TIP48 NPN Bipolar Transistor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP48 is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp, rated for 400 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 1 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.

The TIP48 is designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications requiring moderate voltage and current ratings. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility across collector current, breakdown voltage, saturation characteristics, and thermal operating range to ensure functional equivalence in circuit applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN
Current - Collector (Ic) Max	1	A
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	400	V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1 V @ 200 mA, 1 A
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	1	mA
DC Current Gain (hFE) Min @ Ic, Vce	30 @ 300 mA, 10 V
Power - Max	40	W
Frequency - Transition	10	MHz
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 150	°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-220-3

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TIP48 is determined by the following critical electrical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

Transistor type: NPN configuration
Collector current rating: 1 A maximum
Collector-emitter breakdown voltage: minimum 400 V (equal or greater)
Vce saturation: 1 V maximum at specified bias conditions
DC current gain (hFE): minimum 30 at specified operating point
Transition frequency: 10 MHz minimum
Operating temperature range: -65°C to 150°C
Package: TO-220-3 through-hole mounting

Substitute Classification:

Group 1 - Voltage-Reduced Substitutes (250 V Rating): TIP47 and TIP47G operate at reduced collector-emitter breakdown voltage (250 V) compared to the TIP48 (400 V). These parts are electrically compatible for applications where the circuit voltage does not exceed 250 V. Both maintain identical collector current (1 A), saturation voltage, current gain, and transition frequency specifications.

Group 2 - Intermediate Voltage Substitute (300 V Rating): TIP48G operates at 300 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, positioned between the TIP47 series (250 V) and the original TIP48 (400 V). This part is suitable for applications requiring voltage ratings above 250 V but below 400 V.

All substitute parts share identical collector current, saturation characteristics, DC current gain, transition frequency, and operating temperature range with the main part.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	TIP48 (Main)	TIP47	TIP47G	TIP48G
Manufacturer	Central Semiconductor Corp	NTE Electronics, Inc	onsemi	onsemi
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN
Ic (Max)	1 A	1 A	1 A	1 A
Vce Breakdown (Max)	400 V	250 V	250 V	300 V
Vce Saturation (Max)	1 V @ 200 mA, 1 A	1 V @ 200 mA, 1 A	1 V @ 200 mA, 1 A	1 V @ 200 mA, 1 A
Ic Cutoff (Max)	1 mA	1 mA	1 mA	1 mA
hFE (Min)	30 @ 300 mA, 10 V	30 @ 300 mA, 10 V	30 @ 300 mA, 10 V	30 @ 300 mA, 10 V
Power (Max)	40 W	40 W	2 W	2 W
Frequency - Transition	10 MHz	10 MHz	10 MHz	10 MHz
Operating Temperature	-65 to 150°C	-65 to 150°C	-65 to 150°C	-65 to 150°C
Package	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3
RoHS Status	Not specified	Non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (400 V Applications): No active substitute maintains the full 400 V collector-emitter breakdown rating of the TIP48. Applications requiring 400 V operation must evaluate alternative NPN transistor families outside the TIP47/TIP48 series.

For Voltage-Reduced Applications (≤250 V): TIP47 (NTE Electronics) and TIP47G (onsemi) are electrically equivalent substitutes. TIP47G is preferred for new designs due to active product status and ROHS3 compliance. TIP47 remains available with higher inventory levels (26,200 pcs) for immediate procurement needs.

For Intermediate Voltage Applications (250 V < Vce ≤ 300 V): TIP48G (onsemi) provides 300 V breakdown voltage rating with active product status and ROHS3 compliance. This part bridges the voltage gap between TIP47 (250 V) and the original TIP48 (400 V).

Power Dissipation Consideration: TIP47G and TIP48G are rated for 2 W maximum power dissipation, compared to 40 W for the original TIP48. Thermal design verification is required when substituting into applications approaching the 40 W power limit.

Compliance and Procurement: TIP47G and TIP48G carry ROHS3 compliance certification, suitable for regulated markets. TIP47 is RoHS non-compliant. All substitute parts are classified as REACH Unaffected and carry EAR99 export classification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TIP47 or TIP47G replace TIP48 in a 400 V circuit?

A: No. TIP47 and TIP47G are rated for 250 V maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage. Use in circuits exceeding 250 V will result in device failure. Verify circuit voltage requirements before substitution.

Q: What is the difference between TIP47 and TIP47G?

A: Both parts are electrically identical NPN transistors with 250 V breakdown voltage and 1 A collector current. TIP47G is manufactured by onsemi with ROHS3 compliance and active product status. TIP47 is manufactured by NTE Electronics with RoHS non-compliance. TIP47G is recommended for new designs.

Q: Can TIP48G replace TIP48 in all applications?

A: TIP48G is suitable only for applications where circuit voltage does not exceed 300 V. The 300 V rating is lower than the original TIP48 (400 V). Additionally, TIP48G is rated for 2 W maximum power dissipation versus 40 W for TIP48. Thermal design review is required.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in TO-220-3 packaging?

A: Yes. TIP47, TIP47G, and TIP48G are all supplied in TO-220-3 through-hole packages, maintaining mechanical compatibility with the original TIP48 footprint and mounting requirements.

Q: Which substitute part has the best availability?

A: TIP47 (NTE Electronics) has the highest inventory level at 26,200 pcs. TIP47G (onsemi) has 2,056 pcs, and TIP48G (onsemi) has 1,480 pcs available.

Q: Are substitute parts suitable for new product designs?

A: TIP47G and TIP48G are classified as active products and are suitable for new designs. Both carry ROHS3 compliance. TIP47 is active but RoHS non-compliant. The original TIP48 is obsolete and should not be used in new designs.

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