TIP31 NPN Power Transistor
🛠️ Silicon NPN Power Transistor – TIP31 (TO-220)
Overview
The TIP31 is a robust, medium-power NPN transistor in a TO-220 package. It can handle up to 3 A current and 40 W power dissipation (with proper heatsinking), making it ideal for motor drivers, amplifiers, voltage regulators, and general switching tasks.
Key Features
NPN bipolar junction transistor
Collector current: up to 3 A
Collector-emitter voltage: 40 V
Maximum power dissipation: 40 W
Fast switching performance
TO-220 package with metal tab for heat dissipation
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Collector-Emitter Voltage | 40 V (TIP31); TIP31A/B/C = 60–100 V |
| Max Collector Current | 3 A continuous (5 A peak) |
| Power Dissipation | 40 W (with heatsink) |
| DC Current Gain | ~10–100 depending on current |
| Switching Speed | ~0.3 µs on / ~1 µs off |
| Thermal Resistance | ~3 °C/W junction-to-case |
| Operating Temperature | –65 °C to +150 °C |
| Package | TO-220 (Tab = Collector) |
Pinout (Front View, Tab at Back)
Base
Collector
Emitter
Arduino Example Usage
Collector → Motor → +12 V
Emitter → GND
Base → Arduino PWM pin via 1 kΩ resistor
Add a flyback diode across the motor terminals
Applications
Motor drivers
Relay control
Power switching circuits
Audio amplifiers
Voltage regulators
✅ Resources
🎥 YouTube Tutorial: https://youtu.be/lpiitzJwjtw?si=NPCVLd_bR2qMveNG