STMicroelectronics
High Current Darlington Power Transistor
Best high-gain power transistor for demanding electronic switching and amplification projects.
The STMicroelectronics TIP120 is a high-performance NPN Darlington power transistor designed for demanding power applications. It offers exceptional high gain and a low collector-emitter saturation voltage, making it ideal for amplification and switching circuits. Encased in a robust TO-220AB package, this transistor is built for through-hole mounting and efficient heat dissipation. Its industrial-grade construction ensures reliability and efficiency for various electronic projects and industrial systems requiring dependable power handling capabilities.
$23.55
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
189
/ 651
#189 in Transistors
Price vs Category Average
-69%
Below average
Maximum Collector Emitter Voltage
60
/ V
Who it's for
- Engineers needing efficient control of heavy loads with minimal input
- Industrial designers building robust systems for demanding automotive environments
- Professionals requiring consistent, long-term component availability and quality
Who should skip it
- Developers prioritizing energy efficiency and minimal heat generation
- Circuit designers working on high-frequency switching applications
- Engineers with limited space for bulky thermal management solutions
Performance breakdown
Current Gain
Exceptional high gain performance simplifies driving loads from low-power signals.
Thermal Robustness
The TO-220AB package handles heat dissipation effectively for demanding industrial tasks.
Switching Efficiency
Low saturation voltage minimizes power loss during high-current switching operations.
Power Handling
Capable of managing 5A loads, making it a reliable workhorse component.
Build Durability
Industrial-grade construction ensures long-term reliability in varied electronic environments.
Integration Ease
Standard through-hole mounting makes this transistor simple to prototype and install.
Key Specs
Maximum Collector Emitter Voltage
60 V
Mounting Type
Through Hole
DC Current Gain (hFE)
1000 @ 500mA
Minimum Operating Temperature
-65°C
Maximum Operating Temperature
150°C
Number of Pins
3
Polarity
NPN - Darlington
Transistor Type
Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT), Darlington
Features
- Exceptional high gain performance
- Low collector-emitter saturation voltage
- Robust TO-220AB package
- Suitable for through-hole mounting
- Reliable power application performance
- Monolithic Darlington configuration
- Complementary NPN/PNP transistors
- Industrial-grade reliability
What customers say
Customers highly value this Darlington Power Transistor for its reliability and robust performance in demanding power applications like motor drivers and audio amplification. The core positive theme centers on its excellent current gain and superior power dissipation, making it a dependable workhorse. Engineers appreciate its consistent stability under heavy loads and the component's exceptional value, delivering high performance affordably. While sourcing genuine parts is crucial, the consensus confirms that when correctly implemented, this STMicroelectronics transistor is a highly dependable, high-gain solution that consistently meets expectations for high-current switching.
Know before you buy
The Darlington configuration combines two transistors in one package to provide an exceptionally high current gain. This allows you to control a large load with a very small input current, making it highly efficient for switching and amplification tasks.
Yes, the TIP120 is well-suited for these applications. It supports a maximum collector current of 5A, allowing it to handle the power requirements of most small-to-medium motors, relays, and solenoids.
While the TO-220 package is designed for efficient heat dissipation, you should use a heatsink if you are operating near the 5A maximum current limit. Proper thermal management is essential to prevent the transistor from overheating during continuous high-power operation.
The TIP120 has a maximum collector-emitter voltage rating of 60V. Ensure your circuit design stays within this limit to avoid damaging the component.
Yes, the TO-220AB package features a through-hole mounting design with three pins, making it easy to insert into standard breadboards or solder directly onto perfboards and custom PCBs.
The collector-emitter saturation voltage represents the voltage drop across the transistor when it is fully turned on. Because the TIP120 is designed for low saturation, it minimizes power loss as heat, which helps maintain higher efficiency in your switching circuits.
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