TIP41C-BP - NPN 100V 6A Power BJT TO-220AB | MCC
MPN: TIP41C-BP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.62 | $0.62 |
| 10 | $0.55 | $5.50 |
| 100 | $0.46 | $46.00 |
| 500 | $0.39 | $195.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.33 | $330.00 |
TIP41C-BP Overview
A bipolar junction transistor (BJT) is a three-terminal current-controlled semiconductor device that amplifies or switches electronic signals. Within the component hierarchy, the TIP41C-BP belongs to the general-purpose power BJT family, sitting under discrete transistors, under discrete semiconductors, and ultimately under power electronics. Power BJTs remain popular where simple, robust, low-cost drive circuits are needed, complementing MOSFETs and IGBTs in the broader power device landscape.
Key features include a 100 V VCEO rating for headroom on industrial supply rails, a 6 A collector current capability, a minimum DC current gain (hFE) of 15 at 3 A and 4 V, and a 3 MHz transition frequency that supports medium-speed switching. The P suffix designates RoHS-compliant lead-free construction per the manufacturer datasheet ordering information. The TIP42 series PNP device is its complementary pair.
The device uses a planar NPN structure optimized for linear and switching service. Its TO-220AB package with exposed collector tab provides a low-resistance thermal path to a heatsink; note that the 65 W rating applies at maintained case temperature of 25 C, while free-air dissipation without heatsinking is far lower (DigiKey lists 2 W as the free-air figure), so thermal design drives real-world capability.
Typical applications include linear power supplies and series pass elements, motor drivers and relay/actuator drivers, audio power amplifier output stages, and general medium-power switching in industrial equipment.
Design consideration: always verify SOA and heatsink requirements at your actual Vce and Ic operating point, because second breakdown limits BJT safe operating area at high voltage and high current simultaneously.
This page synthesizes verified distributor data, drop-in alternatives, pinout information, and practical thermal design notes not found in a single manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for TIP41C-BP — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with TIP41C-BP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Complementary PNP Type, Package, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
TIP41CG
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TIP41C-O
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TIP41C
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →BD911
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MJE5180
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TIP41C-BP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Transistor Type | NPN Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) |
| Collector-Emitter Breakdown Voltage (VCEO) | 100 V |
| Max Continuous Collector Current (IC) | 6 A |
| Transition Frequency (ft) | 3 MHz |
| Power Dissipation (Pd, case at 25 C) | 65 W |
| Power Dissipation (free air, per DigiKey listing) | 2 W |
| DC Current Gain (hFE) Min | 15 @ 3 A, 4 V |
| Package | TO-220AB (TO-220), Through Hole |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Pin Count | 3 (3 + tab) |
| Polarity Configuration | Single NPN |
| Complementary PNP Type | TIP42 series |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (P suffix designates RoHS) |
| Lead Finish | Lead free |
| Product Category | General Purpose BJT, power linear and switching |
TIP41C-BP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | Base — Control terminal; base drive current input |
| Pin 2 | Collector — Main current terminal; connected to metal mounting tab |
| Pin 3 | Emitter — Main current terminal; current output/return |
Safe Operating Area (DC, case at 25 C) - typical TIP41C-class curve
Typical Applications
TIP41C-BP is suitable for 6 applications: Linear Power Supply Pass Element, DC Motor Driver, Audio Power Amplifier Output Stage, Relay and Solenoid Driver, Switching Regulator Power Stage, LED Lighting and Constant-Current Drivers.
Linear Power Supply Pass Element
The TIP41C-BP serves as a series pass transistor in linear regulated supplies, where its 100 V VCEO gives design margin on industrial rectified rails and its 6 A collector rating covers multi-amp outputs. Placed as an emitter follower driven by an error amplifier, it provides smooth, low-noise regulation without switching artifacts. Because dissipation equals (VIN - VOUT) x ILOAD, thermal design with a properly sized TO-220 heatsink is essential at large voltage drops; the 65 W case-temperature rating provides substantial headroom when heatsinked.
Recommended
DC Motor Driver
In low- to medium-power DC motor control, the TIP41C-BP acts as a high-side or low-side switch or as a linear speed-control element, switching up to 6 A with a simple base resistor from a microcontroller through a driver stage. Its 100 V rating absorbs inductive kickback when paired with a flyback diode, and the 3 MHz fT comfortably supports PWM speeds of 1-20 kHz used in motor speed control. The TO-220AB through-hole package simplifies heatsinking in repairable industrial equipment, and its robustness to transient overload suits the harsh electrical environment of motor windings.
Recommended
Audio Power Amplifier Output Stage
The TIP41C-BP, paired with the complementary TIP42C PNP, forms a classic class-AB push-pull output pair for audio amplifiers. The 100 V rating supports supply rails up to roughly +/-50 V for higher output power into 8-ohm and 4-ohm loads, while 6 A capability covers peak load currents. ST explicitly characterizes its TIP41C with base island technology for audio applications, and the MCC part conforms to the same standard. Matching hFE between NPN and PNP devices and biasing with a Vbe multiplier minimizes crossover distortion; each output device requires its own heatsink.
Recommended
Relay and Solenoid Driver
Industrial relay coils and solenoids frequently draw hundreds of milliamps to several amps at 12 V to 48 V, exceeding what logic-level transistors or small-signal BJTs can handle. The TIP41C-BP switches these loads directly with generous margin: the 6 A rating is far above typical coil currents, and the 100 V VCEO withstands the inductive flyback spikes that occur even with a clamp diode. Driven into saturation with a forced beta of about 10, its low VCE(sat) minimizes on-state heating. The through-hole TO-220 package withstands vibration and simplifies field replacement in control panels.
Recommended
Switching Regulator Power Stage
In medium-frequency switching converters such as buck or flyback topologies operating at 20-50 kHz, the TIP41C-BP provides a cost-effective power switch where efficiency demands are moderate. The 100 V rating suits offline-derived or 48 V bus converters, and the 6 A rating covers output currents of several amps. Switching loss is governed by storage time, so a speed-up capacitor or Baker clamp in the base drive network is recommended; for higher frequency operation above 50 kHz, a MOSFET becomes more efficient. The robust SOA makes it forgiving of transformer leakage-inductance stress.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Constant-Current Drivers
High-brightness LED strings in industrial and signage lighting require stable current regulation; the TIP41C-BP works as a linear series pass element in a constant-current loop, with an op-amp or transistor sensing a low-side current-shunt resistor. Its 100 V rating allows long LED strings at elevated bus voltages, and the 6 A capability covers multi-die array loads. Linear control gives flicker-free, EMI-quiet dimming compared with switching drivers, at the cost of dissipation in the transistor; a TO-220 heatsink maintains junction temperature within limits during full-brightness operation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for TIP41C-BP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | TIP41CG | TIP41C-O | TIP41C | BD911 | MJE5180 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | MCC (Micro Commercial Components) | MCC | MCC | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | onsemi |
| Package | TO-220AB (through hole) | TO-220AB - same | TO-220AB - same | TO-220 - same footprint | TO-220 - same footprint | TO-220 - same footprint |
| VCEO (Collector-Emitter Voltage) | 100 V | 100 V | 100 V | 100 V | 100 V | 100 V-class |
| RoHS Compliant | Yes (P suffix) | Yes (G = green) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Higher hFE specification at full load (vs TIP41C (STMicroelectronics))
- RoHS-compliant lead-free finish as standard ordering code (vs TIP41C-O)
- Cost-effective sourcing of an industry-standard part (vs BD911 (STMicroelectronics))
Design Notes
The 65 W power dissipation rating applies only when the TO-220AB case is held at 25 C - a condition achievable only with a substantial heatsink, often forced air. In free air the device is limited to about 2 W (per the DigiKey listing). Estimated: at 3 A with 2 V saturation the device dissipates roughly 6 W; select a heatsink whose thermal resistance keeps the junction below the datasheet maximum given your worst-case ambient. Use thermal paste and torque the mounting screw to specification - a dry or loose mount can multiply junction-to-heatsink resistance several times.
Do not design base drive from the typical hFE value. The guaranteed minimum hFE is only 15 at 3 A and 4 V, so for saturated switching use a forced beta of approximately 10 (for example, 0.6 A base drive for a 6 A load). Also remember the mounting tab is at collector potential - an insulated kit is mandatory when the collector sits on a live rail and the heatsink is chassis-grounded. Finally, always provide a flyback diode across inductive loads; even with a clamp, the 100 V VCEO margin should not be relied upon to absorb repeated flyback events.
For through-hole TO-220 designs, provide generous copper pad area around pin 2 (Collector/tab) to reduce thermal resistance to the board when a heatsink is not fitted. Keep the base drive trace short and route it away from the high-current collector path to avoid parasitic oscillation; a small base stopper resistor (2-10 ohm) is inexpensive insurance. When paralleling devices for higher current, add small emitter ballast resistors to force current sharing, since BJTs do not share naturally the way MOSFETs do.
Compliance Information
MCC datasheet note (quoted by distributor data): Lead Free Finish / RoHS Compliant - the P suffix designates RoHS compliance. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status not stated in provided data.
