TIP31CTU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP31CTU is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 100 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 production continuity. The TIP31CTU serves in general-purpose switching and amplification applications where moderate voltage and current handling are required.

Key Parameters

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

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TIP31CTU is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters: NPN transistor type, 100 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, 3 A maximum collector current, TO-220-3 package configuration, and through-hole mounting. Parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Equivalents maintain all electrical specifications and package requirements, differing only in product status or manufacturer. These parts are pin-compatible and electrically interchangeable without circuit modification.

Similar Substitutes share the same voltage rating and package but differ in collector current capacity, power dissipation, or frequency response. These parts are suitable only when the application tolerates higher current or power ratings without requiring circuit redesign.

Parts that deviate from the 100 V voltage specification or 3 A current rating are classified as similar substitutes and require application-level verification before deployment.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Ic (Max) [A]	Vce(br)eo [V]	Power [W]	Vce Sat [V]	hFE (Min)	Frequency [MHz]	Package	Product Status
TIP31CTU	onsemi	3	100	2	1.2 @ 375mA, 3A	10 @ 3A, 4V	3	TO-220-3	Obsolete
TIP31CG	onsemi	3	100	2	1.2 @ 375mA, 3A	10 @ 3A, 4V	3	TO-220-3	Active
TIP31C	Fairchild Semiconductor	3	100	40	1.2 @ 375mA, 3A	10 @ 3A, 4V	3	TO-220-3	Active
TIP31C-BP-HF	Micro Commercial Co	3	100	2	1.2 @ 375mA, 3A	25 @ 1A, 4V	3	TO-220-3	Active
BD241C	STMicroelectronics	3	100	40	1.2 @ 600mA, 3A	10 @ 3A, 4V	3	TO-220-3	Active
BD243CG	onsemi	6	100	65	1.5 @ 1A, 6A	15 @ 3A, 4V	3	TO-220-3	Active
TIP41CG	onsemi	6	100	2	1.5 @ 600mA, 6A	15 @ 3A, 4V	3	TO-220-3	Active
MJE15028G	onsemi	8	120	50	500mV @ 100mA, 1A	20 @ 4A, 2V	3	TO-220-3	Active
TIP29CG	onsemi	1	100	2	700mV @ 125mA, 1A	15 @ 1A, 4V	3	TO-220-3	Active
TIP31G	onsemi	3	40	2	1.2 @ 375mA, 3A	10 @ 3A, 4V	3	TO-220-3	Last Time Buy
BD239C	STMicroelectronics	2	100	2	700mV @ 200mA, 1A	15 @ 1A, 4V	3	TO-220-3	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalents for TIP31CTU Replacement:

TIP31CG (onsemi) is the primary direct equivalent. It maintains identical electrical specifications and TO-220-3 package configuration while offering active product status and RoHS3 compliance. This part is recommended as the first choice for TIP31CTU replacement in new designs and production continuity.

TIP31C (Fairchild Semiconductor) provides electrical equivalence with increased power dissipation capability (40 W versus 2 W). This part is suitable for applications where thermal margin is beneficial, though the higher power rating does not alter switching or amplification characteristics at the specified operating point.

TIP31C-BP-HF (Micro Commercial Co) maintains electrical equivalence with a higher minimum DC current gain specification (25 @ 1A, 4V versus 10 @ 3A, 4V). This part is active and suitable for direct substitution where the enhanced gain characteristic is acceptable.

BD241C (STMicroelectronics) provides electrical equivalence with 40 W power dissipation. This part is active and RoHS3 compliant, offering an alternative source for applications requiring the 100 V / 3 A specification.

Similar Substitutes for Higher Current Applications:

BD243CG (onsemi) and TIP41CG (onsemi) both support 6 A collector current while maintaining 100 V breakdown voltage and TO-220-3 package. These parts are suitable only when the application circuit can accommodate the higher current rating without modification. Both are active and RoHS3 compliant.

MJE15028G (onsemi) supports 8 A collector current and 120 V breakdown voltage with enhanced frequency response (30 MHz versus 3 MHz). This part is suitable for applications requiring higher current capacity and improved switching speed. It is active and RoHS3 compliant.

Lower Current Alternative:

TIP29CG (onsemi) supports 1 A collector current with 100 V breakdown voltage. This part is suitable only for applications where the reduced current rating is acceptable. It is active and RoHS3 compliant.

Voltage-Reduced Alternative:

TIP31G (onsemi) maintains 3 A collector current and TO-220-3 package but reduces breakdown voltage to 40 V. This part is classified as Last Time Buy and is suitable only for applications where the lower voltage rating is acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TIP31CG directly replace TIP31CTU without circuit modification?

A: Yes. TIP31CG maintains identical electrical specifications across all critical parameters: 100 V breakdown voltage, 3 A maximum collector current, 1.2 V saturation voltage at the specified operating point, 10 minimum DC current gain, and 3 MHz transition frequency. Both use TO-220-3 through-hole packaging. No circuit modification is required.

Q: What is the difference between TIP31C and TIP31CG?

A: TIP31C and TIP31CG are electrically identical across all switching and amplification parameters. The primary difference is power dissipation rating: TIP31C is rated for 40 W while TIP31CG is rated for 2 W. Both are suitable for TIP31CTU replacement. TIP31C provides additional thermal margin in applications with higher ambient temperature or continuous operation.

Q: Can BD243CG or TIP41CG be used as direct replacements?

A: BD243CG and TIP41CG are not direct replacements. Both support 6 A collector current, which exceeds the TIP31CTU specification of 3 A. These parts are suitable only when the application circuit is designed to operate at the higher current level. Use of these parts in a circuit designed for 3 A operation will not cause failure but represents over-specification.

Q: Is TIP31G a suitable alternative?

A: TIP31G is not recommended as a replacement. While it maintains 3 A collector current and TO-220-3 packaging, it reduces breakdown voltage to 40 V compared to the TIP31CTU specification of 100 V. This part is suitable only for applications where the lower voltage rating is acceptable. Additionally, TIP31G is classified as Last Time Buy, indicating limited future availability.

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

A: RoHS3 compliance indicates conformance to Restriction of Hazardous Substances regulations. TIP31CG, BD241C, BD243CG, TIP41CG, MJE15028G, and TIP29CG all carry RoHS3 compliance certification. The original TIP31CTU does not specify RoHS status. For applications subject to RoHS requirements, selection of RoHS3-compliant substitutes is mandatory.

Q: Can MJE15028G be used in place of TIP31CTU?

A: MJE15028G is not a direct replacement. It supports 8 A collector current and 120 V breakdown voltage, both exceeding TIP31CTU specifications. Additionally, MJE15028G offers 30 MHz transition frequency compared to 3 MHz for TIP31CTU. This part is suitable only for applications requiring higher current capacity and improved switching speed. Circuit redesign may be necessary to accommodate the different electrical characteristics.

Q: What packaging options are available for TIP31CTU equivalents?

A: All substitute parts listed maintain TO-220-3 through-hole packaging, ensuring mechanical compatibility with existing PCB layouts and thermal management solutions. Packaging differences are limited to supplier designation (Tube versus Bulk), which does not affect electrical performance or mechanical fit.

Q: Is BD239C suitable as a replacement for TIP31CTU?

A: BD239C is not recommended as a direct replacement. It supports only 2 A maximum collector current compared to the TIP31CTU specification of 3 A. This part is suitable only for applications where the reduced current rating is acceptable. BD239C maintains 100 V breakdown voltage and TO-220-3 packaging.

Q: What is the difference between TIP31CTU and TIP31C-BP-HF?

A: TIP31C-BP-HF maintains electrical equivalence across voltage, current, and package specifications. The primary difference is DC current gain specification: TIP31C-BP-HF specifies 25 @ 1A, 4V compared to TIP31CTU specification of 10 @ 3A, 4V. The higher gain characteristic of TIP31C-BP-HF does not affect switching or amplification performance at the specified operating point and is suitable for direct substitution.

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