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How to Test a TIP36C in Circuit

The TIP36C is a common PNP transistor used for high current applications. It's useful when there's a need to provide a driving current for a solenoid or a motor. For many current amplifier designs, a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) like the TIP36C is used. Though very rugged, an event like a power spike could damage it. If there is any suspicion that a TIP36C is not working, then it should be tested. Though the component should usually be removed, there is a way to check a TIP36C without having to remove the component from the circuit board.

Things You'll Need

Circuit board with TIP36C
Data sheet for TIP36C
Soldering iron
Solder wick
Resin core solder
22 AWG solid wire (if needed)
3 alligator test leads
Digital multimeter with BJT tester

Instructions

- 1
  Desolder the base of the TIP36C from the circuit board. Review the data sheet for the TIP36C to verify which pin is the base. Touch the tip of a hot soldering iron to the corresponding solder joint and touch the solder wick to the opposite end of the molten solder. Remove the solder wick when all the solder from the joint has been removed. Make sure the pin is not touching any part of the circuit board traces.
- 2
  Set the multimeter to the transistor test function. Depending upon your digital multimeter, you may need to press a button to turn a dial to the right position to obtain an hfe measurement.
- 3
  Adapt your digital multimeter for the test. This will depend upon the type of digital multimeter you have. Most models feature a socket to insert a transistor, but this one is in the circuit board. You can work around this through an adaptation. Cut three lengths of 22 AWG solid wire that are 2 inches long with wire cutters and use wire stripper to remove 1/2-inch of insulation from each end. Locate the markings on the digital multimeter for the PNP transistor and plug a wire in the base, collector, and emitter pins.
- 4
  Connect the test leads to the TIP36C. Clip each alligator test lead between the free end of a wire and the corresponding pin to the TIP36C. Consult the data sheet if you are unsure of what each pin is.
- 5
  Obtain the hfe value. Check the display on the multimeter for this reading. You may want to wait a few seconds to make sure the value has stabilized with little fluctuation.
- 6
  Make a determination. Compare your obtained value for hfe against the nominal specifications. If your measured value is somewhere around 25, the transistor is still usable. Otherwise, the transistor should be replaced.
- 7
  Restore the solder joint or remove the TIP36C. If the transistor is still usable, touch the tip of the soldering iron to the lead for the base and touch the solder to the other side. Remove the solder and then the soldering iron to leave behind a cone of solder. Otherwise, if the transistor was found to be defective, then desolder the collector and emitter in the same manner as the base.

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