Introduction
The TIP126 is a PNP Darlington Power Transistor used in power amplification, motor drivers, linear regulators, and switching circuits. Packaged in a TO-220 case, it is designed for handling high currents up to 5A and voltages up to 80V, making it a versatile option for both industrial and consumer electronic applications. Being a Darlington configuration, the TIP126 integrates two transistors internally to provide a very high DC current gain (hFE ≥1000), which allows it to be driven directly from logic circuits or low-power controllers.

This transistor is particularly popular in audio amplifier circuits, relay drivers, and high-power LED drivers. Its PNP polarity makes it useful in the high-side switching of loads, where a positive supply voltage is controlled. Engineers and hobbyists often pair the TIP126 with its NPN complementary transistor TIP121 in push-pull amplifier designs, H-bridges, and other power driver applications.
TIP126 PNP Transistor

Due to its robust design, excellent thermal dissipation, and high gain characteristics, the TIP126 is considered a reliable transistor for high-power low-frequency applications. Its Darlington pair architecture reduces the need for additional driver stages, making circuit designs more compact and efficient.
TIP126 Pinout

TIP126 Transistor Key Features
- PNP Darlington transistor with very high DC gain.
- Designed for high current switching up to 5A.
- Handles collector-emitter voltages up to 80V.
- Built-in base-emitter resistor for safe operation.
- TO-220 package for efficient heat dissipation.
- Suitable for linear and switching applications.
Specifications/Characteristics of TIP126 PNP Transistor
- Transistor Type: PNP Darlington
- Collector-Emitter Voltage (Vce): 80V
- Collector-Base Voltage (Vcb): 80V
- Emitter-Base Voltage (Veb): 5V
- Collector Current (Ic): 5A continuous
- Peak Collector Current: 8A
- DC Current Gain (hFE): ≥1000
- Power Dissipation (Ptot): 65W
- Transition Frequency (fT): 3 MHz (typical)
- Operating Temperature Range: -65°C to +150°C
- Package Type: TO-220
TIP126 Pin Configuration
| Pin# | Pin Name | Pin Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Input terminal, used to control the transistor |
| 2 | Collector (C) | Connected to load, main current flows here |
| 3 | Emitter (E) | Output terminal, usually connected to ground or negative rail |
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Key Applications of TIP126 PNP Transistor
- Audio power amplifiers.
- Relay and solenoid drivers.
- Motor drivers (DC motors, stepper motors).
- High-power LED drivers.
- Switching regulators and linear regulators.
- H-bridge and push-pull amplifier circuits.
NPN Complimentary Transistor
TIP121 is the NPN complementary transistor of TIP126.
Together, they are commonly used in full-bridge and amplifier circuits.
Equivalent Transistors of TIP126
- TIP125 (PNP, 60V, lower voltage version)
- TIP127 (PNP, 100V, higher voltage version)
- BDW93 (PNP Darlington, higher current rating)
- MJ2955 (PNP, higher power transistor alternative)
(Pin configuration of some transistors mentioned above may different from TIP126).
Comparison TIP125 vs TIP126 vs TIP127
The TIP125, TIP126, and TIP127 are all PNP Darlington power transistors housed in the TO-220 package, designed for high-current switching and amplification.
- The main difference among them is the Collector-Emitter Voltage (Vce) rating:
- TIP125 → 100V (highest voltage tolerance, best for higher voltage circuits).
- TIP126 → 80V (medium range, good balance of performance).
- TIP127 → 60V (lowest voltage tolerance, used for low-voltage applications).
- All three support up to 5A collector current, have very high gain (≥1000), and can dissipate 65W with heatsinking.
- Their complementary NPN counterparts are TIP120 (for TIP125), TIP121 (for TIP126), and TIP122 (for TIP127).
In short: Choose TIP125 for higher-voltage applications, TIP126 for mid-range designs, and TIP127 for lower-voltage, cost-sensitive circuits.
Datasheet of TIP126 NPN Transistor
Click the following Button below to download the datasheet of TIP126 Transistor :
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