BD140 Transistor Pinout, Equivalent, Uses, Features & Applications

This post explains BD140 transistor pinout, equivalent, uses, features & applications and other useful information about how and where to use it.

Features / technical specifications:

  • Package Type: TO-126
  • Transistor Type: PNP
  • Max Collector Current(IC): -1.5A
  • Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCE): –80V
  • Max Collector-Base Voltage (VCB): –80V
  • Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO): –5V
  • Max Collector Dissipation (Pc): 12.5 Watt
  • Max Transition Frequency (fT): 190 MHz
  • Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (hFE): 25 – 250
  • Max Storage & Operating temperature Should Be: -55 to +150 Centigrade

NPN Complementary:

PNP Complementary of BD140 is BD139

Replacement and Equivalent:

BD238G, MJE171, MJE702, BD792

BD140 Transistor Explained / Description:

BD140 is a famous PNP type transistor, it is used in many electronics circuits, this transistor can handle current upto 1.5A or 1500mA, due to which it can be used to drive loads upto 1.5A in electronic circuits, for example high power LEDs, relays, motors and more, with these features it has lots of other features like its high collector emitter and collector base voltage that is 80 volts, make it an ideal transistor to use in  circuits using 80 volts DC or below 80 volts. Moreover the collector dissipation of this transistor is around 12.5 watt due to which it’s a good transistor to use in audio amplifier circuits. The minimum base voltage or saturation voltage of the transistor is -0.5V.

Where We Can Use it & How to Use:

BD140 is an ideal transistor to use in educational and hobby electronics projects for example in analog circuits, arduino projects and other microcontroller projects. Moreover it is also used in industrial electronics. The maximum load this transistor can drive is 1.5A therefore it can be used to drive variety of loads under 1.5A. When using this transistor for load more than 200mA it is recommended to use a suitable heatsink with it.

How to Safely Long Run in a Circuit:

To safely run this transistor in a circuit it is essential to not operate it above its absolute maximum ratings. Do not operate this transistor from voltage higher than 80V DC, always use a suitable heatsink, use a suitable base resistor to provide required base current. Do not operate or store it in temperature below -55 centigrade and above +150 centigrade.

Applications:

Audio Amplifiers

Switching Loads under 1.5A

Battery Chargers

Power Supplies

Motor Driver

Darlington Pair

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