TIP48 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP48 is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by STMicroelectronics, housed in a TO-220-3 package for through-hole mounting. This device is rated for 300 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage with a maximum collector current of 1 A and 2 W power dissipation. The TIP48 operates at a transition frequency of 10 MHz with a minimum DC current gain of 30 at specified conditions.

The TIP48 is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of active substitute components that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility for existing circuit applications. Substitute parts must satisfy the same functional requirements while meeting current manufacturing and compliance standards.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	300	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	1	A
Power - Max	2	W
Frequency - Transition	10	MHz
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	30 @ 300mA, 10V	—
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1V @ 200mA, 1A	V
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	1	mA
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TIP48 is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Transistor Type: NPN configuration
Package / Case: TO-220-3 through-hole mounting
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): Equal to or greater than 300 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): Equal to or greater than 1 A
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min): Equal to or greater than 30 @ 300mA, 10V
Vce Saturation (Max): Equal to or less than 1V @ 200mA, 1A
Frequency - Transition: Equal to or greater than 10 MHz

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Power dissipation capability
Operating temperature range
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max): Equal to or less than 1 mA

Parts meeting all primary criteria are classified as direct substitutes. Parts exceeding power or voltage ratings while maintaining all primary electrical parameters are classified as parametric equivalents suitable for direct replacement.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	TIP48 (STMicroelectronics)	TIP50 (NTE Electronics)	TIP47G (onsemi)	TIP48G (onsemi)
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	300 V	400 V	250 V	300 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	1 A	1 A	1 A	1 A
Power - Max	2 W	40 W	2 W	2 W
Frequency - Transition	10 MHz	10 MHz	10 MHz	10 MHz
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	30 @ 300mA, 10V	30 @ 300mA, 10V	30 @ 300mA, 10V	30 @ 300mA, 10V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1V @ 200mA, 1A	1V @ 200mA, 2A	1V @ 200mA, 1A	1V @ 200mA, 1A
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	1 mA	1 mA	1 mA	1 mA
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150°C	-65°C ~ 150°C	-65°C ~ 150°C	-65°C ~ 150°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	RoHS non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

TIP48G (onsemi) - Parametric Equivalent

The TIP48G is the primary substitute for the obsolete TIP48. This part maintains identical electrical specifications across all primary substitution criteria: 300 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, 1 A maximum collector current, 2 W power rating, 10 MHz transition frequency, and matching DC current gain and saturation characteristics. The TIP48G is manufactured by onsemi and carries active product status with ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected certification. The extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C) provides additional thermal margin compared to the original TIP48. Packaging is supplied in tube format with TO-220-3 through-hole configuration, ensuring direct mechanical compatibility.

TIP47G (onsemi) - Substitute with Voltage Derating

The TIP47G functions as a substitute when circuit voltage requirements do not exceed 250 V. This part meets all primary electrical criteria except voltage rating, which is 50 V lower than the TIP48 specification. The TIP47G shares identical current, power, frequency, and gain characteristics with the TIP48. Product status is active with ROHS3 compliance. This substitute is suitable for applications where the 300 V rating of the TIP48 is not required.

TIP50 (NTE Electronics) - Substitute with Enhanced Power Rating

The TIP50 exceeds the TIP48 specifications in voltage rating (400 V) and power dissipation (40 W), while maintaining all primary electrical parameters including 1 A collector current, 10 MHz transition frequency, and matching DC current gain. The TIP50 is manufactured by NTE Electronics with active product status. However, this part is RoHS non-compliant, which may restrict use in applications subject to RoHS regulations. The extended operating temperature range (-65°C to 150°C) provides additional thermal capability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TIP48G directly replace the obsolete TIP48 in existing circuits?

A: Yes. The TIP48G maintains identical electrical specifications for voltage rating (300 V), collector current (1 A), power dissipation (2 W), transition frequency (10 MHz), DC current gain (30 minimum), and saturation voltage (1V maximum). Both devices use the TO-220-3 through-hole package. The TIP48G is the recommended direct replacement.

Q: What is the difference between the TIP48 and TIP50?

A: The TIP50 has a higher collector-emitter breakdown voltage (400 V versus 300 V) and significantly higher power rating (40 W versus 2 W). Both share the same 1 A collector current and 10 MHz transition frequency. The TIP50 is suitable for applications requiring higher voltage or power dissipation margins. However, the TIP50 is RoHS non-compliant, whereas the TIP48 is ROHS3 compliant.

Q: Is the TIP47G suitable as a substitute for the TIP48?

A: The TIP47G is suitable only when circuit maximum voltage does not exceed 250 V. The TIP47G has a 50 V lower breakdown voltage rating than the TIP48. All other electrical parameters—collector current, power rating, transition frequency, and DC current gain—are identical. The TIP47G is ROHS3 compliant and carries active product status.

Q: What packaging formats are available for substitute parts?

A: The TIP48G is supplied in tube packaging, while the TIP50 is supplied in bag packaging. The TIP47G is supplied in tube packaging. All three substitute parts use the TO-220-3 through-hole package configuration, ensuring mechanical compatibility with TIP48 circuit board layouts.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: The TIP48G and TIP47G are both ROHS3 compliant. The TIP50 is RoHS non-compliant. Selection between these parts depends on regulatory requirements for the end application.

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

A: The original TIP48 operates to a maximum junction temperature of 150°C. The TIP48G, TIP47G, and TIP50 all support an extended operating temperature range of -65°C to 150°C, providing additional thermal margin for demanding applications.

Q: Can the TIP50 be used in place of the TIP48 in all applications?

A: The TIP50 can be used in applications where the TIP48 is specified, provided that RoHS compliance is not a requirement. The TIP50 exceeds the TIP48 in voltage and power ratings, making it suitable for higher-stress applications. However, the higher power rating does not affect circuit operation in applications designed for the 2 W TIP48.

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