The TIP122 is a widely used power transistor that belongs to the Darlington transistor family. It is an NPN (Negative-Positive-Negative) transistor with three terminals: the collector (C), the base (B), and the emitter (E). The TIP122 is known for its high current and voltage capability, making it suitable for various power applications.
The TIP122 transistor has a built-in Darlington pair configuration, which means it consists of two transistors connected together internally. This configuration allows for high gain and improved performance. The TIP122 can handle a maximum collector current (Ic) of 5 amperes and a maximum collector-emitter voltage (Vce) of 100 volts.
One notable feature of the TIP122 is its ability to switch high-power loads such as motors, relays, solenoids, and other devices that require significant current and voltage handling. It is commonly used in applications where high power amplification or switching is necessary, such as audio amplifiers, power supplies, motor control circuits, and industrial automation.
The TIP122 transistor is housed in a TO-220 package, which provides excellent thermal dissipation and easy mounting on a heat sink. It is important to ensure proper heat sinking when using the TIP122 to prevent overheating and maintain its reliability.
Overall, the TIP122 transistor is favored for its robustness, high power capabilities, and versatility in a wide range of applications that demand efficient control of high-power loads.
Some application example of TIP122 are below.
[1] Arduino Nano with TIP122 DC Motor speed Control