TIP42 PNP Bipolar Junction Transistor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP42 is a PNP bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 40 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 6 A maximum collector current in a TO-220-3 through-hole package. The device is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of equivalent and substitute components for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. Substitute parts are selected based on electrical parameter compatibility and mechanical package equivalence to ensure functional interchangeability in existing circuit applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	PNP	—
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	6	A
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	40	V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1.5 V @ 600 mA, 6 A	—
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	700	µA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	15 @ 3 A, 4 V	—
Power - Max	2	W
Frequency - Transition	3	MHz
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the TIP42 are classified into two categories based on electrical parameter compatibility:

Direct Electrical Equivalents maintain identical or superior ratings across all critical parameters: collector current (6 A), collector-emitter breakdown voltage (40 V), saturation voltage (1.5 V @ 600 mA, 6 A), cutoff current (700 µA), DC current gain (15 @ 3 A, 4 V), power dissipation (2 W), and transition frequency (3 MHz). These parts are mechanically compatible in TO-220-3 through-hole applications.

Similar Electrical Variants differ in one or more critical parameters while maintaining the same package and mounting type. Substitution of these parts requires circuit-level verification that the application tolerates the parameter deviation.

The following parameters determine substitution eligibility:

Transistor polarity (PNP)
Collector current rating (6 A minimum for direct equivalents)
Collector-emitter breakdown voltage (40 V minimum for direct equivalents)
Saturation voltage characteristics
Package type (TO-220-3 through-hole)
Mounting compatibility

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Ic (Max) [A]	Vce(BR) (Max) [V]	Vce Sat (Max) [V]	Cutoff Current [µA]	hFE (Min)	Power [W]	Frequency [MHz]	Package	Product Status
TIP42	onsemi	6	40	1.5	700	15	2	3	TO-220-3	Obsolete
TIP42G	onsemi	6	40	1.5	700	15	2	3	TO-220-3	Last Time Buy
TIP42AG	onsemi	6	60	1.5	700	15	2	3	TO-220-3	Active
TIP42A	NTE Electronics, Inc	6	60	1.5	700	15	2	—	TO-220-3	Active
TIP42BG	onsemi	6	80	1.5	700	15	2	3	TO-220-3	Last Time Buy
TIP32G	onsemi	3	40	1.2	300	10	2	3	TO-220-3	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

TIP42G (onsemi) is the primary direct substitute for TIP42. This part maintains identical electrical specifications across all critical parameters and is mechanically compatible. TIP42G is in Last Time Buy status, indicating limited future availability. RoHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status provide regulatory alignment for new designs.

TIP42AG (onsemi) and TIP42A (NTE Electronics, Inc) are functionally compatible substitutes with elevated collector-emitter breakdown voltage (60 V versus 40 V). Both parts maintain 6 A collector current and identical saturation voltage characteristics. TIP42AG is Active status with RoHS3 compliance. TIP42A is Active status but RoHS non-compliant. These parts are suitable for applications where the higher voltage rating does not create design constraints.

TIP42BG (onsemi) provides the highest collector-emitter breakdown voltage (80 V) while maintaining 6 A collector current and identical saturation characteristics. This part is in Last Time Buy status with RoHS3 compliance. Selection is appropriate for circuits requiring enhanced voltage margin.

TIP32G (onsemi) is a similar variant with reduced collector current rating (3 A maximum versus 6 A). This part is not suitable as a direct substitute for applications requiring 6 A operation. TIP32G is Active status with RoHS3 compliance and may be considered only where circuit design permits reduced current capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TIP42G directly replace TIP42 in existing designs?

A: Yes. TIP42G maintains identical electrical specifications for collector current (6 A), collector-emitter breakdown voltage (40 V), saturation voltage (1.5 V @ 600 mA, 6 A), cutoff current (700 µA), DC current gain (15 @ 3 A, 4 V), power dissipation (2 W), and transition frequency (3 MHz). The TO-220-3 package is mechanically identical. No circuit modification is required.

Q: What is the difference between TIP42G and TIP42AG?

A: TIP42AG has a higher collector-emitter breakdown voltage rating (60 V) compared to TIP42G (40 V). All other electrical parameters remain identical. TIP42AG is suitable for circuits where the higher voltage rating provides additional design margin or is required by application specifications.

Q: Can TIP32G replace TIP42 in my circuit?

A: TIP32G is not a direct substitute. The maximum collector current is 3 A, compared to 6 A for TIP42. Substitution is only possible if the circuit design operates at or below 3 A collector current. Additionally, saturation voltage (1.2 V @ 375 mA, 3 A) and DC current gain (10 @ 3 A, 4 V) differ from TIP42 specifications. Circuit-level verification is required.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same TO-220-3 package?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts use the TO-220-3 through-hole package, ensuring mechanical compatibility with existing PCB layouts and socket configurations.

Q: What is the compliance status of substitute parts?

A: TIP42G, TIP42AG, and TIP42BG are RoHS3 compliant. TIP42A is RoHS non-compliant. All parts are REACH unaffected. Compliance requirements should be verified against application and regulatory specifications.

Q: Why is TIP42 listed as obsolete?

A: TIP42 is classified as obsolete by the manufacturer. TIP42G is the direct equivalent in Last Time Buy status, indicating limited future availability. For long-term design continuity, TIP42AG or TIP42BG are recommended as they maintain Active product status.

Q: Can TIP42BG be used in place of TIP42?

A: Yes. TIP42BG maintains identical collector current (6 A) and saturation voltage (1.5 V @ 600 mA, 6 A) specifications. The higher collector-emitter breakdown voltage (80 V) provides additional voltage margin and is compatible with TIP42 circuit applications. No circuit modification is required.

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