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TIP42, TIP42A, TIP42B, TIP42C Transistor Data
Key transistor data for the TIP42 PNP switching transistor including key electrical parameters, pinout, package type and many other key transistor datasheet details.
The TIP42 series of transistors is described as a series of PNP epitaxial silicon transistors for linear switching applications and complementary to the TIP41 NPN transistors.
The TIP42 transistors are virtually identical to the TIP41 series, except that they are the mirror image, bing PNP instead of NPN.
As the TIP41 and TIP42 are complementary this lends them ideally to being used in complementary output stages either as switching or linear output transistors.
Although described as switching transistors they have also very successfully been used in many linear applications from power supplies to audio amplifiers.
These devices are now described as obsolete by many manufacturers, but they can be obtained from many second tier manufacturers.
Key details and performance parameters for the TIP41 transistor.
| TIP42 transistor datasheet parameters & data |
|
|---|---|
| Parameters | Details |
| Transistor type | PNP |
| 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) | 6 |
| TJ Max °C | 150 |
| PTOT mW | 65 |
| fT min (MHz) | |
| COB | |
| hfe | 30 mon |
| IC for hfe | 0.3A |
| 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 42 has various maximum voltages according to the part number suffix, TIP42, 42A, 42B, 42C.
| TIP42 transistor datasheet parameters & data |
||
|---|---|---|
| Transistor type | VCBO max (V) | VCEO max (V) |
| TIP42 | -40 | -40 |
| TIP42A | -60 | -60 |
| TIP42B | -80 | -80 |
| TIP42C | -100 | -100 |
• Manufacturers
Many companies have manufactured the TIP42 series transistors including Texas Instruments, On Semiconductor and many others.
• TIP42 vs TIP32
The TIP32 and TIP42 transistors are very similar in their characteristics, and they are virtually interchangeable.
They are both PNP bipolar junction transistors and both are 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, and both have complementary NPN transistors: TIP 31 and TIP 41 respectively..
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 TIP42 is the 'beefier' device.
Written by Ian Poole .
Experienced electronics engineer and author.
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