TR236 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The STMicroelectronics TR236 is an NPN bipolar junction transistor rated for 400 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 4 A maximum collector current in a TO-220-3 through-hole package. This device is classified as obsolete, making identification of equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support, maintenance, and production continuity. The TR236 delivers 70 W maximum power dissipation and operates at junction temperatures up to 150°C, serving applications requiring high-voltage switching and amplification in industrial and consumer electronics.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	400	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	4	A
Power - Max	70	W
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	1.3V @ 600mA, 2.5A	—
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	8 @ 2.5A, 5V	—
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	250	µA
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the TR236 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Primary Equivalence Criteria:

Transistor Type: NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 400 V minimum
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 4 A minimum
Power - Max: 70 W minimum
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package / Case: TO-220-3

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Operating Temperature: 150°C (TJ) or higher
RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 Compliant or equivalent
Vce Saturation characteristics within acceptable operating ranges
DC Current Gain (hFE) sufficient for circuit design requirements

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: Direct Equivalents (matching all primary criteria within specified tolerances) and Similar Alternatives (meeting primary criteria with enhanced or modified secondary parameters). Parts exceeding the TR236 specifications in voltage, current, or power rating remain compatible for applications requiring the TR236, provided thermal management and circuit design accommodate the higher ratings.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Ic (Max) [A]	Vce Breakdown (Max) [V]	Power (Max) [W]	Vce Sat @ Ib, Ic	hFE (Min) @ Ic, Vce	Package	Product Status
TR236	STMicroelectronics	4	400	70	1.3V @ 600mA, 2.5A	8 @ 2.5A, 5V	TO-220-3	Obsolete
FJP5304DTU	onsemi	4	400	70	1.5V @ 500mA, 2.5A	8 @ 2A, 5V	TO-220-3	Obsolete
BUJ103A,127	WeEn Semiconductors	4	400	80	1V @ 600mA, 3A	13 @ 500mA, 5V	TO-220-3	Active
BUJ302A,127	WeEn Semiconductors	4	400	80	1.5V @ 1A, 3.5A	25 @ 800mA, 3V	TO-220-3	Active
BUT11A	STMicroelectronics	5	450	83	1.5V @ 500mA, 2.5A	10 @ 500mA, 5V	TO-220-3	Obsolete
FJP3305H1TU	Fairchild Semiconductor	4	400	75	1V @ 1A, 4A	8 @ 2A, 5V	TO-220-3	Active
FJP3305H2TU	onsemi	4	400	75	1V @ 1A, 4A	26 @ 1A, 5V	TO-220-3	Last Time Buy
FJP5555TU	Fairchild Semiconductor	5	400	75	1.5V @ 1A, 3.5A	20 @ 800mA, 3V	TO-220-3	Active
TSC742CZ C0G	Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation	5	420	70	1.5V @ 1A, 3.5A	48 @ 100mA, 5V	TO-220-3	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalent Selection:

The FJP5304DTU (onsemi) provides the closest electrical match to the TR236, with identical maximum ratings for collector current (4 A), collector-emitter breakdown voltage (400 V), and power dissipation (70 W). Both devices are classified as obsolete; however, FJP5304DTU maintains higher inventory availability (2013 pcs vs. 896 pcs). This part is suitable for direct replacement in existing designs without circuit modification.

Active Product Alternatives:

For new designs or long-term production continuity, the following active-status parts are recommended:

BUJ103A,127 (WeEn Semiconductors): Meets all primary equivalence criteria with enhanced power rating (80 W) and improved saturation characteristics. Active product status ensures ongoing availability and supply chain stability.
BUJ302A,127 (WeEn Semiconductors): Exceeds TR236 specifications with 80 W power rating and superior DC current gain (25 @ 800mA, 3V). Active status provides long-term design support.
FJP3305H1TU (Fairchild Semiconductor): Maintains exact current and voltage ratings with active product status. Includes transition frequency specification (4 MHz), beneficial for high-frequency switching applications.

Enhanced Rating Alternatives:

Parts exceeding TR236 specifications remain compatible for applications where the original device is specified:

BUT11A (STMicroelectronics): Provides higher voltage (450 V) and current (5 A) ratings with 83 W power dissipation. Suitable for designs requiring additional margin or upgraded performance.
FJP5555TU (Fairchild Semiconductor): Rated for 5 A collector current and 400 V breakdown voltage with active product status. Appropriate for applications requiring higher current capacity.
TSC742CZ C0G (Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation): Offers 420 V breakdown voltage, 5 A current rating, and active product status. Suitable for designs requiring enhanced voltage margin.

Compliance Considerations:

All recommended substitutes maintain ROHS3 compliance or equivalent environmental standards. Parts designated as active or last-time-buy status provide superior supply chain reliability compared to obsolete classifications. Selection should prioritize active-status devices for new production programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the FJP5304DTU directly replace the TR236 without circuit modification?

A: Yes. The FJP5304DTU matches the TR236 across all primary electrical parameters: 4 A maximum collector current, 400 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, and 70 W power dissipation. Both devices use the TO-220-3 package. No circuit redesign is required for direct substitution.

Q: Why are some substitute parts rated for higher current or voltage than the TR236?

A: Parts such as BUT11A (5 A, 450 V) and FJP5555TU (5 A, 400 V) exceed TR236 specifications. These devices remain compatible for TR236 applications because higher ratings provide additional design margin. Circuit performance is determined by the lowest-rated component; therefore, upgrading to higher-rated parts does not degrade functionality. Thermal management design must account for the actual power dissipation in the circuit, not the device rating.

Q: What is the difference between active and obsolete product status?

A: Active products are in current production with guaranteed long-term availability and supply chain support. Obsolete products are no longer manufactured; existing inventory may be available but supply is finite and unpredictable. For new designs or production programs, active-status parts (BUJ103A,127, BUJ302A,127, FJP3305H1TU, FJP5555TU, TSC742CZ C0G) are recommended to ensure design longevity and manufacturing continuity.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same TO-220-3 package?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed in this reference are packaged in TO-220-3 through-hole configuration, matching the TR236 mechanical footprint. No PCB layout modification is required for substitution.

Q: How do DC current gain (hFE) differences affect circuit design?

A: DC current gain variations among substitute parts (ranging from 8 to 48 at specified test conditions) affect base drive requirements and switching speed. Circuits designed with fixed base current may exhibit different saturation characteristics or switching performance with different hFE values. Circuit analysis should verify that base drive current remains adequate across the hFE range of the selected substitute part. Parts with higher hFE (such as BUJ302A,127 at 25 or TSC742CZ C0G at 48) require lower base current for equivalent collector current.

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

A: BUJ103A,127 and BUJ302A,127 (WeEn Semiconductors) are designated as active products with substantial current inventory (956 pcs and 1079 pcs respectively). FJP3305H1TU (Fairchild Semiconductor) also maintains active status with the highest inventory level (65,800 pcs). These three parts provide the strongest supply chain assurance for ongoing production.

Q: Can I use FJP3305H2TU if it is designated as "Last Time Buy"?

A: FJP3305H2TU is electrically equivalent to the TR236 and remains suitable for immediate production needs. However, "Last Time Buy" status indicates that manufacturing will cease and existing inventory is the final supply available. For designs requiring long-term production continuity beyond the Last Time Buy window, selection of an active-status alternative (such as BUJ103A,127 or FJP3305H1TU) is recommended.

Q: What is the significance of Vce saturation voltage differences?

A: Vce saturation voltage determines the voltage drop across the transistor when fully conducting. Lower saturation voltages reduce power dissipation and heat generation. The TR236 exhibits 1.3 V saturation at 600 mA base current and 2.5 A collector current. Substitute parts show variations (ranging from 1.0 V to 1.5 V at different test conditions). For applications sensitive to power dissipation or thermal performance, parts with lower saturation voltage (such as FJP3305H1TU at 1.0 V or BUJ103A,127 at 1.0 V) may provide improved efficiency.

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