What is TIP120?

TIP120 Pinout

Symbol

TIP120 Symbol

Footprint

TIP120 Footprint

3D Model

TIP120 3D Model

The TIP122 is an NPN transistor with a Darlington pair. It works like a standard NPN transistor, but because it contains a Darlington pair, it has a high collector current rating of roughly 5A and a gain of about 1000. It can also sustain 60V across its collector-emitter, making it suitable for driving big loads. If you require higher voltage, investigate other transistors in the same family that are lighted by the TIP122. The internal circuit layout for this transistor clearly shows the Darlington pair inside.

TIP120 Internal Circuit

As you can see, this TO-220 package has two transistors, with the emitter of the first transistor connected to the base of the second transistor and the collectors of both transistors coupled to form a Darlington pair. This improves the transistor's current gain and current rating.

TIP120 is suitable for a wide range of switching and amplification applications. To become fully saturated and drive a load of 5000mA or 5A, it only requires 120mA to its base when used as a switch. With 5A of current, you may power a wide range of components, including high-power LEDs, LED strips, LED bulbs, high-power relays, and other switches, as well as a complete circuit or a standalone device.

TIP120 transistors are noted for their high current gain (hfe = 1000) and high collector current (IC = 5A), making them ideal for controlling high-current loads or applications requiring strong amplification. Because this transistor has a low Base-Emitter Voltage of only 5V, it can be controlled easily by logic devices such as microcontrollers. However, it's important to double-check that the logic device can supply up to 120mA.

It is suggested that you should not operate a load of more than 60V and 5A with the TIP120 transistor in your applications for safety and long-term performance. Check pin configurations before putting the transistor in the circuit; always use an appropriate heatsink with the transistor; always use a sufficient base resistor with the transistor, and never store or use at temperatures below -65 degrees Celsius and above +150 ℃.

• NPN Medium-power Darlington Transistor

• High DC Current Gain (hFE), typically 1000

• Continuous Collector current (IC) is 5A

• Collector-Emitter voltage (VCE) is 60V

• Collector-Base voltage (VCB) is 60V

• Emitter Base Voltage (VBE) is 5V

• Base Current(IB) is 120mA

• The peak load current is 8A

• Available in To-220 Package

• Can be used to switch high current (up to 5A) loads

• Can be used as medium Power switches

• Used where high amplification is needed

• Speed control of Motors

• Inverter and other rectifier circuits

The equivalent for TIP120:

• TIP127 (PNP)

• 2N5306

• 2N6532

• 2SD1415

• 2SD2495

• BDT63

• BDW2

• KSB601

• KSD560

• MJF6388

TIP120 Package

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