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TIP31, TIP31A, TIP31B, TIP31C Transistor Data
Key transistor data for the TIP31 NPN switching transistor including key electrical parameters, pinout, package type and many other key transistor datasheet details.
The TIP31 series of transistors are described as NPN epitaxial silicon transistors for linear switching applications and complementary to the TIP32 series of PNP transistors.
Although described as being designed for general purpose amplifier and switching applications. They have been very successfully been used in many linear applications from power supplies to audio amplifiers as well as for switching DC power.
The TIP31 is described as having a high gain-bandwidth product at 3MHz, which for a general purpose transistor of its day is quite high.
These devices are now described as obsolete by many manufacturers, but they can be obtained from many second tier manufacturers as well as some original stock from the main manufacturers.
Key details and performance parameters for the TIP31 transistor.
| TIP31 transistor datasheet parameters & data |
|
|---|---|
| Parameters | Details |
| Transistor type | |
| Package type | TO220 |
| VCBO max (V) | 60 up to 100 *** |
| VCEO max (V) | 60 up to 100 *** |
| VEBOmax (V) | 5 |
| VCEsat (V) | 1.5 @ I |
| IC max (A) | 3 A continuous and 5 A peak |
| TJ Max °C | 150 |
| PTOT mW | 40 |
| fT min (MHz) | 3.0 |
| COB | |
| hfe | 25 min |
| IC for hfe | 1A |
| Similar / equivalents | |
Outline:
Pinout:
Explanation of transistor parameters
| Parameter | Explanation |
|---|---|
| VCBO Max | Maximum collector-base voltage with emitter open circuit . |
| VCEO Max | Maximum collector-emitter voltage with base open circuit. |
| VEBO Max | Maximum emitter-base voltage with collector open circuit. |
| VCEsat (included where applicable) | The voltage drop across the collector-emitter when the transistor is fully saturated (acting as a closed switch). |
| IC Max | Maximum collector current. |
| Parameter | Explanation |
|---|---|
| TJ | Maximum junction temperature. |
| PTOT Max | Maximum device dissipation normally in free air at 25°C unless other conditions indicated. |
| fT Min | Minimum cutoff frequency at which the current gain in a common emitter circuit falls to unity. |
| COB Max | Maximum collector capacitane, normally measured with emitter open circuit. |
| hFE | DC current gain for HFE at IC. [Note hfe is the small signal gain and although this may be slightly different, the transistor current gain will vary considerably from ne transistor to the next of the same type.] |
| PTOT Max | Maximum device dissipation normally in free air at 25°C unless other conditions indicated. |
These are the main transistor parameters that have been included in our list. There are others, but these help quantify the main elements of the performance of the transistor.
Please note, that the data given is the best estimate we can give within a tabulated summary of this nature. Parameters also vary between manufacturers. Electronics Notes cannot accept any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, etc, although we do endevaour to ensure the data is as accurate as possible.
Notes and supplementary information
• Availability & sources
The device is available from a number of stockists and electronic component distributors.
• *** Maximum voltage
The TIP 31 has various maximum voltages according to the part number suffix, TIP31, 31A, 31B, 31C.
| TIP41 transistor datasheet parameters & data |
||
|---|---|---|
| Transistor type | VCBO max (V) | VCEO max (V) |
| TIP31 | 40 | 40 |
| TIP31A | 60 | 60 |
| TIP31B | 80 | 80 |
| TIP31C | 100 | 100 |
• Manufacturers
Many companies have manufactured the TIP31 series transistors including Texas Instruments, On Semiconductor and many others.
• TIP31 vs TIP41
The TIP31 and TIP41 transistors are very similar in their characteristics, and in many respects they are virtually interchangeable.
They are both NPN bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) housed in the TO-220 package.
They are also general-purpose power transistors, commonly used in amplification and switching applications. A further similarity is the maximum operating voltages.
The main difference is that the TIP41 has maximum current ratings of 6 amps continuous and 10 amps peak against the TIP31 which can handle 3 and 5 amps respectively.
Generally the TIP41 is considered to be the higher power device, although adequate heatsinking is required for power applications.
Written by Ian Poole .
Experienced electronics engineer and author.
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