BD239/A/B/C Transistor Pinout, Uses, Features, Equivalents and Other Important Details

BD239 is a TO-220 package medium power NPN transistor available in four different versions and can be differentiated with the help of alphabet written after the part number. In this post we will discuss BD239/A/B/C transistor pinout, uses, features, equivalents and other important details about this transistor.

Absolute Maximum Ratings:

• Package Type: TO-220
• Transistor Type: NPN
• Max Collector Current(I_C): 2A
• Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CEO): 45V (BD239), 60V (BD239A), 80V (BD239B), 100V (BD239C)
• Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO): 5V
• Max Base Current (I_B): 600mA
• Max Collector Power Dissipation (Pc): 30W
• Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (h_FE): 40
• Max Storage & Operating temperature Should Be: –65 to +150 Centigrade

PNP Complementary:

PNP Complementary of BD239/A/B/C is BD240/A/B/C

Replacement and Equivalent:

TIP131, TIP130,  TIP121, TIP120, TIP111, TIP110,  TIP101,   TIP100,  BDX53, BDX33, BDW93, BDW73, BDW63, BDW53, BDW41, BDW39,  BDW23,  BD951, BD949, BD937, BD935, BD933, BD899, BD897, BD895, BD647, BD643, BD537, BD535, BD533, 2SD880, 2SD866, 2SD857,  2SD856, 2SD837, 2SD635, 2SD613, 2SD569, 2SD553, 2SD476, 2SD313, 2SD2395, 2SD2060, 2SD2058, 2SD1827, 2SD1825, 2SD1588, 2SD1354, 2SD1269, 2SD1268, 2SD1192, 2SD1158, 2SC4550, 2SC4008, 2SC3852, 2SC3747, 2SC3710,  2SC3709, 2SC3540, 2SC3346, 2SC3345, 2SC3258, 2SC3254,  2SC3253, 2SC3179, 2SC2315, 2SC1986, 2SC1826, 2SC1398, 2N6530.

BD239 Transistor Explained / Description:

BD239 is an NPN medium power transistor available in TO-220 package. The transistor is manufactured in four different versions which are BD239, BD239A, BD239B, and BD239C. The absolute maximum ratings and electrical characteristics of all four versions are almost identical the only difference is their collector-emitter voltage (VCEO), collector-emitter voltage (VCER), collector-emitter sustaining voltage (VCEO^(sus)), collector cutoff current (ICEO) and collector cut off current (ICES).

You can use any of these transistors alternatively but if your load requires more voltage then you should use the one that has the collector-emitter voltage above your load requirement. For example, you cannot use BD239 if your load requires above 45V in this case you have to use BD239A or BD239B depends on how much voltage your load requires. However, make sure to use the one that has the maximum collector-emitter voltage (VCEO) of at least 20V higher than your load requirement to work smoothly.

Looking at the pin layout from the front (part number side) the first pin (pin1) starting from the left is Base, the second or middle pin (pin2) is Collector and the third pin (pin3) at the right side is Emitter.

The absolute maximum ratings of all versions are as follows: The collector current is 2A collector-emitter voltage (VCEO) of BD239 is 45V, BD239A is 60V, BD239B is 80V and BD239C is 100V, emitter-base voltage is 5V, base current is 600mA, collector power dissipation is 30W and max storage and operating temperature is from -65 to +150°C.

Where We Can Use it & How to Use:

BD239 transistor can be used in linear applications, switching applications, voltage handling etc. the detailed list of its applications can be found under the applications heading below. To use the transistor connect the emitter with the negative rail or ground, and provide proper base current that is required to turn on the transistor. Keep in mind to use the transistor according to your load requirements for example if your load is 45V or 50V then use BD239B that has the collector-emitter voltage (VCEO) of 80V and the load current should be under 2A.

Applications:

Audio Amplifiers

Audio amplifier driver stages

Motor Drivers

Voltage regulators

Relay Drivers

Power Supplies

Switching Circuits

Driving load of upto 2A

Safe Operating Guidelines:

Here are the safe operating guidelines of the transistor.

• Always use the transistor at least 20% below from its absolute maximum ratings.
• The maximum collector current is 2A so according to the above 20% guideline do not drive load of more than 1.6A.
• The maximum load voltage should also be 20% below from the transistor variant you use, for example you are using BD239C then the load should be under 80V.
• Always use a proper heatsink with the transistor.
• Check the pin layout before using it in the circuit.
• Do not operate the transistor at temperatures below -65°C and above 150°C.

Datasheet:

To download the datasheet just copy and paste the below link in your browser.

https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/149/BD239A-75433.pdf