TIP32 PNP Bipolar Junction Transistor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP32 is a PNP bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 40 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 3 A maximum collector current in a TO-220-3 through-hole package. The device is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute components for new designs and production continuity. Substitute parts are selected based on matching or exceeding electrical performance parameters while maintaining compatible package configurations and mounting characteristics.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	PNP	—
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	3	A
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	40	V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	—
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	300	µA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	10 @ 3A, 4V	—
Power - Max	2	W
Frequency - Transition	3	MHz
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the TIP32 are classified into three categories based on electrical and mechanical compatibility:

Direct Equivalent (Active Status): Parts matching all critical electrical parameters—transistor type (PNP), collector current (3 A), collector-emitter breakdown voltage (40 V), saturation voltage, cutoff current, DC current gain, power rating (2 W), transition frequency (3 MHz), and through-hole TO-220-3 package configuration. These parts are functionally interchangeable without circuit modification.

Similar Performance (Higher Current Rating): Parts exceeding the collector current specification while maintaining voltage, package, and frequency ratings. These parts operate within the same voltage and frequency envelope but provide increased current capacity, suitable for applications requiring design margin or higher load capability.

Complementary Type (Opposite Polarity): NPN transistors with equivalent voltage and current ratings but opposite polarity. These parts are not direct substitutes but represent the complementary device type for push-pull or complementary pair applications.

Parametric Equivalent (Alternative Manufacturer): Parts from different manufacturers meeting the same electrical specifications and package requirements, providing supply chain alternatives.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	TIP32 (onsemi)	TIP32G (onsemi)	TIP42G (onsemi)	TIP31C (Fairchild)	TIP32 (Solid State Inc.)
Transistor Type	PNP	PNP	PNP	NPN	PNP
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	3 A	3 A	6 A	3 A	3 A
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	40 V	40 V	40 V	100 V	40 V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	1.5V @ 600mA, 6A	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A	1.2V @ 375mA, 3A
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	300 µA	300 µA	700 µA	200 µA	300 µA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	10 @ 3A, 4V	10 @ 3A, 4V	15 @ 3A, 4V	10 @ 3A, 4V	25 @ 1A, 4V
Power - Max	2 W	2 W	2 W	40 W	40 W
Frequency - Transition	3 MHz	3 MHz	3 MHz	3 MHz	3 MHz
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Last Time Buy	Active	Active
RoHS Status	Not Specified	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Not Specified	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute - TIP32G (onsemi): This part is the direct active equivalent of the TIP32, matching all electrical parameters and package specifications. The TIP32G maintains identical collector current (3 A), collector-emitter breakdown voltage (40 V), saturation voltage, cutoff current, DC current gain, power rating (2 W), and transition frequency (3 MHz). The part is ROHS3 compliant and carries active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity. The TIP32G is the recommended replacement for obsolete TIP32 applications.

Secondary Substitute - TIP32 (Solid State Inc.): This parametric equivalent from an alternative manufacturer provides identical electrical specifications at the 3 A collector current and 40 V voltage rating. The part offers higher power dissipation capability (40 W versus 2 W) and improved DC current gain (25 @ 1A, 4V), providing additional design margin. ROHS3 compliance and active product status support production use. This part is suitable when supply constraints on the onsemi TIP32G exist.

Higher Current Alternative - TIP42G (onsemi): This part provides increased collector current capacity (6 A) while maintaining the 40 V voltage rating and TO-220-3 package. The TIP42G is appropriate for applications requiring higher current handling or design margin beyond the 3 A specification. The part carries Last Time Buy status; long-term availability is limited. ROHS3 compliance is confirmed.

Complementary Type - TIP31C (Fairchild Semiconductor): This NPN transistor is not a direct substitute but represents the complementary polarity device. The TIP31C matches the 3 A collector current and 3 MHz transition frequency but operates at 100 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage. This part is suitable for complementary pair applications or push-pull output stages where NPN polarity is required. Active product status ensures availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TIP32G be used as a direct replacement for TIP32 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The TIP32G matches all electrical parameters of the TIP32, including collector current (3 A), collector-emitter breakdown voltage (40 V), saturation voltage (1.2V @ 375mA, 3A), cutoff current (300 µA), DC current gain (10 @ 3A, 4V), power rating (2 W), and transition frequency (3 MHz). The TO-220-3 package and through-hole mounting are identical. No circuit modification is required.

Q: What is the difference between TIP32 and TIP42G?

A: The primary difference is collector current rating. TIP42G is rated for 6 A maximum collector current compared to 3 A for TIP32. Both devices operate at 40 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and share the same 3 MHz transition frequency and TO-220-3 package. TIP42G provides higher current capacity and is suitable for applications requiring increased load capability. TIP42G carries Last Time Buy status; supply availability is limited.

Q: Why is TIP31C listed as a substitute if it is NPN polarity?

A: TIP31C is not a direct substitute but a complementary device. It is included for applications requiring the opposite polarity transistor, such as complementary push-pull output stages or differential pair circuits. TIP31C matches the 3 A collector current and 3 MHz frequency but operates at 100 V breakdown voltage. Circuit design must accommodate the polarity difference.

Q: Are there compliance differences between substitute parts?

A: TIP32G and TIP42G from onsemi are ROHS3 compliant. The TIP32 from Solid State Inc. is also ROHS3 compliant. The original TIP32 (onsemi) and TIP31C (Fairchild) do not specify RoHS status in available documentation. All parts carry REACH Unaffected or Vendor Undefined status. Verify compliance requirements for your specific application and regulatory jurisdiction.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for substitute parts?

A: TIP32G and TIP42G specify operating temperature range of −65°C to 150°C (TJ). The TIP32 from Solid State Inc. specifies −65°C to 150°C (TJ). The original TIP32 specifies maximum operating temperature of 150°C (TJ) without lower limit specification. TIP31C does not provide operating temperature range in available data. Verify temperature requirements for your application environment.

Q: Can TIP32 be used in high-power applications?

A: The original TIP32 and TIP32G are rated for 2 W maximum power dissipation. The TIP32 from Solid State Inc. and TIP31C are rated for 40 W maximum power dissipation. For applications exceeding 2 W power dissipation, use the higher-power variants or implement additional thermal management. Verify power budget requirements in your circuit design.

Q: What packaging options are available for substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts are supplied in TO-220-3 through-hole package configuration. TIP32G and TIP42G are supplied in tube packaging. The original TIP32 and TIP32 from Solid State Inc. do not specify packaging format. All parts maintain identical pin configuration and mounting footprint, ensuring mechanical compatibility.

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