Replacement alternative to an NTE263 power transistor

22 Feb 2023

I am in need of an NT 263 darlington-pair power transistor. The component is responsible for providing a variable output on a DC model train power pack. I have had limited success in finding something at a reasonable price for a Canadian. I don't have access to component substitution resources anymore. I was hoping someone could provide a few alternatives.

Digi-key out of the states does return a hit. The price of the unit is reasonable but the shipping and conversion to Canadian dollars make it unrealistic. I have seen ebay advertisements for a complete power pack unit for what it would cost me to by one transistor.

I hoping to find a replacement part at a reasonable cost so I can get it back into service. It just raw DC power no precision required. It is really discouraging throwing stuff away because of one component.

Top Comments

Gough Lui over 2 years ago +1

Actually, now that I've dug a bit further, I'd probably recommend the BDX33CG - that's got a TO-220 package and in stock in element14 UK ( https://au.element14.com/multicomp/bdx33c/darlington-transistor…

colporteur over 2 years ago in reply to Gough Lui

I did a happy dance on this repair. They fault symptoms I was experiencing were described on a post I found on the internet. Based on that I made the purchase. I didn't open the case to even look. I'm relieved it wasn't the blind leading the blind.
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Gough Lui over 2 years ago in reply to colporteur

Glad to hear that worked! Sometimes repairs can be frustrating because you think you know what's broken, but it was really something else all along ...

- Gough
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colporteur over 2 years ago

I had chance today to switch out the components. It worked! Thanks again for all the input.
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Gough Lui over 2 years ago in reply to colporteur

It's mainly to keep the EU RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) guys happy ... they demand fully lead-free processes and lead-free parts, with certificate of conformance.

If you're doing it at home, on your own, in small quantities, it's really not going to make any real difference. You're probably (at a guess) using 60/40 lead-tin solder too which would be in violation of RoHS ... I certainly do, and mainly because it melts at lower temperature, makes less brittle joints and is overall easier to work with.

So yes, that missing "G" really is no big issue - you'll see that I linked to the non-G part that was in stock despite talking about the G-suffix part-number in text. But yes, good to check these things ...

- Gough
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colporteur over 2 years ago

Thanks for the input. After all is said an done, three BDX33CG are in the mail. Much appreciate members sharing their insight.
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