on November 12th 74

All About the TIP122 Transistor: Datasheet, Dimensions, and Circuit Uses

The TIP122 is a versatile NPN Darlington power transistor, widely recognized for its robust performance and reliability in diverse electronics applications. Engineered to handle up to 60V and 8A peak currents, the TIP122 excels in challenging tasks like motor control, power amplification, and switching circuits. Its high current gain and ability to withstand demanding environments make it ideal for industrial automation, where consistent and efficient power distribution is dangerous. This article digs into TIP122’s specifications, actual applications, and best practices for achieving optimal performance, offering a comprehensive guide for you.

Catalog

TIP122 Overview

The TIP122 is crafted as a silicon NPN Darlington power transistor housed within a TO-220 package, employing advanced planar technology and a monolithic Darlington configuration. This intricate design permits the transistor to proficiently handle voltages up to 60 volts, accommodating a peak current of 8 amperes and a continuous current of 5 amperes. These characteristics render the TIP122 exceptionally well-suited for controlling high-power functions, encompassing not only motors but also solenoids and LEDs.

The TIP122 is distinguished by its substantial current gain, a result of its Darlington pairing. This attribute significantly elevates its current capacity, ensuring smooth functioning in circuits that demand heightened amplification. You can frequently recognize such traits as basic in scenarios emphasizing high efficiency and dependability. While motors, solenoids, and LEDs are typical companions, the transistor's versatility traverses other dominions. Its remarkable thermal stability and its mechanisms for shielding against overcurrent extend its usage into industrial automation systems, driving circuits, and power management frameworks.

Embracing TIP122 in authentic applications often calls for a profound comprehension of power dissipation and thermal dynamics. Pairing the transistor with fitting heat sinks is a prevalent tactic, ensuring operational effectiveness without breaching thermal limitations. These practices emphasize the significance of elaborate design contemplation in electronic undertakings.

Pinout

CAD Design

Symbol

Footprint

3D Visualization

Internal Schematic Diagram

Characteristics

Feature	Specification
Package Type	TO-220
Transistor Type	NPN
Base Current (IB)	120 mA
Continuous Collector Current (IC)	5:00 AM
Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCE)	100 V
Collector-Base Voltage (VCB)	100 V
Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO)	5 V
Collector Dissipation (Pc)	65 W
DC Current Gain (hFE)	1000
Storage & Operating Temperature	-65 to +150 °C

Advantages

The TIP122 transistor provides a myriad of appealing features that surpass conventional expectations, positioning it as a favored choice across various applications. By digging into these characteristics, you can tap into their full potential, mostly in sophisticated circuits where high efficiency and dependability are dominant.

Low Saturation Voltage

A notable feature of the TIP122 is its minimal saturation voltage. This trait allows the transistor to function with reduced power loss, thereby extending the device's service life in which it is integrated. In practical settings, this results in diminished heat generation and elevated circuit efficiency. You can often have a favorable view of this attribute, especially when engaged in energy-conscious designs.

Simple Drive Requirements

The uncomplicated drive requirements of the TIP122 facilitate its integration into various systems. This simplicity accelerates the design process and mitigates error risks. In practical scenarios, this ease leads to swifter deployments and reduced troubleshooting, thereby enhancing overall productivity.

Wide Safe Operating Area

The TIP122 exhibits an extensive safe operating area, ensuring stable performance even amidst changing conditions. This reliability proves advantageous in environments like outdoor electronics or high-demand industrial systems where fluctuations may occur. The capacity to consistently deliver functionality provides reassurance in serious applications.

Low Distortion Complementary Designs Efficiency

The TIP122 is mostly effective in low-distortion complementary designs due to its well-balanced characteristics. Its application in audio amplifiers, for instance, results in clearer sound output by minimizing distortion. This tangible improvement in audio quality renders it an attractive component for you seeking excellent performance.

Portability and Ease of Use

Apart from its electrical characteristics, the design of the TIP122 aids in convenient handling and transport. This is especially advantageous in large-scale manufacturing or field repairs, where mobility and rapid replacement are a must. This practical feature highlights its versatility in different operational settings.

Technical Specification

Type	Parameter
Lifecycle Status	ACTIVE (Last Updated: 7 months ago)
Factory Lead Time	8 Weeks
Contact Plating	Tin
Mount	Through Hole
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-220-3
Number of Pins	3
Weight	6.000006g
Transistor Element Material	SILICON
Collector-Emitter Breakdown Voltage	100V
Number of Elements	1
hFEMin	1000
Operating Temperature	150°C TJ
Packaging	Tube
JESD-609 Code	e3
Part Status	Active
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)
Number of Terminations	3
ECCN Code	EAR99
Voltage - Rated DC	100V
Max Power Dissipation	65W
Current Rating	5A
Base Part Number	TIP122
Pin Count	3
Polarity	NPN
Element Configuration	Single
Power Dissipation	2W
Transistor Application	SWITCHING
Transistor Type	NPN - Darlington
Collector Emitter Voltage (VCEO)	100V
Max Collector Current	5A
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	1000 @ 3A 3V
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	500μA
JEDEC-95 Code	TO-220AB
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	4V @ 20mA, 5A
Collector Base Voltage (VCBO)	100V
Emitter Base Voltage (VEBO)	5V
Max Junction Temperature (Tj)	150°C
VCEsat-Max	4V
Height	19.68mm
Length	10.4mm
Width	4.6mm
REACH SVHC	No SVHC
Radiation Hardening	No
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Lead Free	Lead Free

Alternatives

Part Number	Description	Manufacturer
TIP122	Low voltage NPN power Darlington transistor	STMicroelectronics
TIP122-S	Power Bipolar Transistor, 5A (IC), 100V V(BR)CEO, 1-Element, NPN, Silicon, TO-220AB, Plastic/Epoxy, 3 Pin, TO-220, 3 PIN	Bourns Inc
TIP122-BP	Power Bipolar Transistor, 5A (IC), 100V V(BR)CEO, 1-Element, NPN, Silicon, TO-220AB, Plastic/Epoxy, 3 Pin, ROHS COMPLIANT, PLASTIC, TO-220, 3 PIN	Micro Commercial Components
TIP122TU	Power Bipolar Transistor, 5A (IC), 100V V(BR)CEO, 1-Element, NPN, Silicon, TO-220AB, Plastic/Epoxy, 3 Pin, TO-220, 3 PIN	Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
TIP122G	5.0 A, 100 V NPN Darlington Bipolar Power Transistor, TO-220 3 LEAD STANDARD, 50-TUBE	ON Semiconductor

Equivalents

When considering these alternatives, it is prudent to carefully check the pin configurations, as they may differ from those of the TIP122.

• TIP132

• TIP102

• TE261

• NTE263

• 2N6045

• 2SD2495

• BDT65B

• 2N6532

• BDT63B

• BDW43

• TIP142T

Complementary PNP Transistor for TIP122

• TIP127

Transistors in the TIP122 Series

NPN Type

• TIP120

• TIP121

• TIP122

PNP Type

• TIP125

• TIP126

• TIP127

Integrating the TIP122 Transistor into Electronic Designs

The TIP122 transistor, notable for its accessible 5V emitter-base voltage and 120mA base current specifications, is highly regarded in applications requiring high collector current and amplification. It finds frequent use in settings such as driving a 48V motor with a continuous 3A current, where the transistor's capability to handle up to a 5A continuous collector current becomes mostly advantageous. A 100-ohm resistor is employed to maintain a steady base current of 42mA, though adjustments can be made to suit different circuit requirements, showcasing the adaptability of transistor-based designs to diverse electrical needs.

The ability of the TIP122 to manage up to 8A peak current calls for careful consideration of the load characteristics, ensuring motor consumption stays within manageable boundaries. Designing circuits with this transistor involves a thoughtful assessment of both continuous and peak current capacities. You can recognize the benefits of exhaustive testing under simulated load conditions, which helps to prevent exceeding this sensitive limit.

Applications

Versatile Applications in Electronics

The TIP122 is recognized for its adaptability in multiple electronic environments. It serves a variety of purposes such as driving audio amplifiers and managing devices with switching loads below 5A. Its flexibility is evident as it addresses medium power switching needs, adjusting operational dynamics efficiently in different electronic systems. You can appreciate its reliable performance, frequently mentioning how it meets diverse requirements with robustness.

Motor Control Utilization

The TIP122's influence extends significantly to motor speed control. You can deploy it within motor systems to balance speed and torque efficiently—a feature that enhances projects from major industrial machinery to smaller endeavors. You can suggest that fine-tuning the TIP122 allows motors to run more smoothly and efficiently, resulting in noticeable improvements in cost-effectiveness and performance.

Role in Inverter Circuits

Including the TIP122 in inverter circuits exemplifies its ability to manage intricate power shifts. This capability supports sustainable energy initiatives by ensuring dependable inverter operations. You can consistently emphasize its role in boosting inverter reliability and effectiveness, pointing out tangible successes in actual scenarios.

Medium Power Switching

The TIP122 effortlessly performs in the world of medium power switching, often being employed in numerous power management scenarios. It bridges the operational divide between low-power and high-power switches. You can frequently commend its steady switching performance, emphasizing its active role in facilitating smooth device operations across diverse load conditions.

Circuit Employing TIP122

100-Watt Audio Amplifier Design

This sophisticated audio amplifier setup features the TIP122 and TIP127 Darlington transistors, which play a key role in enhancing audio signals. These components are renowned for their impressive current amplification capacities, making them suitable for high-power audio setups. The circuit takes its audio input from a microphone, which then navigates through a 470uF coupling capacitor. Far from just blocking DC components, this capacitor is used in maintaining the purity of the audio signal, ensuring clarity and fidelity across different amplification stages.

Initially, the audio signal enters the circuit at transistor Q1. This initial amplification phase is designed to adequately boost the incoming signal, preparing it for further amplification by transistor Q2. Each stage has been thoughtfully engineered to sustain stability and manage distortion effectively, a focus sharpened by experiences in actual applications where these factors profoundly impact the overall auditory experience.

The final stage delivers power to a speaker, relying on a unique current path with refinements made possible by a 10K preset potentiometer. This component allows for precise adjustments, enabling you to achieve the preferred volume levels. The practice has shown that such precision in adjustability offers notable control in diverse soundscapes, greatly enhancing enjoyment. Feedback mechanisms are also embraced to reduce potential challenges like oscillations, utilizing standard practices in audio engineering aimed at preserving audio quality and the longevity of the system.

Package

Package Outline

Mechanical Specifications

Manufacturer Background

STMicroelectronics stands at the forefront of semiconductor technology innovation, offering solutions that span a vast range of microelectronics applications. Their expertise in System-on-Chip (SoC) technology represents an exquisite balance of complex silicon integration with extraordinary manufacturing capabilities. This fusion has fueled the ascendancy of contemporary technological trends, crafting an ecosystem where versatility and efficiency thrive in harmony.

The emergence of System-on-Chip technology heralds a major shift in the world of microelectronics. By integrating all basic elements of a computer or system into a singular chip, SoC provides numerous advantages, such as lower power consumption, simplified system complexity, and enhanced performance speed. These characteristics hold particular value for sectors focused on mobile devices and embedded systems, where compact design and high efficiency are dominant.

Datasheet PDF

TIP122 Datasheets:

TIP120-122, TIP125-127.pdf

TIP122G Datasheets:

TIP120-22, TIP125-27.pdf