TIP32C Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP32C is a PNP bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 100 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 3 A maximum collector current in a TO-220 through-hole package. This device is classified as obsolete by onsemi, though equivalent variants remain in active production from multiple manufacturers. The obsolete status necessitates identification of functionally equivalent alternatives for new designs and ongoing production requirements.

Key Parameters

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

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TIP32C is determined by strict equivalence across the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Parameters for Direct Substitution:

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

Parameters Allowing Functional Equivalence with Design Consideration:

Power - Max: Equal or greater than 2 W
Vce Saturation: Equal or lower values indicate improved performance
DC Current Gain (hFE): Equal or greater values indicate improved performance
Frequency - Transition: Equal or greater than 3 MHz

Parts are grouped into three categories:

Direct Equivalents: Identical electrical specifications and packaging; differ only in manufacturer or compliance status.
Similar Substitutes: Meet or exceed all critical parameters; may exceed power rating or current gain specifications.
Parametric Equivalents: Meet critical electrical parameters with minor package variations (TO-220AB vs TO-220-3).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Ic (Max) A	Vce Breakdown V	Power W	Vce Sat V	hFE (Min)	Freq MHz	Package	Status	RoHS
TIP32C	onsemi	3	100	2	1.2	10	3	TO-220-3	Obsolete	Non-compliant
TIP32CG	onsemi	3	100	2	1.2	10	3	TO-220-3	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
TIP32C	STMicroelectronics	3	100	2	1.2	10	—	TO-220-3	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
TIP32C-BP	Micro Commercial Co	3	100	2	1.2	10	3	TO-220-3	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
BD242CG	onsemi	3	100	40	1.2	25	3	TO-220-3	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
TIP30CG	onsemi	1	100	2	0.7	15	3	TO-220-3	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
TIP32G	onsemi	3	40	2	1.2	10	3	TO-220-3	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
TIP42CG	onsemi	6	100	2	1.5	15	3	TO-220-3	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
KSA1010YTU	onsemi	7	100	1.5	0.6	100	—	TO-220-3	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
BD912	NTE Electronics, Inc	15	100	90	3	40	3	TO-220-3	Active	Non-compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Substitutes (Recommended for Replacement):

TIP32CG (onsemi) and TIP32C (STMicroelectronics) are direct electrical equivalents to the obsolete onsemi TIP32C. Both maintain identical specifications for collector current, breakdown voltage, saturation voltage, and current gain. TIP32CG and the STMicroelectronics variant are ROHS3 compliant, addressing regulatory requirements for new production. TIP32C-BP (Micro Commercial Co) provides an additional active-production alternative with identical electrical parameters and ROHS3 compliance, with packaging specified as TO-220AB.

Functional Substitutes (Application-Dependent):

BD242CG exceeds the TIP32C specification in power dissipation (40 W vs. 2 W) and DC current gain (25 vs. 10), while maintaining the 100 V / 3 A electrical envelope. This part is suitable for applications requiring improved thermal performance or higher gain stability.

TIP42CG provides 6 A maximum collector current with 100 V breakdown voltage, exceeding the TIP32C current rating while maintaining the same 100 V voltage class. This substitution is appropriate for designs requiring higher current capacity within the same voltage specification.

KSA1010YTU offers 7 A maximum collector current and superior DC current gain (100 vs. 10), with lower saturation voltage (0.6 V vs. 1.2 V). This part is suitable for high-current applications where improved switching characteristics are beneficial.

Not Recommended:

TIP30CG is rated for 1 A maximum collector current, below the TIP32C specification of 3 A. This part is unsuitable for direct substitution in applications requiring the full 3 A rating.

TIP32G is rated for 40 V breakdown voltage, below the TIP32C specification of 100 V. This part is unsuitable for applications requiring the full 100 V rating.

BD912 is rated for 15 A maximum collector current and 90 W power dissipation, significantly exceeding TIP32C specifications. While electrically compatible at the 100 V / 3 A operating point, this part introduces unnecessary cost and thermal considerations for standard TIP32C applications. BD912 is RoHS non-compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TIP32CG directly replace the obsolete onsemi TIP32C?

A: Yes. TIP32CG is manufactured by onsemi and provides identical electrical specifications: 100 V breakdown voltage, 3 A maximum collector current, 1.2 V saturation voltage, and 10 minimum DC current gain. The primary difference is product status (active vs. obsolete) and RoHS3 compliance. Pinout and package dimensions are identical.

Q: What is the difference between TIP32C from onsemi and TIP32C from STMicroelectronics?

A: Both parts share identical part numbers and electrical specifications. The primary differences are manufacturer, product status (both active), and compliance certifications. STMicroelectronics TIP32C is ROHS3 compliant. Electrical performance is equivalent for standard applications.

Q: Can BD242CG be used in place of TIP32C?

A: BD242CG meets the critical electrical parameters: 100 V breakdown voltage and 3 A maximum collector current. However, BD242CG is rated for 40 W power dissipation compared to TIP32C's 2 W rating, and provides higher DC current gain (25 vs. 10). Substitution is electrically valid but introduces higher power handling capability than required for standard TIP32C applications. Thermal design considerations may differ.

Q: Why is TIP42CG listed as a similar substitute if it has 6 A rating?

A: TIP42CG exceeds the TIP32C specification in maximum collector current (6 A vs. 3 A) while maintaining the same 100 V breakdown voltage and TO-220-3 package. This part is functionally compatible for applications operating at or below 3 A, with the advantage of higher current headroom. Substitution is valid when the application does not require the full 6 A capability but benefits from improved current margin.

Q: Is TIP30CG a suitable substitute?

A: No. TIP30CG is rated for 1 A maximum collector current, which is below the TIP32C specification of 3 A. Direct substitution would limit circuit performance to 1 A operation, making this part unsuitable for applications requiring the full 3 A rating.

Q: What is the difference between TO-220-3 and TO-220AB packaging?

A: Both designations refer to the same three-lead through-hole package with identical pinout and mechanical dimensions. TO-220AB is a variant designation used by some manufacturers. TIP32C-BP (Micro Commercial Co) specifies TO-220AB packaging and is mechanically and electrically compatible with standard TO-220-3 devices.

Q: Can KSA1010YTU replace TIP32C in all applications?

A: KSA1010YTU meets the critical electrical parameters (100 V breakdown, 3 A operation point) and provides superior performance characteristics: 7 A maximum rating, 100 minimum DC current gain, and 0.6 V saturation voltage. Substitution is electrically valid and offers improved performance margin. However, the lower power rating (1.5 W vs. 2 W) may be a constraint in high-dissipation applications.

Q: Why is BD912 not recommended as a direct substitute?

A: While BD912 is electrically compatible at the 100 V / 3 A operating point, it is rated for 15 A maximum collector current and 90 W power dissipation, significantly exceeding TIP32C specifications. Additionally, BD912 is RoHS non-compliant. Substitution introduces unnecessary cost and complexity for standard TIP32C applications. BD912 is appropriate only for applications requiring its higher current and power ratings.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: No. The original onsemi TIP32C and BD912 (NTE Electronics) are RoHS non-compliant. TIP32CG, TIP32C (STMicroelectronics), TIP32C-BP, BD242CG, TIP30CG, TIP32G, TIP42CG, and KSA1010YTU are all ROHS3 compliant. For new designs subject to RoHS requirements, select from the compliant alternatives.

Q: What inventory considerations apply to these substitutes?

A: TIP32CG (onsemi) has the highest inventory availability at 20,100 pieces. TIP32C from STMicroelectronics has 45,550 pieces in stock. TIP32C-BP (Micro Commercial Co) has 4,568 pieces available. Remaining alternatives have lower inventory levels. For high-volume production, TIP32CG or STMicroelectronics TIP32C are preferred for supply continuity.

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