TIP42C SL PBFREE Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP42C SL PBFREE is a PNP 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, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. The part delivers 65 W maximum power dissipation with a 3 MHz transition frequency, suitable for general-purpose switching and amplification applications requiring moderate frequency response.

Substiute Parts

TIP42C SL PBFREE
Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 1016TIP42C SL PBFREE Datasheet
TIP42C SL PBFREE
Current Part
BD244CG
onsemiIn Stock: 2156BD244CG Datasheet
BD244CG
Direct
MJE15029G
onsemiIn Stock: 10135MJE15029G Datasheet
MJE15029G
MFR Recommended
TIP42C-BP
Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 4769TIP42C-BP Datasheet
TIP42C-BP
MFR Recommended
TIP42CG
onsemiIn Stock: 1494TIP42CG Datasheet
TIP42CG
MFR Recommended

Key Parameters

Parameter Value Unit
Transistor Type PNP
Collector Current (Max) 6 A
Collector-Emitter Breakdown Voltage (Max) 100 V
Power Dissipation (Max) 65 W
Transition Frequency 3 MHz
Operating Temperature Range -65 to 150 °C
Package Type TO-220-3
Mounting Type Through Hole
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the TIP42C SL PBFREE is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

  • Transistor polarity: PNP
  • Collector current rating: minimum 6 A
  • Collector-emitter breakdown voltage: minimum 100 V
  • Package type: TO-220-3 through-hole configuration
  • Mounting type: Through hole

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

  • Operating temperature range: -65°C to 150°C (TJ)
  • RoHS3 compliance
  • REACH unaffected status

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on electrical performance alignment:

Category 1 - Direct Electrical Equivalents: Parts matching all primary criteria with identical or superior ratings in collector current, breakdown voltage, and power dissipation.

Category 2 - Enhanced Performance Substitutes: Parts exceeding primary specifications in collector current or breakdown voltage while maintaining package compatibility and thermal operating range.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter TIP42C SL PBFREE BD244CG TIP42CG TIP42C-BP MJE15029G
Manufacturer Central Semiconductor Corp onsemi onsemi Micro Commercial Co onsemi
Transistor Type PNP PNP PNP PNP PNP
Ic (Max) [A] 6 6 6 6 8
Vce Breakdown (Max) [V] 100 100 100 100 120
Power (Max) [W] 65 65 2 2 50
Frequency - Transition [MHz] 3 3 3 3 30
Operating Temperature [°C] -65 to 150 -65 to 150 -65 to 150 150 (max) -65 to 150
Package / Case TO-220-3 TO-220-3 TO-220-3 TO-220-3 TO-220-3
Product Status Obsolete Active Active Active Active
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BD244CG (onsemi): Direct electrical equivalent with identical collector current (6 A), breakdown voltage (100 V), and power rating (65 W). Active product status ensures long-term availability. Recommended as primary substitute for applications requiring exact performance matching. ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected.

TIP42CG (onsemi): Electrical equivalent with matching collector current, breakdown voltage, and transition frequency. Active product status with full temperature range support (-65°C to 150°C). Power rating reduced to 2 W; suitable for applications not requiring 65 W dissipation. ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected.

TIP42C-BP (Micro Commercial Co): Electrical equivalent with matching collector current and breakdown voltage. Active product status. Power rating reduced to 2 W; operating temperature maximum specified as 150°C without lower limit documentation. ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 (Unlimited). Suitable for applications with reduced thermal requirements.

MJE15029G (onsemi): Enhanced performance substitute with superior collector current (8 A) and breakdown voltage (120 V). Transition frequency increased to 30 MHz, supporting higher-speed applications. Power rating 50 W. Active product status with full temperature range support. ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected. Applicable where higher performance margins are required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BD244CG replace TIP42C SL PBFREE in all applications?

A: BD244CG matches all primary electrical specifications: 6 A collector current, 100 V breakdown voltage, 65 W power dissipation, and 3 MHz transition frequency. Both devices use TO-220-3 through-hole packaging. Substitution is valid for applications operating within these parameter ranges.

Q: Why do TIP42CG and TIP42C-BP show 2 W power rating instead of 65 W?

A: The power rating difference reflects manufacturer specifications for these specific part variants. Applications requiring 65 W dissipation should use BD244CG or the original TIP42C SL PBFREE. For lower-power applications, TIP42CG and TIP42C-BP are suitable alternatives.

Q: Is MJE15029G a direct substitute or an upgrade?

A: MJE15029G is an enhanced performance substitute. It exceeds the original specifications with 8 A collector current (versus 6 A), 120 V breakdown voltage (versus 100 V), and 30 MHz transition frequency (versus 3 MHz). Power dissipation is 50 W. Use MJE15029G when higher performance margins or faster switching speeds are required.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts—BD244CG, TIP42CG, TIP42C-BP, and MJE15029G—are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, matching the compliance status of the original TIP42C SL PBFREE.

Q: What is the difference between TO-220-3 and TO-220-3 packaging variants?

A: All parts listed use TO-220-3 through-hole package type. Supplier device package designations (TO-220, TO-220AB) refer to manufacturer-specific packaging formats within the TO-220-3 standard. Physical pin configuration and mounting compatibility remain consistent across all listed parts.

Q: Which substitute offers the best long-term availability?

A: BD244CG and TIP42CG, both manufactured by onsemi with active product status, offer established supply chains. MJE15029G also maintains active status. TIP42C-BP (Micro Commercial Co) is active but represents a smaller manufacturer base. For critical applications, BD244CG is recommended due to onsemi's market position and inventory levels (2121 pcs in stock).

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)