TIP31C-BP Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP31C-BP is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by Micro Commercial Co, designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. This through-hole TO-220AB packaged device operates at maximum collector current of 3 A and collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 100 V, with a maximum power dissipation of 2 W. The part is currently in active production status with 4421 units in stock. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical performance and mechanical compatibility are required due to component availability, supply chain considerations, or design flexibility across multiple manufacturer sources.

Substiute Parts

TIP31C-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 4433TIP31C-BP Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BD241C

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 8954BD241C Datasheet

DirectRFQ

TIP31C

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 69458TIP31C Datasheet

DirectRFQ

TIP31CG

onsemiIn Stock: 6765TIP31CG Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the TIP31C-BP are classified based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter alignment. All identified substitutes maintain the following core specifications:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Transistor Type: NPN
• Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 3 A
• Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 100 V
• Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic: 1.2V @ 375mA, 3A (or 600mA, 3A)
• Current - Collector Cutoff (Max): 200–300 µA
• DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce: 10 @ 3A, 4V
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: TO-220-3

Substitutes are sourced from different manufacturers (STMicroelectronics, Fairchild Semiconductor, onsemi) and maintain electrical compatibility within the specified parameter ranges. Power dissipation ratings vary (2 W to 40 W), with higher-rated devices providing additional thermal margin in applications. All substitutes comply with RoHS3 and REACH regulations.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Substitutes (Electrical and Mechanical Equivalence):

The TIP31C (Fairchild Semiconductor) and TIP31CG (onsemi) are direct substitutes for the TIP31C-BP. Both devices match all critical electrical parameters and maintain the same TO-220-3 package configuration. The TIP31CG offers an extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C) compared to the TIP31C-BP specification of 150°C maximum. Both TIP31C and TIP31CG are RoHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting regulatory requirements equivalent to the main part.

Enhanced Thermal Performance Substitute:

The BD241C (STMicroelectronics) provides equivalent electrical performance with significantly higher power dissipation capability (40 W versus 2 W). This device maintains all critical electrical parameters including collector current, breakdown voltage, saturation voltage, and DC current gain. The BD241C is suitable for applications requiring additional thermal margin or higher power handling within the same electrical specification envelope. RoHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status align with regulatory requirements.

Selection Criteria:

• For direct replacement with identical thermal characteristics: TIP31C or TIP31CG
• For applications requiring enhanced thermal performance: BD241C
• For extended temperature range operation: TIP31CG
• All substitutes maintain TO-220-3 through-hole mounting compatibility
• All substitutes support RoHS3 and REACH compliance requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BD241C replace TIP31C-BP in all applications?

A: BD241C is electrically equivalent to TIP31C-BP across all critical parameters (collector current, breakdown voltage, saturation voltage, and DC current gain). The primary difference is power dissipation rating (40 W versus 2 W). BD241C is suitable for applications where thermal performance is a consideration. Both devices use identical TO-220-3 through-hole packaging and are pin-compatible.

Q: What is the difference between TIP31C and TIP31CG?

A: TIP31C (Fairchild Semiconductor) and TIP31CG (onsemi) are electrically identical across all specified parameters. The TIP31CG offers an extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C) compared to the TIP31C-BP specification. Both maintain 3 MHz transition frequency and 2 W power dissipation. Selection between these devices depends on temperature range requirements for the application.

Q: Are all substitute parts pin-compatible with TIP31C-BP?

A: Yes. All substitute parts (BD241C, TIP31C, TIP31CG) use the TO-220-3 through-hole package with identical pin configuration. Direct board-level substitution is supported without modification to PCB layout or mounting hardware.

Q: Do substitute parts meet the same regulatory compliance as TIP31C-BP?

A: TIP31C (Fairchild Semiconductor) compliance status is not fully specified in available documentation. TIP31CG and BD241C are both RoHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, matching the regulatory status of TIP31C-BP. Verify Fairchild Semiconductor TIP31C compliance documentation for specific applications requiring regulatory certification.

Q: What is the significance of the Vce saturation base current specification difference between BD241C and other substitutes?

A: BD241C specifies Vce saturation at 600 mA base current, while TIP31C-BP, TIP31C, and TIP31CG specify 375 mA base current. Both measurements maintain the same 1.2 V maximum saturation voltage at 3 A collector current. This difference reflects manufacturer test conditions and does not affect functional equivalence in switching applications.

Q: Can TIP31C-BP be used interchangeably with BD241C in high-frequency applications?

A: TIP31C-BP and TIP31CG both specify 3 MHz transition frequency. BD241C does not specify transition frequency in available documentation. For applications requiring confirmed 3 MHz or higher transition frequency performance, TIP31C-BP, TIP31C, or TIP31CG are the appropriate selections.