BD242 Transistor Pinout, Equivalent, Features, Applications, Where and How to Use It and More

BD242 is a PNP transistor designed for use in switching and amplifier applications. It is PNP complimentary of BD241 which we have discussed before. In this article we will discuss about BD242 transistor pinout, equivalent, features, applications, where and how to use it and other details.

Absolute Maximum Ratings:

• Package Type: TO-220
• Transistor Type:  PNP
• Max Collector Current(I_C): -3A
• Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CEO): -45V
• Max Collector-Base Voltage (V_CBO): -55V
• Max Emitter-Base Voltage (V_EBO): -5V
• Max Collector Power Dissipation (P_C): 40W
• Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (h_FE): 10 to 25
• Max Storage & Operating temperature Should Be: -65 to +150 Centigrade

NPN Complementary:

The NPN complimentary of BD242 is BD241

Replacement and Equivalent:

NTE153, TIP105, TIP106, TIP125, TIP126, TIP135, TIP136, BD202, BD244, BD302, BD204, BD534, BD536, BD538, BD544B, BD644, BD648, BD796, BD896, BD800, BD810, BD898, BD900, BD934, BD936, BD938, BD948, BD952, BDT60, BD950, BDT62, BDT64, BDT82,  BDT84, 2SA1931, 2SA614, 2SA671, 2SA489, 2SA614O, 2SA768, 2SA770, 2SB1015, 2SB1017, 2SB1018, 2SB1019, 2SB1097, 2SB1024, 2SB1133, 2SB1134, 2SB1135, 2SB1136, 2SB1187, 2SB1223, 2SB1250, 2SB1224, 2SB1225, 2SB1251, 2SB1274, 2SB1299, 2SB1366, 2SB1368, 2SB1375, 2SB1565, 2SB1548, 2SB1566.

BD242 Transistor Explained / Description:

BD242 is a PNP medium power transistor made to be used in switching and amplification applications. Previously we have discussed the BD241 transistor which is its NPN complimentary and also comes in four different voltage ratings. The BD242 also comes in four different voltage ratings so you have to select it according to your load requirements.

Looking at the absolute maximum ratings of the transistor the max collector-emitter voltage is -45V, maximum collector-base voltage is -55V, max emitter-base voltage is -5V and max power dissipation is 40W.

The transistor is designed to be used in amplification and switching applications. This means it can be used in various types of applications that comes under these categories.

Where We Can Use it & How to Use:

As we have discussed before this transistor is designed to use in switching and amplification applications so there are wide range of applications which comes under these categories.

Moreover using the transistor is not very difficult. First of all, you have to decide for which purpose you are using it. For example, if you want to use it as a switch then connect its emitter with the positive supply of the circuit and its base with the signal source through which you want to control the transistor (must use a current limiting resistor between the base of the transistor and the signal source use between 1K to 5K). And then connect the Collector pin with the positive wire of the load and the negative wire of the load should be connected with the ground or negative supply of the circuit.

Applications:

Inverter Circuits

Dimmers

Battery discharging circuits

Battery charger circuits

DC to AC Converters

Relay drivers circuits

Motor Drivers

Audio Amplifiers

Power converter circuits

Temperature Control Circuits

Variety of General Purpose Applications

Safe Operating Guidelines:

Here are some guidelines for using the transistor safely.

• One of the main thing to keep in mind when using a transistor is not to connect it wrongly in the circuit and always check its pin layout.
• Second is not to use it to its absolute maximum ratings and always stay 20% below from the maximum ratings.
• So to apply this 20% below usage safety rule we must not connect the load of more than 36V.
• And do not drive the load of more than 2.4A.
• Moreover do not expose it to excessive high or low temperatures. And always stay between -65°C to 150°C.

Datasheet:

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

https://pdf1.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/view/50778/FAIRCHILD/BD242/+_07J9UwYhRDpKxHeHKzDw+/datasheet.pdf