TIP41CN Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP41CN is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by STMicroelectronics, rated for 100 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 6 A maximum collector current in a TO-220 through-hole package. This device is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of equivalent and substitute components for ongoing design requirements and production continuity. Equivalent parts maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications, while substitute parts provide functional alternatives within defined parameter tolerances.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	100	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	6	A
Power - Max	65	W
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1.5V @ 600mA, 6A	V
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	15 @ 3A, 4V	—
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	700	µA
Operating Temperature (Max)	150	°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TIP41CN is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters: NPN transistor type, 100 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, 6 A maximum collector current, TO-220-3 package configuration, and through-hole mounting. Parts are classified into two categories based on electrical performance alignment:

Direct Equivalents maintain all specified electrical parameters including 1.5 V saturation voltage at the defined base and collector current conditions, 15 minimum DC current gain, and 700 µA maximum collector cutoff current. These parts are interchangeable at the circuit level without design modification.

Similar Substitutes share the core voltage and package specifications but differ in collector current rating (7 A versus 6 A), saturation voltage characteristics, or DC current gain parameters. These parts function within the same application envelope but require verification of circuit-specific current and gain requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Ic (Max) [A]	Vce Breakdown (Max) [V]	Power (Max) [W]	Vce Sat @ Ib, Ic	hFE (Min) @ Ic, Vce	Package	Product Status
TIP41CN	STMicroelectronics	6	100	65	1.5V @ 600mA, 6A	15 @ 3A, 4V	TO-220-3	Obsolete
TIP41CG	onsemi	6	100	2	1.5V @ 600mA, 6A	15 @ 3A, 4V	TO-220-3	Active
TIP41C	NTE Electronics, Inc	6	100	2	1.5V @ 600mA, 6A	15 @ 3A, 4V	TO-220-3	Active
TIP41C-BP	Micro Commercial Co	6	100	2	1.5V @ 600mA, 6A	15 @ 3A, 4V	TO-220-3	Active
BD243CG	onsemi	6	100	65	1.5V @ 1A, 6A	15 @ 3A, 4V	TO-220-3	Active
KSC2334YTU	onsemi	7	100	1.5	600mV @ 500mA, 5A	120 @ 3A, 5V	TO-220-3	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Substitution (Electrical Equivalence): TIP41CG, TIP41C, and TIP41C-BP are direct electrical equivalents to the TIP41CN, sharing identical collector current, breakdown voltage, saturation voltage, and DC current gain specifications. All three are active products with ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status. Selection among these three is determined by packaging preference (tube versus bag) and manufacturer availability. TIP41CG and TIP41C-BP are supplied in tube packaging, while TIP41C is supplied in bag packaging.

High-Power Equivalent: BD243CG is electrically equivalent to TIP41CN with identical 65 W power rating, collector current, and breakdown voltage. The saturation voltage specification differs slightly (1.5V @ 1A, 6A versus 1.5V @ 600mA, 6A), indicating marginally different switching characteristics at higher base current levels. BD243CG is an active product with ROHS3 compliance and extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C).

Similar Substitute (Higher Current Rating): KSC2334YTU provides 7 A collector current capability versus the 6 A specification of TIP41CN, with identical 100 V breakdown voltage and TO-220-3 package. This part exhibits higher DC current gain (120 minimum versus 15 minimum) and lower saturation voltage (600 mV versus 1.5 V), making it suitable for applications requiring enhanced switching speed or lower saturation losses. Power rating is 1.5 W, significantly lower than TIP41CN, restricting use to lower-power switching applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TIP41CG, TIP41C, and TIP41C-BP be used interchangeably with TIP41CN?

A: Yes. These three parts are direct electrical equivalents with identical collector current (6 A), breakdown voltage (100 V), saturation voltage (1.5 V @ 600mA, 6A), and DC current gain (15 @ 3A, 4V) specifications. Differences exist only in packaging format (tube or bag) and manufacturer identity. Circuit performance is identical.

Q: What is the difference between TIP41CN and BD243CG?

A: Both parts share identical electrical specifications for collector current (6 A), breakdown voltage (100 V), and power rating (65 W). The saturation voltage measurement conditions differ: TIP41CN specifies 1.5V @ 600mA, 6A while BD243CG specifies 1.5V @ 1A, 6A. BD243CG provides extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C) compared to TIP41CN (150°C maximum). Both are ROHS3 compliant and active products.

Q: Is KSC2334YTU a suitable replacement for TIP41CN?

A: KSC2334YTU shares the 100 V breakdown voltage and TO-220-3 package with TIP41CN but differs in collector current (7 A versus 6 A), power rating (1.5 W versus 65 W), saturation voltage (600 mV versus 1.5 V), and DC current gain (120 versus 15). This part is suitable only for applications where the 6 A current requirement can be met by a 7 A-rated device and where the 1.5 W power dissipation limit is acceptable. Higher gain and lower saturation voltage may alter switching characteristics.

Q: What packaging options are available for direct equivalents?

A: TIP41CG and TIP41C-BP are supplied in tube packaging. TIP41C is supplied in bag packaging. All three maintain identical TO-220-3 case configuration and through-hole mounting type. Packaging selection depends on production handling requirements and supplier availability.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: TIP41CG, TIP41C, TIP41C-BP, and BD243CG are all ROHS3 compliant. KSC2334YTU is also ROHS3 compliant. All parts are REACH unaffected and classified under ECCN EAR99.

Q: What is the significance of the power rating difference between TIP41CN (65 W) and the other direct equivalents (2 W)?

A: The power rating reflects the maximum continuous power dissipation capability under specified thermal conditions. TIP41CN is rated for 65 W, while TIP41CG, TIP41C, and TIP41C-BP are rated for 2 W. In applications requiring sustained power dissipation above 2 W, only TIP41CN or BD243CG (both 65 W rated) are suitable. For low-power switching applications, the 2 W rated parts are adequate.

Q: Can TIP41CN be replaced in a high-temperature application?

A: TIP41CN operates to 150°C maximum junction temperature. BD243CG and TIP41CG both support this temperature range. BD243CG additionally supports operation down to -65°C, providing extended low-temperature capability. KSC2334YTU also operates to 150°C maximum. Selection depends on the specific temperature range required by the application.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message