Overview
The TIP121 is an NPN Epitaxial Darlington Transistor manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor. It is housed in a TO-220 package and is designed for medium power linear switching applications. This transistor is part of the TIP120/TIP121/TIP122 series, which are complementary to the TIP125/TIP126/TIP127 series. The TIP121 is ideal for simple switching circuits and can handle moderate power loads, making it a versatile component in various electrical circuitries.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Collector-Base Voltage (VCBO) | 80 | V |
| Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCEO) | 80 | V |
| Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO) | 5 | V |
| Collector Current (DC) (IC) | 5 | A |
| Collector Current (Pulse) (ICP) | 8 | A |
| Base Current (DC) (IB) | 120 mA | mA |
| Collector Dissipation (Ta=25°C) (PC) | 2 | W |
| Junction Temperature (TJ) | 150 | °C |
| Storage Temperature (TSTG) | -65 to 150 | °C |
| DC Current Gain (hFE) | 1000 | |
| Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage (VCE(sat)) | 2.0 V (IC = 3A, IB = 12mA), 4.0 V (IC = 5A, IB = 20mA) | V |
| Base-Emitter On Voltage (VBE(on)) | 2.5 | V |
Key Features
- Medium power linear switching applications
- NPN Epitaxial Darlington Transistor configuration
- Housed in a TO-220 package
- High DC current gain (hFE) of 1000
- Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage of 2.0 V and 4.0 V under different conditions
- Base-Emitter On Voltage of 2.5 V
- Maximum working temperature of 150°C
- Collector Dissipation of 2 W at Ta=25°C and 65 W at Tc=25°C
Applications
- Motor Drivers
- Battery Chargers
- Audio Amplifier Stages
- Audio Power Amplifier Circuits
- Audio Preamplifiers and Stages
- Driving or Switching Loads under 5A
- Output of Microcontrollers
Q & A
- What is the TIP121 transistor?
The TIP121 is an NPN Epitaxial Darlington Transistor used for medium power linear switching applications, housed in a TO-220 package.
- What are the key specifications of the TIP121 transistor?
Key specifications include a Collector-Base Voltage of 80V, Collector-Emitter Voltage of 80V, Collector Current (DC) of 5A, and a Junction Temperature of 150°C.
- What are the typical applications of the TIP121 transistor?
Applications include motor drivers, battery chargers, audio amplifier stages, audio power amplifier circuits, and driving or switching loads under 5A.
- What is the maximum collector current of the TIP121 transistor?
The maximum collector current (DC) is 5 A, and the maximum collector current (pulse) is 8 A.
- What is the DC current gain (hFE) of the TIP121 transistor?
The DC current gain (hFE) is 1000..
- What is the collector-emitter saturation voltage of the TIP121 transistor?
The collector-emitter saturation voltage is 2.0 V (IC = 3A, IB = 12mA) and 4.0 V (IC = 5A, IB = 20mA)..
- Can the TIP121 transistor be used in high-temperature environments?
The TIP121 transistor has a maximum working temperature of 150°C.
- What package type is the TIP121 transistor available in?
The TIP121 transistor is housed in a TO-220 package.
- What are some possible replacements for the TIP121 transistor?
Possible replacements include TIP100, TIP101, TIP102, TIP105, TIP106, TIP107, and TIP126.
- How does the TIP121 transistor perform in a circuit?
The TIP121 transistor can be used to control loads such as DC motors. It turns on when a pulse is applied to its base, allowing current to flow through the collector and emitter, thus activating the load.
