (Recommended for Pin-Compatible Replacement):

TIP31CG from onsemi is the primary direct substitute. It maintains identical electrical specifications (3 A, 100 V, 3 MHz, 2 W) and operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C). The part is in active production status with RoHS3 compliance, making it suitable for new designs and field replacements where the original onsemi TIP31C (obsolete) is no longer available.

TIP31C from Fairchild Semiconductor is also a direct electrical equivalent with identical voltage, current, and frequency ratings. However, it specifies a maximum power rating of 40 W rather than 2 W, indicating enhanced thermal performance in the same package. This part is in active production status.

TIP31C-BP-HF from Micro Commercial Co maintains the same electrical specifications with a higher DC current gain (hFE Min of 25 @ 1A, 4V versus 10 @ 3A, 4V). This part is in active production status and suitable for applications where higher current gain is beneficial.

Compatible Substitutes (Voltage and Current Compatible):

BD241C from STMicroelectronics is electrically compatible with identical 100 V breakdown voltage and 3 A collector current. The part features a 40 W power rating and is in active production status with RoHS3 compliance. Vce saturation is specified at 600 mA base current versus 375 mA for the TIP31C, representing a minor operational difference.

BD243CG from onsemi is compatible at the 100 V / 3 A operating point but rated for higher current (6 A maximum) and significantly higher power dissipation (65 W). This part is suitable for applications requiring additional current margin or thermal headroom. It is in active production status with RoHS3 compliance.

Higher Current Alternatives (100 V Rated):

BD911 from NTE Electronics, Inc is rated for 15 A maximum collector current at 100 V breakdown voltage with 90 W power dissipation. This part is suitable only for applications where the higher current capability is required. It is in active production status but carries RoHS non-compliant designation.

KSC2334Y and KSC2334YTU are rated for 7 A maximum collector current at 100 V breakdown voltage. These parts feature significantly higher DC current gain (120 @ 3A, 5V) and lower power ratings (1.5 W). Both are in active production status with RoHS3 compliance (KSC2334YTU).

Lower Current Alternative (100 V Rated):

TIP29CG from onsemi is rated for 1 A maximum collector current at 100 V breakdown voltage. This part is suitable only for applications with reduced current requirements. It is in active production status with RoHS3 compliance.

Reduced Voltage Alternative:

TIP31G from onsemi is rated for 40 V breakdown voltage (versus 100 V) with identical 3 A collector current. This part is suitable only for applications operating at reduced voltage levels. It is in Last Time Buy status with RoHS3 compliance and should not be selected for new designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TIP31CG be used as a direct replacement for the obsolete onsemi TIP31C?

A: Yes. TIP31CG from onsemi is a direct substitute with identical electrical specifications: 100 V breakdown voltage, 3 A collector current, 3 MHz transition frequency, 2 W power rating, and -65°C to 150°C operating temperature range. The part is in active production status and carries RoHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the difference between TIP31C from onsemi and TIP31C from Fairchild Semiconductor?

A: Both parts share identical voltage (100 V), current (3 A), and frequency (3 MHz) ratings. The Fairchild version specifies a 40 W maximum power rating compared to 2 W for the onsemi version, indicating superior thermal performance in the same TO-220-3 package. Both are electrically interchangeable.

Q: Can BD241C replace TIP31C in all applications?

A: BD241C is electrically compatible at the 100 V / 3 A operating point and is suitable for most applications. The primary difference is Vce saturation specification at 600 mA base current (versus 375 mA for TIP31C). BD241C is in active production status with RoHS3 compliance and higher power rating (40 W).

Q: Is TIP31C-BP-HF from Micro Commercial Co a suitable substitute?

A: Yes. TIP31C-BP-HF maintains identical voltage (100 V), current (3 A), frequency (3 MHz), and operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C). The DC current gain is higher (25 @ 1A, 4V versus 10 @ 3A, 4V), which may improve circuit performance in some applications. The part is in active production status.

Q: Can higher current rated parts like BD243CG or BD911 be used as substitutes?

A: Higher current rated parts are compatible at the 100 V / 3 A operating point but are not necessary unless the application requires additional current margin or thermal headroom. BD243CG (6 A) and BD911 (15 A) both maintain 100 V breakdown voltage and are in active production status. Selection should be based on actual circuit requirements.

Q: Why is TIP31G not recommended as a substitute?

A: TIP31G is rated for only 40 V breakdown voltage compared to 100 V for TIP31C. This reduced voltage rating makes it unsuitable for applications designed for 100 V operation. Additionally, TIP31G is in Last Time Buy status and should not be selected for new designs.

Q: What is the significance of RoHS3 compliance in substitute selection?

A: RoHS3 compliance indicates the part meets current environmental and hazardous substance restrictions. Parts with RoHS3 compliance (such as TIP31CG, BD241C, and BD243CG) are preferred for new production and designs subject to regulatory requirements. The original onsemi TIP31C is RoHS non-compliant.

Q: Can TIP29CG be used as a substitute for TIP31C?

A: TIP29CG is not a suitable substitute. It is rated for only 1 A maximum collector current compared to 3 A for TIP31C. While both parts share 100 V breakdown voltage and 3 MHz transition frequency, the reduced current rating makes TIP29CG unsuitable for applications requiring 3 A operation.

Q: Are there packaging differences between substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts listed use the TO-220-3 through-hole package, ensuring mechanical compatibility. Packaging variations (Tube, Bulk, Bag) refer to supplier delivery format and do not affect electrical or mechanical interchangeability. Verify supplier packaging availability for procurement requirements.

Q: What should be verified before implementing a substitute part?

A: Verify that the substitute part meets the application's voltage (100 V minimum), current (3 A minimum), and thermal requirements. Confirm RoHS compliance status if required by design standards. Review Vce saturation and DC current gain specifications to ensure circuit performance remains within acceptable limits. Validate operating temperature range compatibility with the application environment.

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