TIP42CTU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP42CTU 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 TIP42CTU delivers 2 W maximum power dissipation with a 3 MHz transition frequency, suitable for general-purpose switching and amplification applications requiring moderate current handling at moderate voltage levels.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	PNP	—
Collector Current (Max)	6	A
Collector-Emitter Breakdown Voltage (Max)	100	V
Vce Saturation (Max)	1.5	V @ 600mA, 6A
Collector Cutoff Current (Max)	700	µA
DC Current Gain (hFE Min)	15	@ 3A, 4V
Power Dissipation (Max)	2	W
Transition Frequency	3	MHz
Operating Temperature (Max)	150	°C (TJ)
Package Type	TO-220-3	Through Hole
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the TIP42CTU is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Transistor type must be PNP
Collector current rating must be equal to or greater than 6 A
Collector-emitter breakdown voltage must be equal to or greater than 100 V
Vce saturation characteristics must support the specified operating point
Transition frequency must be 3 MHz or greater
Package type must be TO-220-3 through-hole configuration
Mounting type must be through-hole

Substitution Categories:

Direct Equivalents satisfy all primary criteria with identical or superior electrical performance and active product status. These parts are pin-compatible and functionally interchangeable without circuit modification.

Parametric Equivalents meet all primary electrical criteria but may originate from different manufacturers or have minor package variations (such as TO-220AB versus TO-220-3). These parts are functionally equivalent but require verification of mechanical fit in the target application.

Similar Parts share the same transistor type, package family, and voltage rating but differ in collector current capacity or power dissipation. These parts are suitable only when the application's current requirements are lower than the TIP42CTU specification.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Ic (Max) [A]	Vce(br) (Max) [V]	Vce Sat (Max) [V]	Power (Max) [W]	Frequency [MHz]	Temp (Max) [°C]	Package	RoHS
TIP42CTU	onsemi	Obsolete	6	100	1.5	2	3	150	TO-220-3	ROHS3
BD244CG	onsemi	Active	6	100	1.5	65	3	150	TO-220-3	ROHS3
TIP42CG	onsemi	Active	6	100	1.5	2	3	150	TO-220-3	ROHS3
TIP42C-BP	Micro Commercial Co	Active	6	100	1.5	2	3	150	TO-220-3	ROHS3
TIP32CG	onsemi	Active	3	100	1.2	2	3	150	TO-220-3	ROHS3
TIP30CG	onsemi	Active	1	100	0.7	2	3	150	TO-220-3	ROHS3
TIP42G	onsemi	Last Time Buy	6	40	1.5	2	3	150	TO-220-3	ROHS3
BD912	NTE Electronics, Inc	Active	15	100	3.0	90	3	150	TO-220-3	Non-compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalent (Recommended Primary Choice):

TIP42CG is the optimal direct equivalent for TIP42CTU replacement. Both parts are manufactured by onsemi, share identical electrical specifications (6 A, 100 V, 1.5 V Vce saturation, 2 W power), and are housed in TO-220-3 packages. TIP42CG holds active product status with ROHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory alignment. This part requires no circuit modification and provides drop-in compatibility.

Parametric Equivalent (Alternative):

TIP42C-BP, manufactured by Micro Commercial Co, meets all electrical requirements with identical performance parameters. This part is active and ROHS3 compliant. The TO-220AB package variant is mechanically compatible with TO-220-3 applications. This option provides supply diversification from an alternative manufacturer.

Enhanced Power Dissipation Option:

BD244CG, manufactured by onsemi, maintains identical electrical specifications to TIP42CTU while providing 65 W maximum power dissipation compared to 2 W. This part is active and ROHS3 compliant. Selection of BD244CG is appropriate when thermal margin or higher power handling is required within the same voltage and current envelope.

Lower Current Alternatives (Application-Dependent):

TIP32CG (3 A maximum) and TIP30CG (1 A maximum) are suitable only when application requirements do not exceed their respective current ratings. Both parts maintain 100 V voltage rating and are active with ROHS3 compliance.

Voltage-Reduced Alternative (Not Recommended for Direct Substitution):

TIP42G provides 6 A current capacity but is rated for only 40 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage. This part is classified as Last Time Buy and is not suitable for applications requiring 100 V rating.

Non-Compliant Option (Restricted Use):

BD912, manufactured by NTE Electronics, Inc, provides 15 A current capacity and 90 W power dissipation but is RoHS non-compliant. This part is suitable only for applications where RoHS compliance is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TIP42CG directly replace TIP42CTU without any circuit modifications?

A: Yes. TIP42CG is a direct equivalent with identical electrical specifications, package type, and pin configuration. No circuit modifications are required for substitution.

Q: What is the primary difference between TIP42CTU and BD244CG?

A: Both parts share identical collector current (6 A), collector-emitter breakdown voltage (100 V), and Vce saturation (1.5 V) specifications. The primary difference is power dissipation: BD244CG is rated for 65 W maximum compared to TIP42CTU's 2 W. BD244CG is suitable for applications requiring higher thermal capacity.

Q: Why is TIP42CTU classified as obsolete?

A: TIP42CTU is listed as obsolete by the manufacturer. Direct equivalents such as TIP42CG are available as active alternatives with identical specifications.

Q: Can TIP32CG be used as a substitute for TIP42CTU?

A: TIP32CG is suitable only if the application's maximum collector current requirement does not exceed 3 A. TIP32CG is rated for 3 A maximum compared to TIP42CTU's 6 A. Using TIP32CG in a 6 A application will result in device failure.

Q: Is TIP42C-BP compatible with TIP42CTU?

A: Yes. TIP42C-BP meets all electrical specifications and is housed in a TO-220-3 compatible package (TO-220AB). This part is manufactured by Micro Commercial Co and provides an alternative source for equivalent performance.

Q: What does RoHS3 compliance mean for component selection?

A: ROHS3 compliance indicates the part meets Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive requirements, restricting lead and other hazardous materials. Parts with ROHS3 compliance are suitable for applications subject to environmental and regulatory restrictions. BD912 is RoHS non-compliant and is restricted to applications where RoHS compliance is not mandated.

Q: Can TIP42G replace TIP42CTU?

A: TIP42G is not suitable as a direct replacement. Although both parts provide 6 A collector current, TIP42G is rated for only 40 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage compared to TIP42CTU's 100 V. Using TIP42G in a 100 V application will result in device failure. Additionally, TIP42G is classified as Last Time Buy, indicating limited future availability.

Q: What is the significance of the TO-220-3 package designation?

A: TO-220-3 is a through-hole package with three leads (collector, base, emitter for PNP transistors). This package type ensures mechanical and electrical compatibility across all listed substitute parts. TO-220AB is a variant of TO-220-3 and is mechanically compatible.

Q: Why is BD912 listed as a similar part rather than a direct equivalent?

A: BD912 differs from TIP42CTU in three key parameters: collector current (15 A versus 6 A), power dissipation (90 W versus 2 W), and RoHS compliance status (non-compliant versus ROHS3 compliant). While electrically capable of handling TIP42CTU applications, these differences classify it as a similar rather than equivalent part.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for substitute parts?

A: TIP42CTU specifies a maximum junction temperature of 150°C. Most active substitute parts (TIP42CG, BD244CG, TIP32CG, TIP30CG, TIP42G, BD912) support an operating range of −65°C to 150°C, providing extended low-temperature capability compared to TIP42CTU's specification.

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