BD244 PNP Transistor Pinout Datasheet

Introduction

The BD244 (and its variants BD244A / BD244B / BD244C) is a PNP epitaxial-base power transistor intended for medium-power linear amplification and switching applications. It is widely used in circuits where PNP polarity is required such as in high-side switches, complementary amplifier stages, and push-pull output configurations. The transistor’s design combines sufficient voltage tolerance, decent current capability, and manageable thermal characteristics, making it a versatile component in many analog and power circuits.

Packaged in a TO-220 plastic package, BD244 offers a robust form factor and good ability to mount to heatsinks. Its mechanical layout supports consistent thermal performance and durability. Because it is often used as the complement to NPN devices in amplifier or switching topologies, BD244 is engineered to match gain, saturation, and current characteristics to its NPN counterparts for balanced designs.

BD244 PNP Transistor

In real-world usage, BD244 finds place in audio amplifier output stages, general-purpose switching, power supply regulation, and driver circuits where precise conduction from PNP segments is needed. Designers value it for its reproducible characteristics, range of voltage variants, and symmetry when used alongside NPN complements.

Pinout of BD244

Key Features

• PNP polarity suitable for top-side or complementary configurations
• Multiple voltage variants (standard, A, B, C) to match supply needs
• Reliable performance in both switching and linear modes
• TO-220 package supports good thermal dissipation
• Good matching characteristics when paired with NPN complements
• Stable in common amplifier topologies

Specifications/Characteristics

• Collector-Base Breakdown Voltage (VCBO) = –45 V for BD244 (variants BD244A/B/C rated –60 V, –80 V, –100 V)
• Collector-Emitter Breakdown Voltage (VCEO) = –45 V for BD244 (variants: –60 V, –80 V, –100 V)
• Emitter-Base Breakdown Voltage (VEBO) = –5 V
• Continuous Collector Current (IC) = –6 A
• Peak (Pulse) Collector Current (ICM) = –10 A
• Base Current (IB) = –2 A (absolute maximum)
• Collector Power Dissipation (PC) = 65 W (at case temperature = 25 °C)
• Maximum Junction Temperature (TJ) = 150 °C
• Storage Temperature Range (TSTG) = –65 to +150 °C
• Collector-Emitter Sustaining Voltage (VCE(sus)) = –45 V for BD244 (variants: –60 V, –80 V, –100 V)
• DC Current Gain (hFE) = 30 (IC = –0.3 A, VCE = –4 V)
• DC Current Gain (hFE) = 15 (IC = –3 A, VCE = –4 V)
• Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage (VCE(sat)) ≤ –1.5 V (IC = –6 A, IB = –1 A)
• Base-Emitter On Voltage (VBE(on)) ≈ –2.0 V (IC = –6 A, VCE = –4 V)
• Thermal Resistance, Junction-to-Case (θJC) ≈ 1.92 °C/W

Pin Configuration

Comparison of BD240 vs BD242 vs BD244 (PNP)

• BD240 is a lower-voltage PNP transistor (–45 V rating) suited for circuits where supply voltages are modest and margin isn’t large. It’s ideal for moderate-power, low-voltage PNP roles.
• BD242 steps up the voltage capability (variants up to –100 V), offering a middle ground same current and power handling as BD240 but afforded more headroom for designs subject to voltage stress.
• BD244 is the highest-voltage PNP in this family, designed for more demanding voltage environments. Its variants support up to –100 V, making it useful in circuits with larger supply rails or potential transient spikes.
• All three share the same current handling (–6 A), similar power dissipation (65 W), and comparable gain and saturation behavior. Their main distinction lies in the voltage margins they offer, allowing designers to choose the variant that best matches the supply environment while preserving consistent current and performance characteristics.

More Circuit Layouts

Key Applications of BD244 PNP Transistor

• Push-pull complementary amplifier output stages
• Audio amplifier driver and output circuits
• High-side switching in PNP segments of power circuits
• Power supply regulation and linear stages
• General-purpose PNP switching and amplification

NPN Complimentary Transistor

• The complementary NPN transistor for BD244 is BD243.

Equivalent Transistors of BD244 PNP Transistor

Possible alternatives or equivalents to BD244 include:

• BD242 (if lower voltage suffices)
• BD240 (for lower-voltage PNP)
• More robust PNP power transistors such as TIP32C or MJE2955
• Other PNP power transistors in the same current and voltage class

(Pin configuration of some transistors mentioned here may different from BD244).

Datasheet of BD244 PNP Transistor

Click the following Button to download the datasheet of BD244 Transistor :

More projects, You may like:

• Video Transmitter DIY Homemade FM Radio Transmitter
• Adjustable Power Supply DIY Battery Charger
• 12V-220V 500 Watt inverter DIY Homemade
• MPPT Solar Charge Controller DIY Homemade
• DIY LA4440 bass amplifier homemade

For more project and circuit diagrams, you can go through the Schematics in the main menu where you can find many interesting projects and circuit diagrams like audio amplifier circuits, voltage booster circuit, battery charger circuit and timer circuits etc., which are all beginner circuit projects. Feel free to check them out!

Thank you for visiting the article.