TIP50TU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TIP50TU is a Bipolar (BJT) NPN transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 400 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 1 A maximum collector current. This device is packaged in a Through Hole TO-220-3 configuration and is designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications requiring 2 W power dissipation capability at a transition frequency of 10 MHz.

The TIP50TU is classified as an Obsolete product. Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure component availability for new production builds, repairs, and system upgrades where the original part is no longer readily available from primary sources.

Substiute Parts

TIP50TU
onsemiIn Stock: 4398TIP50TU Datasheet
TIP50TU
Current Part
TIP50G
onsemiIn Stock: 15297TIP50G Datasheet
TIP50G
Parametric Equivalent
TIP50
NTE Electronics, IncIn Stock: 4561TIP50 Datasheet
TIP50
Parametric Equivalent

Key Parameters

Parameter Value Unit
Transistor Type NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max) 400 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
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max) 1 mA
Operating Temperature (Max) 150 °C (TJ)
Mounting Type Through Hole
Package / Case TO-220-3

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TIP50TU is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Electrical Parameters (Must Match or Exceed):

  • Transistor Type: NPN
  • Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 400 V
  • Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 1 A
  • DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce: 30 @ 300mA, 10V
  • Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic: 1V @ 200mA, 1A
  • Current - Collector Cutoff (Max): 1 mA
  • Frequency - Transition: 10 MHz
  • Operating Temperature (Max): 150°C (TJ)

Mechanical Parameters (Must Match):

  • Mounting Type: Through Hole
  • Package / Case: TO-220-3

Power Dissipation:

  • Power - Max: 2 W (minimum requirement)

Substitute parts must satisfy all electrical parameters at their specified test conditions and maintain mechanical compatibility with the TO-220-3 footprint. Parts with higher power ratings or extended operating temperature ranges are acceptable substitutes provided all other parameters remain equivalent or superior.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter TIP50TU (onsemi) TIP50G (onsemi) TIP50 (NTE Electronics)
Transistor Type NPN NPN NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max) 400 V 400 V 400 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max) 1 A 1 A 1 A
Power - Max 2 W 2 W 40 W
Frequency - Transition 10 MHz 10 MHz 10 MHz
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce 30 @ 300mA, 10V 30 @ 300mA, 10V 30 @ 300mA, 10V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic 1V @ 200mA, 1A 1V @ 200mA, 1A 1V @ 200mA, 2A
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max) 1 mA 1 mA 1 mA
Operating Temperature (Max) 150°C (TJ) 150°C (TJ) 150°C (TJ)
Mounting Type Through Hole Through Hole Through Hole
Package / Case TO-220-3 TO-220-3 TO-220-3
Product Status Obsolete Active Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

TIP50G (onsemi) - Primary Substitute

The TIP50G is a direct parametric equivalent to the TIP50TU with identical electrical specifications across all critical parameters. This part is manufactured by the same original equipment manufacturer (onsemi) and maintains full compatibility with existing circuit designs. The TIP50G holds Active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability. This part is RoHS3 Compliant, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements. The TIP50G is supplied in Tube packaging and represents the recommended substitute for new production and design continuity applications.

TIP50 (NTE Electronics, Inc) - Secondary Substitute

The TIP50 from NTE Electronics, Inc satisfies all core electrical parameters required for substitution. This part exceeds the original power rating specification (40 W versus 2 W), providing additional thermal margin in applications where power dissipation is a design consideration. The TIP50 maintains Active product status and is supplied in Bag packaging. This part is RoHS non-compliant and should be evaluated against specific regulatory requirements for the end application. The NTE Electronics part is suitable for applications where regulatory compliance is not a constraint and where the enhanced power rating provides design benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TIP50G be used as a direct replacement for the TIP50TU in existing designs?

A: Yes. The TIP50G maintains identical electrical specifications across all critical parameters including voltage rating, current rating, gain characteristics, and saturation voltage. Both parts use the TO-220-3 package and Through Hole mounting. No circuit modifications are required for substitution.

Q: What is the difference between the TIP50TU and TIP50G packaging?

A: The TIP50TU is supplied in standard packaging (unspecified in original documentation), while the TIP50G is supplied in Tube packaging. Both parts are mechanically and electrically identical. Tube packaging is standard for active production parts and does not affect component performance or circuit compatibility.

Q: Why is the TIP50 from NTE Electronics rated at 40 W instead of 2 W?

A: The NTE Electronics TIP50 is a higher-power variant of the same base part number. The 40 W rating indicates enhanced thermal design and packaging characteristics that allow greater power dissipation. This part remains electrically equivalent at the specified operating points and is a valid substitute. The higher power rating provides additional design margin in thermal-constrained applications.

Q: Are there any compliance differences between the substitute parts?

A: The TIP50G is RoHS3 Compliant, meeting current environmental directives. The NTE Electronics TIP50 is RoHS non-compliant. Both parts are REACH Unaffected. Component selection should account for end-application regulatory requirements and customer specifications regarding RoHS compliance.

Q: Can the TIP50 be used in applications where the original TIP50TU was specified?

A: Yes. The TIP50 satisfies all electrical parameter requirements for the TIP50TU. The higher power rating (40 W) does not create incompatibility; it provides additional thermal capability. Mechanical compatibility is maintained through identical TO-220-3 packaging and Through Hole mounting. Regulatory compliance status should be verified against application requirements.

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

A: The TIP50TU specifies a maximum junction temperature of 150°C. The TIP50G specifies an operating range of −65°C to 150°C (TJ). The NTE Electronics TIP50 specifies an operating range of −65°C to 150°C (TJ). All parts maintain the same maximum temperature rating; the onsemi TIP50G and NTE Electronics TIP50 provide explicit minimum temperature specifications.

Q: Are there inventory considerations when selecting between substitute parts?

A: The TIP50G (onsemi) has 15,216 pieces in stock. The TIP50 (NTE Electronics) has 4,510 pieces in stock. Both parts maintain active production status. Inventory levels should be verified at the time of procurement to ensure supply availability for production schedules.

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