PNP power transistor for linear and switching applications
The TIP42CN is a PNP bipolar power transistor in a TO-220-3 through-hole package, rated for 100 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 6 A continuous collector current, with a maximum power dissipation of 65 W. It is part of the TIP42 family of complementary silicon power transistors. The 'C' suffix indicates the 100 V Vceo rating tier within the family, and the 'N' suffix denotes the lead-free / RoHS-compliant version.
On-state performance and saturation characteristics
The collector-emitter saturation voltage is specified at 1.5 V maximum with 600 mA base current driving 6 A collector current — a figure to check when calculating conduction losses in a linear regulator or output stage at full load. The 700 µA maximum collector cutoff current at zero base drive sets the off-state leakage floor; this matters in high-impedance load circuits where leakage can pull the output off the rail.
The junction temperature rating is 150 °C (TJ).