The TIP117 is a PNP Darlington power transistor designed for high-voltage, high-gain amplification and power switching. This article explains the TIP117 pinout, features, specifications, working principle, and applications in the same 9-heading format.

Introduction
The TIP117 is a robust PNP Darlington transistor widely used in power driver and switching applications. Its Darlington configuration provides very high current gain, allowing low-level control signals to drive higher current loads efficiently and reliably.

Pin Configuration / Pinout of TIP117 Transistor

Understanding the TIP117 Pinout Configuration
The TIP117 is housed in a TO-220 package with a B-C-E pin configuration:
| Pin# | Pin Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Base |
| 2 | Collector |
| 3 | Emitter |
Correct identification of the TIP117 pinout is essential to avoid damage during installation.
Note: DATASHEET DOWNLOAD button is provided end of this article.
TIP117 Key Features
- PNP Darlington transistor design
- Very high current gain
- Requires low base drive current
- Suitable for high-voltage operation
- Reliable thermal performance with heat sink
- TO-220 package for easy mounting
TIP117 Specifications / Characteristics
- Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCE): 100V
- Collector-Base Voltage (VCB): 100V
- Emitter-Base Voltage (VEB): 5V
- Collector Current (IC): 2A
- Power Dissipation (PD): 50W
- Junction Temperature (Tj): 150 °C
- Storage Temperature (Tstg): −65 °C to +150 °C
- Package Type: TO-220
- Pin Configuration: Base – Collector – Emitter
Key Applications of TIP117 Transistor
- High-voltage power switching
- Relay and solenoid drivers
- DC motor control circuits
- Power amplifier driver stages
- Industrial automation and control systems
TIP117 Equivalent / Alternatives
(Verify pin compatibility before using substitutions)
Equivalent MOSFETs: TIP115, TIP116
Alternative MOSFETs: TIP125, BD680
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Working Principle of TIP117
The TIP117 operates using two internally connected PNP transistors forming a Darlington pair. The first transistor amplifies the base current, which is further amplified by the second transistor, resulting in a very high overall current gain suitable for power control applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is TIP117 a MOSFET?
No, TIP117 is a bipolar junction transistor with a Darlington configuration.
Q2: Can TIP117 handle higher voltage than TIP116?
Yes, TIP117 is rated for higher collector-emitter voltage.
Q3: Is a heat sink necessary for TIP117?
A heat sink is recommended for sustained high-power operation.
Q4: Where is TIP117 commonly used?
It is commonly used in high-voltage driver and switching ci
Conclusion
The TIP117 PNP Darlington transistor is a dependable solution for high-voltage and medium-current applications. Its high gain, simple B-C-E pinout, and TO-220 package make it a popular choice for power electronics and industrial control designs.
Datasheet of TIP117 Transistor
Click the following Button below to download the datasheet of TIP117 :
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