TIP32A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP32A is a PNP bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 60 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 equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. The TIP32A serves applications requiring moderate-current PNP switching and amplification in power supply circuits, motor control, and audio amplification stages.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	PNP	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	60	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	3	A
Power - Max	2	W
Frequency - Transition	3	MHz
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1.2 @ 375mA, 3A	V
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	10 @ 3A, 4V	—
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TIP32A is determined by strict equivalence in the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Transistor Type: PNP (required)
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 60 V (required)
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 3 A minimum (required for direct replacement)
Package / Case: TO-220-3 (required for mechanical compatibility)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (required)

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Power dissipation rating (2 W minimum)
Transition frequency (3 MHz minimum)
Vce saturation characteristics
DC current gain (hFE)
Operating temperature range

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Equivalents: Parts meeting all primary criteria with identical or superior electrical performance at the specified operating point.

Functional Alternatives: Parts exceeding the TIP32A specification in collector current or power rating, suitable for applications where higher performance margins are acceptable and pin compatibility is maintained.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Ic (Max) [A]	Vce Breakdown (Max) [V]	Power (Max) [W]	Frequency [MHz]	Vce Sat @ Ib, Ic [V]	hFE (Min) @ Ic, Vce	Package	RoHS Status
TIP32A	onsemi	Obsolete	3	60	2	3	1.2 @ 375mA, 3A	10 @ 3A, 4V	TO-220-3	REACH Unaffected
TIP32AG	onsemi	Active	3	60	2	3	1.2 @ 375mA, 3A	10 @ 3A, 4V	TO-220-3	ROHS3 Compliant
TIP32G	onsemi	Active	3	40	2	3	1.2 @ 375mA, 3A	10 @ 3A, 4V	TO-220-3	ROHS3 Compliant
TIP42AG	onsemi	Active	6	60	2	3	1.5 @ 600mA, 6A	15 @ 3A, 4V	TO-220-3	ROHS3 Compliant
TIP42A	NTE Electronics, Inc	Active	6	60	2	—	1.5 @ 600mA, 6A	15 @ 3A, 4V	TO-220-3	RoHS non-compliant
TIP42A-BP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	6	60	2	3	1.5 @ 600mA, 6A	30 @ 300mA, 4V	TO-220-3	REACH Unaffected
2N6490G	onsemi	Obsolete	15	60	1.8	5	3.5 @ 5A, 15A	20 @ 5A, 4V	TO-220-3	ROHS3 Compliant
MJE2955TG	onsemi	Active	10	60	75	2	8 @ 3.3A, 10A	20 @ 4A, 4V	TO-220-3	ROHS3 Compliant
MJE2955T	NTE Electronics, Inc	Active	10	60	75	2	8 @ 3.3A, 10A	20 @ 4A, 4V	TO-220-3	RoHS non-compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Replacement (Preferred):

TIP32AG is the primary direct equivalent to the TIP32A. Both devices share identical electrical specifications: 3 A collector current, 60 V breakdown voltage, 2 W power rating, and 3 MHz transition frequency. TIP32AG is manufactured by onsemi with active product status and ROHS3 compliance, providing superior long-term availability and regulatory alignment compared to the obsolete TIP32A.

Voltage-Reduced Alternative:

TIP32G is an active onsemi product with identical current and frequency ratings but reduced collector-emitter breakdown voltage (40 V versus 60 V). This part is suitable for applications where the 60 V rating is not required and provides ROHS3 compliance. Pin compatibility and thermal characteristics remain unchanged.

Higher Current Alternatives:

TIP42AG and TIP42A-BP both provide 6 A collector current capability while maintaining 60 V breakdown voltage and TO-220-3 package compatibility. These parts are suitable for applications requiring higher current margins. TIP42AG (onsemi, ROHS3 compliant) is preferred over TIP42A (NTE Electronics, RoHS non-compliant) for new designs.

High-Power Alternatives:

MJE2955TG and MJE2955T both provide 10 A collector current and 75 W power dissipation in TO-220-3 packages. These devices are suitable for applications requiring substantially higher power handling. MJE2955TG (onsemi, ROHS3 compliant) is preferred for regulatory compliance. Both devices exhibit higher Vce saturation voltage (8 V @ 3.3A, 10A) compared to the TIP32A, affecting switching efficiency in low-voltage applications.

Obsolete Alternatives:

2N6490G is an obsolete onsemi product with 15 A collector current and 60 V breakdown voltage. This part is not recommended for new designs due to obsolete status, despite ROHS3 compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TIP32AG directly replace TIP32A without circuit modification?

A: Yes. TIP32AG is a direct electrical and mechanical equivalent with identical ratings for collector current (3 A), breakdown voltage (60 V), power dissipation (2 W), and transition frequency (3 MHz). Both use TO-220-3 packages with identical pin assignments. No circuit changes are required.

Q: What is the difference between TIP32AG and TIP32G?

A: The primary difference is collector-emitter breakdown voltage: TIP32AG is rated for 60 V while TIP32G is rated for 40 V. All other electrical parameters are identical. TIP32G is suitable only for applications where the maximum supply voltage does not exceed 40 V.

Q: Why would I use TIP42AG instead of TIP32AG?

A: TIP42AG provides 6 A collector current capability compared to 3 A for TIP32AG, while maintaining 60 V breakdown voltage and TO-220-3 package compatibility. Use TIP42AG when the application requires higher current capacity or when design margins for current handling are desired. Both parts are pin-compatible.

Q: Are MJE2955TG and MJE2955T interchangeable?

A: Both parts share identical electrical specifications (10 A, 60 V, 75 W, TO-220-3). The primary difference is regulatory compliance: MJE2955TG is ROHS3 compliant (onsemi), while MJE2955T is RoHS non-compliant (NTE Electronics). For new designs, MJE2955TG is preferred. Existing designs using MJE2955T may continue without modification.

Q: Can I use a higher-current part like TIP42AG or MJE2955TG as a drop-in replacement?

A: Yes, higher-current parts are mechanically and electrically compatible as drop-in replacements. The TO-220-3 package and pin configuration remain identical. However, verify that the application circuit does not depend on the specific current gain (hFE) or saturation voltage characteristics of the original part, as these parameters differ among substitutes.

Q: What is the impact of using MJE2955TG in a circuit designed for TIP32A?

A: MJE2955TG is pin-compatible and will function in the TIP32A circuit. However, the higher Vce saturation voltage (8 V @ 3.3A, 10A versus 1.2 V @ 375mA, 3A) may affect switching efficiency and heat dissipation in low-voltage switching applications. The 75 W power rating provides substantial thermal margin compared to the 2 W TIP32A rating. Verify saturation voltage requirements in the specific application.

Q: Is RoHS compliance important for my application?

A: RoHS compliance is a regulatory requirement for products sold in the European Union and many other markets. ROHS3-compliant parts (TIP32AG, TIP42AG, MJE2955TG) are recommended for new designs and long-term supply chain stability. RoHS non-compliant parts (TIP42A, MJE2955T) may face procurement restrictions or supply discontinuation.

Q: Why is TIP32A listed as obsolete?

A: Obsolete status indicates that the manufacturer (onsemi) has discontinued production and will not accept new orders. Existing inventory may be available through authorized distributors, but long-term availability is not guaranteed. TIP32AG is the active replacement part with identical specifications.

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