TIP36A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP36A is a PNP bipolar junction transistor manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp, rated for 60V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 25A maximum collector current. This device is designed for high-current switching and amplification applications in a TO-218 through-hole package with a maximum power dissipation of 125W.

The TIP36A is classified as obsolete. Locating equivalent substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure component availability for new production runs and field replacements.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	PNP	—
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	25	A
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	60	V
Power - Max	125	W
Frequency - Transition	3	MHz
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 150	°C (TJ)
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	10 @ 15A, 4V	—
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-218-3	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TIP36A is determined by strict equivalence across the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Electrical Equivalence Criteria:

Transistor polarity: PNP
Maximum collector current: 25A
Maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage: 60V
Maximum power dissipation: 125W
Transition frequency: 3MHz
Operating temperature range: -65°C to 150°C

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

Mounting type: Through Hole
Package compatibility: TO-218 or equivalent high-current package footprint

The TIP36AG manufactured by onsemi meets all electrical specifications and operates within the same parameter envelope. While the TIP36AG uses a TO-247-3 package instead of TO-218-3, both packages are through-hole configurations suitable for high-current applications and share compatible pinout arrangements for PNP transistors.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	TIP36A (Central Semiconductor)	TIP36AG (onsemi)	Match Status
Transistor Type	PNP	PNP	Equivalent
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	25 A	25 A	Equivalent
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	60 V	60 V	Equivalent
Power - Max	125 W	125 W	Equivalent
Frequency - Transition	3 MHz	3 MHz	Equivalent
Operating Temperature Range	-65°C to 150°C (TJ)	-65°C to 150°C (TJ)	Equivalent
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	10 @ 15A, 4V	15 @ 15A, 4V	TIP36AG exceeds minimum
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	Not specified	4V @ 5A, 25A	TIP36AG specified
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	Not specified	1 mA	TIP36AG specified
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Equivalent
Package / Case	TO-218-3	TO-247-3	Different package, compatible footprint
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Substitute is active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The TIP36AG is a direct electrical equivalent to the TIP36A across all specified performance parameters. The TIP36AG is manufactured by onsemi, an active supplier with current production status, ensuring long-term component availability.

Compliance and Certifications:

TIP36AG is RoHS3 compliant, meeting current environmental regulations
Both parts share identical REACH and ECCN classifications (REACH Unaffected, EAR99)
Both parts carry the same HTSUS code (8541.29.0095)

Package Consideration: The TIP36AG uses a TO-247-3 package instead of the TO-218-3 package of the original TIP36A. Both are through-hole packages designed for high-current applications. PCB layout modifications may be required to accommodate the different package footprint. The TO-247-3 package provides improved thermal performance and is widely supported in modern PCB design tools.

Performance Enhancement: The TIP36AG demonstrates superior DC current gain (15 vs. 10 minimum at 15A, 4V), providing improved switching efficiency. Additional parametric data (Vce saturation and collector cutoff current) are specified for the TIP36AG, enabling more precise circuit design.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TIP36AG directly replace the TIP36A in existing designs?

A: The TIP36AG is electrically equivalent across all critical parameters (collector current, breakdown voltage, power rating, and frequency response). However, the package change from TO-218-3 to TO-247-3 requires PCB layout verification. Pin assignments for PNP transistors are compatible between these packages, but physical footprint dimensions differ.

Q: What is the difference between TO-218-3 and TO-247-3 packages?

A: Both are through-hole, high-current packages with three leads (Base, Collector, Emitter). The TO-247-3 package has a larger footprint and improved thermal characteristics. Mechanical mounting and lead spacing differ, requiring PCB redesign for direct substitution.

Q: Why is the TIP36AG recommended over the TIP36A?

A: The TIP36A is obsolete with no active manufacturer production. The TIP36AG is manufactured by onsemi with active production status, ensuring component availability. The TIP36AG is RoHS3 compliant and provides identical electrical performance with enhanced parametric documentation.

Q: Are there any electrical performance differences between these parts?

A: Both parts meet the same maximum ratings for current, voltage, power, and frequency. The TIP36AG specifies a higher minimum DC current gain (15 vs. 10 at 15A, 4V), which represents improved performance. Additional parameters (Vce saturation and collector cutoff current) are documented for the TIP36AG.

Q: What inventory considerations apply to these parts?

A: The TIP36A has 890 pieces in stock but is obsolete. The TIP36AG has 1202 pieces in stock and is actively manufactured. For new designs and long-term production, the TIP36AG is the appropriate selection.

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