PNP power transistor in a TO-247 — the complement you reach for when the NPN won't do
The TIP36C is a PNP bipolar power transistor rated for 100 V collector-emitter breakdown and 25 A continuous collector current, housed in a TO-247-3 through-hole package. It dissipates up to 125 W and switches at a 3 MHz transition frequency. This is the PNP complement to the more common NPN TIP35C series — same package, same footprint, opposite polarity. Typical applications include linear regulators, power output stages, motor drives, and audio amplifiers where a PNP pass element or push-pull pair is needed. The 150°C junction temperature rating suits industrial and commercial equipment with moderate thermal cycling.
The 25 A continuous collector rating is the hard ceiling for DC load current; derate for junction temperature and switching duty cycle. The 4 V Vce(sat) at 25 A (with 5 A base drive) is the saturation voltage you budget for conduction loss — at 25 A that is 100 W of on-state dissipation, which quickly consumes the 125 W package limit. In linear-mode operation (e.g., a pass transistor in a series regulator), the Vce drop times load current sets the heat sink requirement; the TO-247 tab and a good thermal interface are non-negotiable above a few amps.
ROHS3 compliant. If you are stocking spares for legacy equipment, this part remains a straightforward replenishment line.