The TIP120 is 60V, 5A, NPN Epitaxial Darlington Transistor.
Part Number: TIP120
Function: 60V, 5A, NPN Darlington Transistor
Package: TO-220 Type
Manufacturer: Fairchild Semiconductor
Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation, a semiconductor manufacturing company, was acquired by ON Semiconductor Corporation on September 18, 2016.
TIP120 Pinout
Description
A NPN transistor is a type of bipolar junction transistor (BJT) that consists of two n-type semiconductor materials separated by a single p-type material.
The NPN transistor is used to amplify or switch electronic signals and is widely used in many electronic circuits. It works by controlling the current flow between the collector and emitter terminals through the base terminal.
TIP120 is a popular NPN Darlington transistor that is commonly used in a wide range of electronic circuits. The transistor is housed in a TO-220 package, making it easy to use and dissipate heat.
The TIP120 transistor has a maximum voltage rating of 60V and a maximum current rating of 5A. The transistor has three terminals: the collector, the base, and the emitter. The transistor has a high current gain and a low saturation voltage, making it suitable for use in high power switching applications.
Features
1. Complementary to TIP125 / TIP126 / TIP127
2. Vcbo=60V, Vceo=60V, Vebo=5V, Ic=5A
Absolute maximum ratings ( Ta=25°C )
1. Collector to Base Voltage: Vcbo = 60 V
2. Collector to Emitter Voltage: Vceo = 60 V
3. Emitter to Base Voltage: Vebo = 5 V
4. Collector Current: Ic = 5 A
5. Junction Temperature: Tj = 150°C
6. Storage Temperature: Tsg = -65 ~ +150°C
Applications:
1. Medium Power Linear Switching
However, there are also some limitations of the TIP120 transistor. It has a relatively slow switching speed compared to other transistors, which limits its use in high frequency applications. It also has a relatively high base current requirement, which can lead to higher power dissipation and heating.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs):
1. What is the difference between TIP120 and TIP121 transistors?
Answer: TIP120 and TIP121 are both NPN Darlington transistors, but TIP121 has a higher voltage rating of 80V compared to TIP120’s 60V rating. TIP121 also has a higher current rating of 8A compared to TIP120’s 5A rating.
2. What type of circuit is TIP120 commonly used in?
Answer: TIP120 is commonly used in high power switching circuits, such as motor control, solenoid control, and high power LED drivers. It is also used in audio amplifiers and linear voltage regulators due to its high gain and low saturation voltage.
TIP120 Datasheet PDF
Other data sheets are available within the file: TIP121, TIP122
