TIP122 NPN 100V 5A Power Darlington Transistor TO-220

TIP122 NPN 100V 5A Power Darlington Transistor TO-220 is a high-gain power switching device designed specifically for applications requiring significant current amplification and reliable control. This NPN Darlington pair integrates two bi-polar transistors into a single package. Consequently, it provides a much higher current gain than standard transistors, allowing low-power logic circuits to drive heavy loads with ease. The TIP122 handles up to 100 V and 5 A, making it an ideal choice for power amplification and high-speed switching tasks. Furthermore, its robust TO-220 package ensures efficient heat dissipation when mounted to a heat sink, maintaining stability during high-load operations. Therefore, you should utilize this transistor whenever your project demands a reliable bridge between sensitive microcontrollers and high-current AC or DC peripherals.

Key Features:

• High DC Current Gain: Features a minimum gain (h_FE) of 1000 at 3 A, which allows the device to drive large currents using very small base currents.
• High Voltage Handling: Supports a Collector-Emitter voltage (V_CEO) of up to 100 V, providing a safe margin for 12 V, 24 V, and 48 V systems.
• Integrated Protection Diode: Includes an internal monolithic anti-parallel collector-emitter diode to protect the transistor from inductive back-EMF during switching.
• TO-220 Package: The standard 3-pin through-hole package facilitates easy mounting to heat sinks and standard PCB layouts.
• Complementary Pair: This NPN transistor pairs perfectly with the TIP127 PNP transistor for push-pull amplifier configurations.

Technical Specifications:

• Transistor Polarity: NPN (Darlington Pair)
• Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CEO): 100 V
• Collector-Base Voltage (V_CBO): 100 V
• Continuous Collector Current (I_C): 5 A
• Peak Collector Current (I_CM): 8 A
• Base Current (I_B): 120 mA
• Total Power Dissipation (P_D): 65 W (at T_C = 25°C)
• Operating Junction Temperature Range: −65°C to +150°C

Mechanical Specifications:

• Package Type: TO-220-3 (Through-Hole)
• Mounting Type: Vertical mounting with a through-hole for a M3 screw.
• Lead Finish: Tin (Sn) or Lead-Free plating options.
• Case Material: Molded plastic with metal tab for heat transfer.

Dimensions:

• Overall Height: ≈ 15.75 mm
• Width: ≈ 10.4 mm
• Thickness: ≈ 4.83 mm
• Lead Length: ≈ 12.7 mm
• Lead Pitch: 2.54 mm (Standard 0.1 inch spacing)

Pinout and Wiring:

• Pin 1 (Base): Connect this pin to your control signal (e.g., MCU output) through a suitable current-limiting resistor.
• Pin 2 (Collector): Connect this pin to the negative terminal of the load you wish to switch.
• Pin 3 (Emitter): Connect this pin to the circuit ground (GND).
• Wiring Note: However, always ensure you use a heat sink if the collector current exceeds 1 A to prevent thermal runaway.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download TIP122 Power Transistor Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

• Arduino and ESP32 Projects: Driving high-power DC components that the microcontroller pins cannot handle directly.
• Power Supplies: Functioning as a pass transistor in linear voltage regulators.
• Audio Amplifiers: Serving as the output stage for low-frequency power amplification.

Applications:

• Motor Control: Driving DC motors, stepper motors, and small actuators.
• Relay Driving: Switching high-voltage or high-current mechanical relays.
• LED Lighting: Controlling high-power LED strips and arrays via PWM signals.
• Solenoid Control: Managing the fast activation of solenoids and valves.

Equivalent Models:

• TIP120 / TIP121: Lower voltage versions (60 V and 80 V respectively) which you can use if the application voltage is within range.
• BDW93C: A functionally similar NPN Darlington power transistor often used in similar power switching environments.
• 2N6045: Another high-gain NPN Darlington transistor providing comparable current and voltage ratings.

Package Includes:

• 1 x TIP122 NPN 100V 5A Power Darlington Transistor TO-220