DXTP3C60PS‑13 transistor

Hey everyone,

I’m working on a power switch module for my robot’s power distribution system, and I’m thinking of using the DXTP3C60PS-13, a PNP, low-saturation bipolar transistor from Diodes Incorporated. According to the datasheet, it supports a collector-emitter voltage of up to 60 V and a continuous collector current of 3 A. 

My plan is to use it as a high-side switch: when I want to shut down the power to a motor or a section of the system, I’ll drive its base from a micro-controller (with a resistor) so the transistor cuts off the current. Because its saturation voltage is very low, I should lose less power when the transistor is fully on. The datasheet specifies that at moderate currents, the Vce(sat) is small. 

What I’m currently testing: how hot the transistor gets under continuous load (I may need a thermal pad or small heatsink), how quickly it switches (especially when driving inductive loads), and how cleanly it turns off without leakage. The package (PowerDI5060-8) is SMD, so I’ll need to make a careful PCB footprint with good thermal design. 

If any of you have used the DXTP3C60PS-13 (or a similar PNP power transistor) in your builds, I’d love to hear how you handled base driving (i.e., what resistor value you used), any protection you added (flyback diodes, snubbers, etc.), and how you managed thermal layout.

Thanks in advance