The
TO-220 is a style of electronic
component package, commonly used for discrete semiconductors as
transistors and
silicon-controlled rectifiers, as well as
integrated circuits. The "TO" designation stands for "transistor outline". TO-220 packages have three leads. Similar packages with two, four, five or seven leads are also manufactured. A notable characteristic is a metal tab with a hole, used in mounting the case to a
heatsink. Components made in TO-220 packages can dissipate more heat than those constructed in
TO-92 cases.