TIP120 vs TIP122 Darlington NPN Transistor

The TIP120 is an NPN Darlington Power Transistor. It can switch loads up to 60V with a peak current of 8A and a continuous current of 5A. This makes it suitable for medium and high-power electronics like controlling motors, solenoids, or high-power LEDs.

TIP122 is an NPN Darlington transistor. Darlington transistor means there are two transistors in one package connected to increase gain at the output. TIP122 transistor has a lot of good features like 5A collector current, max emitter-base voltage is 5V, max collector dissipation is 65 watts, and minimum & maximum current gain is equal to 1000. This transistor is designed to use as a switch and for amplification purposes.

TIP120 and TIP122 share the same pinout picture, which is shown below.

TIP120 application

• 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

TIP122 application

• Audio Amplifier

• Audio Amplifier Stages

• Audio Preamplifiers

• Switching Loads Under 5A

TIP120 features

• 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

TIP122 features

• Darlington Medium-power NPN Transistor

• High DC Current Gain (hFE), typically 1000

• Continuous Collector current (IC) is 5A

• Collector-Emitter voltage (VCE) is 100 V

• Collector-Base voltage (VCB) is 100V

• Emitter Base Voltage (VBE) is 5V

• Base Current(IB) is 120mA

• Available in To-220 Package

TIP120 alternatives

BC549, BC636, 2N2222A, BC547, 2N2219, 2N4401, 2N3904, BD139

TIP122 alternatives

BC549, BC636, BC639, BC547, 2N2369, 2N3055, 2N3904, 2N3906, 2SC5200

TIP120 equivalent

TIP127 (PNP), 2N5306, 2N6532, 2SD1415, 2SD2495, BDT63, BDW2, KSB601, KSD560, MJF6388

TIP122 equivalent

TIP127 (PNP), 2N6045, 2N6532, 2SD1415, 2SD2495, BDT63, BDW2, KSB601, KSD560, MJF6388

To get better performance with this Darlington transistor we suggest always staying below its maximum ratings. Do not operate it in circuits using more than 100V. Do not provide a load of more than 5A. Always use a suitable base resistor to provide the required current at its base. Use a suitable heatsink to save it from overheating and store or use it in temperatures below -65 centigrade and above +150 centigrade.

TIP120 & TIP122 datasheet

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