BD438 TO-126 Transistor – KSH 10 at HIMASTORES Mombasa – best electronics in Kenya
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BD438 TO-126 Transistor

SKU: HMJ847 Category: Transistors
KSH 10.00
In Stock

Product Description

BD438 TO-126 Transistor (PNP)

4A Medium Power PNP Transistor for Linear and Switching Applications

The BD438 is a mediumpower PNP bipolar junction transistor (BJT) housed in a TO126 package. It is part of the BD43X series and is designed as a complementary device to NPN transistors like the BD437. This transistor is wellsuited for a variety of mediumpower linear and switching applications[citation:1][citation:8].

Device Type: PNP Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT)
Package: TO-126
Maximum Collector Current (IC): -4A[citation:1][citation:5]
Total Power Dissipation (Ptot): 36W[citation:1][citation:7]
Ensure correct pin identification: Pin 1 is the Emitter, Pin 2 is the Collector, and Pin 3 is the Base[citation:10]. The collector is also electrically connected to the metal mounting tab of the package[citation:3].
Do not exceed the maximum ratings to prevent permanent damage.

Key Technical Specifications

ParameterValueNotes
:-:-:-
Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCEO)-45VMaximum continuous voltage; -60V variants exist[citation:5][citation:3]
Collector-Base Voltage (VCBO)-45V[citation:10]
Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO)-5V[citation:5][citation:10]
Collector Current (IC)-4AContinuous current rating[citation:1][citation:11]
Peak Collector Current (ICM)-7ANon-repetitive peak current[citation:3][citation:10]
Power Dissipation (Ptot)36WAt case temperature of 25°C[citation:1][citation:7]
DC Current Gain (hFE)40 - 130At IC 2A, VCE 1V[citation:4][citation:5]
Transition Frequency (fT)3 MHz[citation:5][citation:11]
Operating Temperature Range-65°C to +150°CJunction temperature range[citation:3][citation:5]

= Key Features =

PNP Complement Designed as a complementary transistor to the BD437 (NPN) for pushpull amplifier configurations[citation:3][citation:8]

Medium Power Capability - 4A collector current and 36W power dissipation for demanding applications[citation:1][citation:7]

Low Saturation Voltage 0.6V max at IC = 2A ensures low losses[citation:10][citation:11]

GlassPassivated Junction Provides reliability and high thermal cycling performance[citation:1]

= Applications =

  • Carradio output stages A primary application area[citation:1][citation:6]
  • General-purpose power amplifiers
  • Medium-power switching circuits
  • Audio amplifiers
  • Power supply regulators
  • Motor control circuits
Reliable Performance Designed for use in mediumpower linear and switching applications[citation:1][citation:6]
Widely Available Standard TO126 package for easy integration

√ Ready to use A standard and welldocumented power transistor

√ Medium power capability - Suitable for a wide range of applications

Package Includes

  1. 1x BD438 PNP Transistor (TO-126 Package)
For reliable operation, ensure adequate heatsinking when dissipating significant power
Direct equivalents include the BD438G and other BD43X series variants[citation:5]
For a higher voltage variant, consider the BD440 (VCEO of -80V)[citation:3]
For precise pin identification, the standard TO-126 configuration is Emitter (1), Collector (2), Base (3)[citation:10].
Always check your circuit's requirements against the datasheet for your specific variant.

Avoid exceeding the maximum voltage ratings the collectoremitter voltage (VCEO) of 45V is critical

-Avoid exceeding the maximum junction temperature of 150°C[citation:3][citation:5]

-Avoid using this transistor as a direct replacement for a PNP transistor without checking the pinout