2N5038 bipolar transistor — Specifications & Equivalents

About the 2N5038

The 2N5038 is an NPN bipolar transistor with a collector–emitter voltage (V_CEO) rating of 150 V, a continuous collector current (I_C) of 20 A and a DC current gain (h_FE) of 20–100. It can dissipate up to 140 W and is rated to a junction temperature of -65 to +200°C. It is supplied in the TO-3 package.

At a glance

• Type: NPN bipolar transistor
• Max collector–emitter voltage (V_CEO): 150 V
• Max collector current (I_C): 20 A
• DC current gain (h_FE): 20–100
• Power dissipation (P_D): 140 W
• Max junction temperature (T_J): -65 to +200°C
• Package: TO-3
• Manufacturer: Multi-source (JEDEC registered part number)

Typical applications

Judging from its ratings the 2N5038 is generally applied in power output and driver stages.

The quoted current gain of 20–100 determines the base drive needed: divide your target collector current by the minimum h_FE, not the typical figure, when sizing the base resistor.

Biasing and absolute maximum ratings

Absolute-maximum breakdown limits are V_CEO 150 V, V_CBO 150 V and V_EBO 7 V (magnitudes). The emitter–base rating is the easiest to overlook and is often only a few volts, so protect the junction against reverse drive.

Dissipation is capped at 140 W, and that figure assumes the datasheet's mounting and ambient conditions — derate it for your own thermal design.

Choosing a replacement for the 2N5038

A drop-in substitute for the 2N5038 must be the same NPN type and offer a collector–emitter rating of at least 150 V, a collector current rating of at least 20 A and current gain in the same ballpark as 20–100.

Mechanically, check the replacement against the TO-3 footprint and confirm the pin order — parts sharing a package outline do not always share a pinout.

Because 2N5038 is a JEDEC-registered part number rather than one vendor's proprietary series, it is produced by several manufacturers. Datasheet figures vary slightly between them, so check the datasheet of the brand you actually buy — this also makes like-for-like sourcing easier.

Where the application switches inductive loads or runs near the voltage limit, keep extra headroom rather than choosing a part that only just meets the original numbers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the 2N5038?

The 2N5038 is an NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT). It is rated for 150 V collector-emitter and 20 A continuous collector current.

What is the maximum voltage of the 2N5038?

Maximum collector-emitter voltage (Vceo) is 150 V, and collector-base (Vcbo) is 150 V.

How much current can the 2N5038 handle?

Continuous collector current is rated at 20 A, with dissipation limited to 140 W.

What is the hFE of the 2N5038?

DC current gain (hFE) is quoted as 20–100. Size base drive from the minimum value so the transistor saturates fully across production spread.

What package does the 2N5038 come in?

It is listed in TO-3. Verify the pinout of the specific variant, as one outline can carry different pin assignments.

What can I use to replace the 2N5038?

No verified equivalents are listed yet. Choose a part of the same polarity that meets or exceeds every rating above and shares a compatible package and pinout.