TIP41C PBFREE Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP41C PBFREE is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp, rated for 100 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 6 A maximum collector current in a TO-220-3 through-hole package. This device is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. The TIP41C PBFREE is ROHS3 compliant and rated for 65 W maximum power dissipation with a 3 MHz transition frequency, suitable for general-purpose switching and amplification applications in industrial and consumer electronics.

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
Frequency - Transition	3	MHz
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1.5V @ 600mA, 6A	V
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	30 @ 300mA, 4V	—
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	700	µA
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TIP41C PBFREE is determined by strict equivalence of the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Transistor type: NPN
Package / Case: TO-220-3 through-hole configuration
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 100 V minimum
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 6 A minimum
Vce Saturation characteristics compatible with application requirements
Operating temperature range: minimum -65°C to 150°C

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category 1: Direct Electrical Equivalents (100 V / 6 A Rating) Parts meeting the exact 100 V / 6 A specification with identical saturation voltage and transition frequency characteristics. These parts are pin-compatible and electrically interchangeable without circuit modification.

Category 2: Enhanced Performance Substitutes (100 V / 7 A or Higher Rating) Parts exceeding the 6 A collector current specification while maintaining 100 V breakdown voltage. These parts provide additional current margin and are suitable for applications requiring higher current capacity. Enhanced performance substitutes also include parts with higher voltage ratings (120 V) and improved frequency response, providing superior performance headroom.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	TIP41C PBFREE (Main)	TIP41C (NTE)	TIP41CG (onsemi)	KSC2334Y (Fairchild)	KSC2334YTU (onsemi)	MJE15028G (onsemi)
Manufacturer	Central Semiconductor	NTE Electronics	onsemi	Fairchild Semiconductor	onsemi	onsemi
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	100 V	100 V	100 V	100 V	100 V	120 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	6 A	6 A	6 A	7 A	7 A	8 A
Power - Max	65 W	2 W	2 W	1.5 W	1.5 W	50 W
Frequency - Transition	3 MHz	3 MHz	3 MHz	—	—	30 MHz
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1.5V @ 600mA, 6A	1.5V @ 600mA, 6A	1.5V @ 600mA, 6A	600mV @ 500mA, 5A	600mV @ 500mA, 5A	500mV @ 100mA, 1A
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	30 @ 300mA, 4V	15 @ 3A, 4V	15 @ 3A, 4V	120 @ 3A, 5V	120 @ 3A, 5V	20 @ 4A, 2V
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	700 µA	700 µA	700 µA	10 µA	10 µA	100 µA
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 150°C	150°C (TJ)	-65 to 150°C	150°C (TJ)	150°C (TJ)	-65 to 150°C
Package / Case	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	—	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Pin-Compatible, Electrical Equivalent):

TIP41C (NTE Electronics) and TIP41CG (onsemi) are direct substitutes for the obsolete TIP41C PBFREE. Both parts maintain the 100 V / 6 A electrical specification, identical saturation voltage characteristics (1.5V @ 600mA, 6A), and 3 MHz transition frequency. Both substitute parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance and full temperature range operation (-65°C to 150°C for TIP41CG; 150°C maximum for TIP41C NTE). These parts are suitable for applications requiring exact electrical equivalence without circuit redesign.

For Enhanced Performance Applications:

KSC2334Y (Fairchild Semiconductor) and KSC2334YTU (onsemi) provide 7 A collector current capability at 100 V breakdown voltage, offering 16.7% additional current margin over the original specification. Both parts feature improved saturation voltage (600mV @ 500mA, 5A) and significantly higher DC current gain (120 @ 3A, 5V). KSC2334YTU is supplied in tube packaging and is ROHS3 compliant. These parts are suitable for applications where increased current capacity provides design margin.

For Maximum Performance Headroom:

MJE15028G (onsemi) provides the highest performance specification with 120 V breakdown voltage, 8 A collector current, 50 W power dissipation, and 30 MHz transition frequency. This part is suitable for applications requiring enhanced voltage margin, higher current capacity, and improved frequency response. MJE15028G is ROHS3 compliant and operates across the full temperature range (-65°C to 150°C). This part is recommended for new designs where performance headroom is prioritized.

All substitute parts are active products with established supply chains and ROHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TIP41C (NTE Electronics) be used as a direct replacement for the obsolete TIP41C PBFREE?

A: Yes. TIP41C from NTE Electronics is a direct electrical equivalent. Both parts share identical NPN transistor type, 100 V breakdown voltage, 6 A maximum collector current, 1.5V saturation voltage at rated current, and 3 MHz transition frequency. Pin configuration and TO-220-3 package are identical. No circuit modification is required.

Q: What is the difference between TIP41CG and TIP41C (NTE)?

A: Both parts are electrical equivalents with identical 100 V / 6 A ratings and saturation characteristics. TIP41CG is manufactured by onsemi and supplied in tube packaging, while TIP41C from NTE Electronics is supplied in bag packaging. TIP41CG specifies full temperature range operation (-65°C to 150°C), while TIP41C NTE specifies 150°C maximum. Both are ROHS3 compliant and active products.

Q: When should KSC2334Y or KSC2334YTU be selected instead of direct equivalents?

A: KSC2334Y and KSC2334YTU should be selected when the application requires higher collector current capacity (7 A versus 6 A) or when improved saturation voltage characteristics (600mV versus 1.5V at rated current) provide design benefits. These parts are suitable for applications where current margin or reduced saturation losses are advantageous. Pin configuration and TO-220-3 package remain compatible.

Q: Is MJE15028G suitable for all applications using TIP41C PBFREE?

A: MJE15028G is suitable for applications where the enhanced specifications provide value. This part offers 120 V breakdown voltage (versus 100 V), 8 A collector current (versus 6 A), 50 W power dissipation (versus 65 W for the original), and 30 MHz transition frequency (versus 3 MHz). Applications requiring higher voltage margin, increased current capacity, or improved frequency response benefit from MJE15028G. Saturation voltage is lower (500mV @ 100mA, 1A), which reduces power dissipation in switching applications. Pin configuration and TO-220-3 package are compatible.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: TIP41C (NTE), TIP41CG (onsemi), KSC2334YTU (onsemi), and MJE15028G (onsemi) are all ROHS3 compliant. KSC2334Y (Fairchild) does not specify RoHS status in the provided data. Verify RoHS compliance with the supplier if regulatory compliance is required for your application.

Q: What is the impact of different power ratings among substitute parts?

A: Power rating differences reflect different thermal design specifications. The original TIP41C PBFREE is rated for 65 W, while most substitute parts specify lower power ratings (1.5 W to 2 W for direct equivalents, 50 W for MJE15028G). Power rating indicates the maximum continuous power dissipation under specified thermal conditions. Application thermal design and heat sinking requirements determine whether lower-rated parts are suitable. For applications requiring high power dissipation, MJE15028G (50 W) is more appropriate than direct equivalents rated at 1.5 W to 2 W.

Q: Can substitute parts be mixed in the same circuit board design?

A: Yes, all substitute parts share identical TO-220-3 pin configuration and are pin-compatible. However, electrical parameter differences (particularly saturation voltage and current gain) may affect circuit performance. For consistent circuit behavior, use a single part number throughout a design. If multiple part numbers are used, verify that parameter variations do not exceed circuit tolerance requirements.

Q: What packaging options are available for substitute parts?

A: TIP41C (NTE) is supplied in bag packaging. TIP41CG (onsemi), KSC2334YTU (onsemi), and MJE15028G (onsemi) are supplied in tube packaging. KSC2334Y (Fairchild) is supplied in bulk packaging. Packaging selection affects handling, storage, and automated assembly compatibility. Verify packaging compatibility with your procurement and assembly processes.

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