Comparison Between 2N3055 vs TIP3055
19 September 2023
Ⅴ. Comparison of current amplification factors
Ⅶ. Symbol of 2N3055 and TIP3055
Ⅷ. Application scenarios comparison
Ⅸ. Can I replace the 2N3055 by the TIP3055 transistor?
2N3055 and TIP3055 are NPN power transistors commonly used in electronic circuits and play an important role in the circuit. They can control the collector output signal by controlling the base input signal to achieve signal amplification and switching functions. Below we will compare them from the aspects of pins, technical parameters, current amplification factor, package and application scenarios.
2N3055 is a silicon-based NPN power transistor designed for general applications. It was developed by RCA in the early 1960s using a coaxial power transistor process, transitioning to an epitaxial base in the mid-1970s. Its numbering follows the JEDEC standard. This is a long-standing popular transistor. The device is manufactured using flat-panel technology and has a "base island" arrangement, suitable for both linear and switching power supplies.
Replacement and equivalent：
• 2N3055G
• 2N3055AG
• 2N3771G
TIP3055 is an NPN device designed with a three-layer structure. Its collector current IC changes with the change of the base current IB. When the voltage VCE between the collector and emitter remains at a certain value, changes in the collector current will lead to an amplification effect of the collector current. This amplification is achieved by adjusting the base current, thereby controlling the increase or decrease of the collector current. The amplification factor of this NPN device can usually be adjusted by adjusting the voltage VCE between the collector and emitter and the resistance of the base resistor. The device is fabricated using epitaxial base planar technology and is suitable for audio, power line and switching applications.
Replacement and equivalent：
• BD745A
• BDW93C-S
• NTE392
• TIP3055G
• TIP35C
• TIP35AG
From the picture above, we can see that there are certain differences between the 2N3055 and TIP3055 models in terms of appearance size, packaging, power consumption, and operating temperature.
2N3055 is a silicon planar transistor with a maximum allowable power dissipation of 115W. When its allowed Vce range is 2V to 40V, its DC current amplification factor hfe is maximum 70.
The TIP3055 is a switching transistor with a maximum output power of 90 W, a maximum DC collector current of 10 A, and a maximum DC collector-emitter voltage of 100 V.
The package used by the 2N3055 transistor is TO-3. It has two lead-out pins. Turn the triode pin toward itself, and the two fixing holes are not symmetrical. The one on the left close to one side of the hole is the base b, the other leg on the right is the emitter e, and the metal shell is the collector c of the triode. It is housed in a sealed metal enclosure and is designed for general purpose switching and amplifier applications. It is made of metal material, resistant to high temperatures and has good electrical conductivity. When the 2N3055 transistor is in working condition, the holes inside it can be used as heat dissipation components.
In contrast, the TIP3055 comes in a plastic package. Under the same working conditions and heat dissipation environment, 2N3055 has greater power, more stable performance, and higher reliability. In addition, because metal-encapsulated transistors have lower thermal resistance, they are better able to dissipate excess heat and maintain good performance in high-temperature environments.
2N3055 is a commonly used audio amplifier that can be used to amplify audio signals and provide higher voltage and current to speakers. Because its stability, sensitivity and response speed are superior to other similar devices, the 2N3055 power amplifier is widely used in home entertainment and audio equipment.
The TIP3055 is a variable DC power supply that is simple, reliable, and has variable voltage up to 24 V and variable current limit up to 2 A. The hardware circuit of the system can be adjusted accordingly to meet the needs of various electronic devices and experiments. In addition, TIP3055 can also be used as a current inverter.
Some people have pointed out that the 2N3055 transistor comes in a TO-3 package, which makes it different from most 3055 equivalent transistors that come in a TO-220 case. This change in packaging has a significant impact on its thermal performance and power handling capabilities. In the field of electronics, efficient heat dissipation is crucial. The TO-220 housing has commendable heat dissipation capabilities, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. However, it lags behind the TO-3 in terms of heat dissipation, as the latter offers more efficient heat dissipation due to its larger size and sturdy construction. Therefore, TO-3 packaging allows higher power limits than under similar conditions, giving it an advantage in high-power electronic circuits. When making a choice, we need to consider specific power requirements and thermal constraints to ensure optimal performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the 2N3055?
The 2N3055 is a silicon NPN power transistor, a cornerstone component in the field of electronics. Renowned for its reliability, it’s a true workhorse, offering a robust power handling capability. This transistor is primarily used in power amplification and switching applications.
2. What is the use of TIP3055?
TIP3055 is a TO-218 malleable parcel silicon epitaxial-ignoble NPN transistor. It's ideal for power switches, parallel and series controllers (regulators), output phases, and high-power amplifiers. TIP2955 is the PNP transistor that corresponds to it.
3. What is the equivalent of TIP3055?
You can replace the TIP3055 with the TIP3055G, BD745A, BD745B, BD745C, NTE392, TIP35A, TIP35AG, TIP35B, TIP35BG, TIP35C, TIP35CA or TIP35CG.
4. What is the current of transistor in 2N3055?
Packaged in a TO-3 case style, it is a 15 amp, 60 volt (or more, see below), 115 watt power transistor with a β (forward current gain) of 20 to 70 at a collector current of 4 A (this may be over 100 when testing at lower currents).
5. What is the difference between TIP3055 and 2N3055?
The TIP3055 and 2N3055 transistors share identical electrical characteristics, but the 2N3055 variant exhibits slightly better heat dissipation capabilities owing to its packaging. Consequently, the metal-packaged version is preferred when the transistor operates at its maximum capacity.
