Hi, I'm looking for a PNP transistor that can handle a higher continuous current (around 12a) but with the same basic operating charateristics of a TIP42C transistor. I'm not quite sure what I'm reading on the technical data sheets & how to narrow down my choices with there being so many transistors available.

Thanks for your time & any replies or advice where to look is appreciated,

-Nick

 

If you don't know what you're reading on a datasheet then how are you defining "same basic operating characteristics"?
Are you just looking for a PNP power transistor?

 

Why not look at an MJ2955 or TIP2955?

 

thank you & I'll try the TIP2955 & see how it goes. Ghar the TIP42C I was using worked but would burn out. I need to take some classes or get some books on this stuff, I'm learning.

thanks again,

-Nick

 

You may not have sufficient heat sinking.

If you post your schematic, we might offer some tips on improving it.

 

At what Vce are you using them? Take a look at safe operating area and power dissipation in the datasheet. Even if the mj2955 works at up to 15A, it wouldn't do that at full Vce. You can probably parallel transistors by using very low-value emitter resistors, like it's commonly done in amplifiers, to share the current and power dissipation.