TIP42C Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP42C is a PNP bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, 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, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. The TIP42C serves in applications requiring moderate power dissipation (2 W maximum) and switching frequencies up to 3 MHz, typical of audio amplifiers, power switching circuits, and complementary driver stages.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	PNP	—
Collector Current (Max)	6	A
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	100	V
Vce Saturation (Max)	1.5	V @ 600mA, 6A
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	700	µA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min)	15	@ 3A, 4V
Power - Max	2	W
Frequency - Transition	3	MHz
Operating Temperature (Max)	150	°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TIP42C is determined by strict equivalence across the following electrical and mechanical parameters: collector current rating (6 A), collector-emitter breakdown voltage (100 V), saturation voltage characteristics, DC current gain, transition frequency (3 MHz), maximum power dissipation, and through-hole TO-220-3 package compatibility.

Parts are classified into two categories:

Direct Equivalents maintain identical electrical specifications and package form factor, differing only in manufacturer, product status, or compliance certifications. These parts are pin-for-pin compatible with no circuit modifications required.

Similar Substitutes share the same voltage and package specifications but differ in collector current rating, power dissipation, or other secondary parameters. These parts are functionally compatible within circuits designed for the specified current and voltage envelope but may exhibit different performance characteristics in high-current or high-power applications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Ic (Max) [A]	Vce(br) [V]	Vce Sat [V]	hFE (Min)	Power [W]	Freq [MHz]	Temp (Max) [°C]	Package	Status
TIP42C	onsemi	6	100	1.5 @ 600mA, 6A	15 @ 3A, 4V	2	3	150	TO-220-3	Obsolete
BD244CG	onsemi	6	100	1.5 @ 1A, 6A	15 @ 3A, 4V	65	3	150	TO-220-3	Active
TIP42CG	onsemi	6	100	1.5 @ 600mA, 6A	15 @ 3A, 4V	2	3	150	TO-220-3	Active
TIP42C-BP	Micro Commercial Co	6	100	1.5 @ 600mA, 6A	15 @ 3A, 4V	2	3	150	TO-220-3	Active
TIP42AG	onsemi	6	60	1.5 @ 600mA, 6A	15 @ 3A, 4V	2	3	150	TO-220-3	Active
TIP42G	onsemi	6	40	1.5 @ 600mA, 6A	15 @ 3A, 4V	2	3	150	TO-220-3	Last Time Buy
KSA1010YTU	onsemi	7	100	0.6 @ 500mA, 5A	100 @ 3A, 5V	1.5	—	150	TO-220-3	Active
TIP30CG	onsemi	1	100	0.7 @ 125mA, 1A	15 @ 1A, 4V	2	3	150	TO-220-3	Active
TIP32CG	onsemi	3	100	1.2 @ 375mA, 3A	10 @ 3A, 4V	2	3	150	TO-220-3	Active
TIP32C	STMicroelectronics	3	100	1.2 @ 375mA, 3A	10 @ 3A, 4V	2	—	150	TO-220-3	Active
BD912	NTE Electronics, Inc	15	100	3 @ 2.5A, 10A	40 @ 500mA, 4V	90	3	150	TO-220-3	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalents for Pin-for-Pin Replacement:

TIP42CG (onsemi) and TIP42C-BP (Micro Commercial Co) are direct electrical and mechanical equivalents to the obsolete TIP42C. Both parts maintain identical collector current (6 A), breakdown voltage (100 V), saturation voltage, DC current gain, power rating (2 W), and transition frequency (3 MHz) specifications. TIP42CG carries Active product status with RoHS3 compliance, making it the preferred choice for new designs and ongoing production. TIP42C-BP is also Active and RoHS3 compliant, offering an alternative source from a different manufacturer.

Higher Power Alternative:

BD244CG (onsemi) provides identical electrical performance to TIP42C with significantly increased power dissipation capability (65 W versus 2 W). This part is suitable for applications requiring thermal headroom or higher continuous current operation while maintaining the same voltage and current ratings. BD244CG is Active and RoHS3 compliant.

Lower Voltage Variants:

TIP42AG (onsemi) and TIP42G (onsemi) are functionally compatible within circuits operating at reduced voltage levels. TIP42AG is rated for 60 V breakdown voltage and carries Active status. TIP42G is rated for 40 V breakdown voltage and carries Last Time Buy status, indicating limited future availability.

Lower Current Alternatives:

TIP32CG (onsemi) and TIP32C (STMicroelectronics) are rated for 3 A maximum collector current, suitable for applications requiring lower current handling. Both maintain 100 V breakdown voltage, 2 W power rating, and 3 MHz transition frequency. TIP30CG is rated for 1 A maximum collector current and is appropriate only for low-current applications.

Higher Current Alternative:

BD912 (NTE Electronics, Inc) is rated for 15 A maximum collector current and 90 W power dissipation, suitable for high-current applications. This part maintains 100 V breakdown voltage and 3 MHz transition frequency but exhibits different saturation voltage and DC current gain characteristics. BD912 carries RoHS non-compliant status.

Enhanced Performance Alternative:

KSA1010YTU (onsemi) offers 7 A maximum collector current with improved DC current gain (100 minimum versus 15 minimum) and lower saturation voltage (0.6 V versus 1.5 V). This part is suitable for applications benefiting from higher current gain and reduced saturation losses. KSA1010YTU is Active and RoHS3 compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TIP42CG be used as a direct replacement for TIP42C?

A: Yes. TIP42CG is a direct electrical and mechanical equivalent. Both parts share identical collector current (6 A), breakdown voltage (100 V), saturation voltage, DC current gain, power rating (2 W), and transition frequency (3 MHz) specifications. TIP42CG is pin-for-pin compatible and requires no circuit modifications. TIP42CG carries Active product status, making it the recommended replacement for the obsolete TIP42C.

Q: What is the difference between TIP42CG and BD244CG?

A: Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications for collector current (6 A), breakdown voltage (100 V), saturation voltage, DC current gain, and transition frequency (3 MHz). The primary difference is power dissipation: BD244CG is rated for 65 W maximum power versus 2 W for TIP42CG. BD244CG is suitable for applications requiring higher continuous current operation or thermal margin. Both parts are Active and RoHS3 compliant.

Q: Can TIP32CG be used instead of TIP42C?

A: TIP32CG is not a direct equivalent. While both parts share 100 V breakdown voltage, 2 W power rating, and 3 MHz transition frequency, TIP32CG is rated for 3 A maximum collector current compared to 6 A for TIP42C. TIP32CG is suitable only for applications designed for 3 A or lower collector current. Using TIP32CG in a circuit requiring 6 A operation will result in device failure.

Q: Is BD912 compatible with TIP42C?

A: BD912 shares the same 100 V breakdown voltage and 3 MHz transition frequency as TIP42C but differs significantly in other parameters. BD912 is rated for 15 A maximum collector current and 90 W power dissipation, with different saturation voltage (3 V versus 1.5 V) and DC current gain (40 minimum versus 15 minimum) characteristics. BD912 is suitable for high-current applications but exhibits different electrical behavior and is not a direct replacement. Additionally, BD912 carries RoHS non-compliant status.

Q: What is the difference between TIP42AG and TIP42G?

A: Both parts are functionally identical to TIP42C except for reduced breakdown voltage ratings. TIP42AG is rated for 60 V breakdown voltage, while TIP42G is rated for 40 V breakdown voltage. Both maintain 6 A collector current, 2 W power rating, and 3 MHz transition frequency. TIP42AG carries Active product status, while TIP42G carries Last Time Buy status, indicating limited future availability. Use TIP42AG for new designs requiring lower voltage operation.

Q: Can TIP42C-BP be used in place of TIP42CG?

A: Yes. TIP42C-BP is a direct electrical equivalent to TIP42CG and TIP42C, maintaining identical collector current (6 A), breakdown voltage (100 V), saturation voltage, DC current gain, power rating (2 W), and transition frequency (3 MHz). TIP42C-BP is manufactured by Micro Commercial Co and carries Active product status with RoHS3 compliance. Both parts are pin-for-pin compatible and interchangeable.

Q: What is the advantage of KSA1010YTU over TIP42C?

A: KSA1010YTU offers higher collector current (7 A versus 6 A), significantly higher DC current gain (100 minimum versus 15 minimum), and lower saturation voltage (0.6 V versus 1.5 V). These characteristics result in reduced power dissipation during saturation and improved switching performance. KSA1010YTU is suitable for applications benefiting from higher current gain and lower saturation losses. However, KSA1010YTU has lower maximum power rating (1.5 W versus 2 W) and does not specify transition frequency.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same package?

A: All substitute parts listed are available in TO-220-3 through-hole package, maintaining mechanical compatibility with TIP42C. Package designation may vary slightly between manufacturers (TO-220 versus TO-220-3 versus TO-220AB), but all parts are physically compatible with standard TO-220 mounting hardware and PCB layouts.

Q: Which substitute part should be selected for new designs?

A: TIP42CG (onsemi) is the recommended choice for new designs. It is a direct electrical and mechanical equivalent to TIP42C, carries Active product status, and is RoHS3 compliant. TIP42CG ensures design continuity while providing access to an actively manufactured component with established supply chain support.

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