Introduction
The BD240 is a PNP epitaxial-base power transistor designed for medium power linear amplification and switching roles. It is commonly used in circuits where the PNP polarity is needed (for example, in the “upper” side of push-pull amplifier designs or as a high-side switch). Packaged in the TO-220 plastic package, it offers a robust mechanical format and good thermal dissipation when mounted on heatsinks.

Because it is part of the BD24x series, the BD240 is often used as the complementary device to BD239 (an NPN counterpart) in amplifier output stages and complementary pair designs. Its performance is engineered to balance gain, saturation voltage, and voltage handling so that circuits remain symmetrical when paired.
BD240 PNP Transistor

In real circuits, BD240 is suitable for audio driver stages, medium-power switching, analog control, and push-pull amplifier configurations. Its moderate current capability and voltage ratings make it useful in designs that require reliable PNP conduction without pushing into heavy power transistor territory.
Pinout of BD240

Key Features
- PNP polarity suited for high-side or symmetrical amplifier circuits
- Good DC current gain stability
- Low saturation voltage under heavy conduction
- TO-220 package enabling effective heatsinking
- Compatible with complementary amplifier designs
- Suitable for both analog and switching uses
Specifications/Characteristics
- Collector-Emitter Voltage, VCEO = –45 V for the BD240 variant
- Collector-Base Voltage, VCBO = –45 V
- Collector-Emitter with base open (sustaining), VCE(sus) = –45 V under IC = –30 mA
- Collector-Emitter Voltage (with resistor between base/emitter), VCER = –55 V
- Emitter-Base Breakdown Voltage, VEBO = –5 V
- Collector Current, Continuous IC = –2 A
- Collector Current, Peak (Pulse) ICM = –4 A
- Base Current, IB = –0.6 A
- Collector Power Dissipation, Ptot = 30 W (at case temperature 25 °C)
- Maximum Junction Temperature, Tj = 150 °C
- Storage Temperature Range, Tstg = –65 to +150 °C
- DC Current Gain (hFE) = 40 at IC = –0.2 A, VCE = –4 V
- DC Current Gain (hFE) = 15 at IC = –1 A, VCE = –4 V
- Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage, VCE(sat) = –0.7 V (IC = –1 A, IB = –0.2 A)
- Base-Emitter On Voltage, VBE(on) = –1.3 V (IC = –1 A, VCE = –4 V)
Pin Configuration
Pin# | Pin Name | Pin Description |
---|---|---|
1 | Base | Control (input) terminal |
2 | Collector | Main current sink terminal |
3 | Emitter | Output / current source terminal |
Comparison of BD240 vs BD242 vs BD244 (PNP)
- The BD240 is the base model in this PNP transistor family, designed for medium-power amplification and switching tasks. It offers a moderate collector-emitter voltage rating and is suitable for applications where current and voltage demands are within standard operating ranges.
- The BD242 is an improved version with a higher collector-emitter voltage rating, making it more suitable for circuits that operate at increased voltage levels. It maintains similar current handling and gain characteristics as the BD240, ensuring compatibility in design upgrades.
- The BD244 represents the highest-rated device in this series, supporting greater voltage and power dissipation capabilities. It’s ideal for high-demand applications such as power amplifiers, audio output stages, and motor control circuits where both voltage and thermal stability are critical.
- In summary, BD240, BD242, and BD244 share the same package, pinout, and general characteristics, differing mainly in their voltage and power ratings. Designers can select among them based on required voltage tolerance and output power without circuit redesign.
More Circuit Layouts








Key Applications of BD240 PNP Transistor
- Push-pull complementary amplifier output stages
- Audio driver and amplifier circuits
- High-side switching in power supplies or driver circuits
- Analog switching and control circuits requiring PNP devices
- General-purpose PNP transistor use in medium-power systems
NPN Complimentary Transistor
- The complementary NPN transistor for BD240 is BD239.
Equivalent Transistors of BD240 PNP Transistor
- BD242 – PNP transistor of the same family, higher-voltage version of BD240
- BD244 – PNP transistor, also similar class with higher voltage/current ratings
- TIP32 / TIP32A / TIP32C – PNP power transistors with similar current and voltage ratings (TO-220 package)
- MJE2955 – PNP power transistor, slightly higher power dissipation capability
- 2N4033 – PNP transistor with similar voltage and gain characteristics
- 2N2905 / 2N2905A – Medium-power PNP substitutes for lower-current applications
(Pin configuration of some transistors mentioned here may different from BD240).
Datasheet of BD240 PNP Transistor
Click the following Button to download the datasheet of BD240 Transistor :
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