The MOSFET is one of the most widely used electronic components in modern circuits, controlling current flow and enabling efficient switching in a variety of applications. From power supplies and automotive electronics to industrial control and consumer devices, MOSFETs play a vital role in both analog and digital systems. They provide high-speed switching, low on-resistance, and precise voltage control, making them ideal for energy-efficient designs.
According to Wikipedia’s description of a MOSFET, the metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor is a type of transistor used for amplifying or switching electronic signals. MOSFETs are fundamental in integrated circuits and are available in different types, including N-channel, P-channel, enhancement mode, and depletion mode, to meet diverse circuit requirements.
This article reviews eight prominent MOSFET models, analyzing their specifications, packaging, performance, and application areas — helping engineers, designers, and students select the right component for their needs.
Categories of MOSFETs
MOSFETs are classified based on their structure, polarity, and application:
- N-Channel MOSFET – Offers low on-resistance and high switching speed, ideal for high-side or low-side switching.
- P-Channel MOSFET – Simplifies high-side switching in circuits with positive supply rails.
- Enhancement-Mode MOSFET – Normally off; requires gate voltage to conduct.
- Depletion-Mode MOSFET – Normally on; requires gate voltage to turn off.
- Power MOSFETs – Handle high current and voltage for power conversion applications.
- Logic-Level MOSFETs – Operate efficiently with low gate voltage from logic circuits.
- RF MOSFETs – Designed for high-frequency and communication applications.
Leading MOSFET Models
Model | Manufacturer | Type | Core Features | Applications |
IRF540N | Infineon | N-Channel Power | Low Rds(on), 100V, 33A | Motor drives, power supply |
STP55NF06 | STMicroelectronics | N-Channel | 60V, 55A, fast switching | Automotive, industrial |
IRLZ44N | International Rectifier | Logic-Level N | Low gate threshold, 55V, 47A | Microcontroller circuits |
BSS138 | ON Semiconductor | N-Channel | Small SOT-23 package, 50V, 200mA | Logic switching, level shifter |
FQP30N06L | Fairchild | N-Channel | Low Rds(on), 60V, 32A | Power management, robotics |
AO3400 | Alpha & Omega | N-Channel MOSFET | Small SMD, 30V, 5.8A | Portable electronics |
IRF9530 | Infineon | P-Channel Power | 100V, 12A, low Rds(on) | High-side switching, DC-DC |
SI2302 | Vishay | P-Channel MOSFET | Low gate charge, 20V, 2.3A | Battery protection, load switch |
Model Highlights
IRF540N
A high-power N-channel MOSFET featuring 100V maximum voltage and 33A continuous current. Commonly used in DC motor controllers and switching power supplies.
Offers robust performance for industrial and automotive applications with fast switching and low conduction loss. Packaged in TO-220, suitable for high-current loads.
IRLZ44N
Logic-level MOSFET that can be driven directly by microcontrollers. Low gate voltage and high current capacity make it ideal for DIY robotics and IoT systems.
BSS138
A compact SOT-23 MOSFET for low-current logic switching, level-shifting, and small signal applications. Highly energy-efficient with minimal gate charge.
FQP30N06L
Efficient power MOSFET for robotics and energy management circuits. Handles high current with low on-resistance for minimal power loss.
AO3400
Small SMD MOSFET suitable for portable devices and low-voltage electronics. Compact design allows integration into dense circuit boards.
IRF9530
P-channel high-side switch with low Rds(on), used for DC-DC converters, motor H-bridges, and battery circuits.
SI2302
Low-voltage P-channel MOSFET for battery protection, low-current load switching, and portable electronics.
Comparison Table
Model | Type | Vds (V) | Id (A) | Rds(on) | Package | Applications |
IRF540N | N-Channel Power | 100 | 33 | 0.077Ω | TO-220 | Motors, power supply |
STP55NF06 | N-Channel | 60 | 55 | 0.018Ω | TO-220 | Automotive, industrial |
IRLZ44N | Logic-Level N | 55 | 47 | 0.022Ω | TO-220 | Microcontrollers, robotics |
BSS138 | N-Channel | 50 | 0.2 | 3.5Ω | SOT-23 | Logic switching, level-shifter |
FQP30N06L | N-Channel | 60 | 32 | 0.035Ω | TO-220 | Power circuits, robotics |
AO3400 | N-Channel | 30 | 5.8 | 0.047Ω | SMD | Portable electronics |
IRF9530 | P-Channel Power | 100 | 12 | 0.14Ω | TO-220 | High-side switching |
SI2302 | P-Channel | 20 | 2.3 | 0.08Ω | SOT-23 | Battery protection |
Design Insights
- High-Power Switching: IRF540N and STP55NF06 handle demanding loads with minimal conduction loss.
- Logic-Level Integration: IRLZ44N and BSS138 work seamlessly with microcontrollers and low-voltage logic circuits.
- Portable Devices: AO3400 and SI2302 provide compact, low-power switching solutions.
- High-Side Control: IRF9530 enables efficient high-side switching in H-bridges and power conversion.
Key Advantages of MOSFETs
- Fast Switching – Efficient for high-speed digital and power applications.
- Low On-Resistance – Reduces energy loss and heat generation.
- Scalability – From small signal switching to high-power industrial use.
- Compact Size – SMD packages allow high-density PCB designs.
- Energy Efficiency – Minimal gate charge for low-power control.
FAQs
Q1: What is a MOSFET?
A: A MOSFET (metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor) is a transistor used for switching or amplifying electrical signals in electronic devices.
Q2: How do MOSFETs differ from BJTs?
A: MOSFETs are voltage-controlled devices with high input impedance, while BJTs are current-controlled with lower input resistance.
Q3: What are N-channel and P-channel MOSFETs?
A: N-channel conducts when gate voltage is positive relative to source; P-channel conducts when gate voltage is negative relative to source.
Q4: Which MOSFETs are suitable for microcontroller circuits?
A: Logic-level MOSFETs like IRLZ44N and BSS138, which switch fully at low gate voltages.
Q5: What package types are common for MOSFETs?
A: TO-220, SOT-23, and compact SMD packages are widely used, depending on current and space requirements.
Q6: Why are MOSFETs important in power electronics?
A: They provide fast, efficient switching for motors, converters, and battery systems, minimizing heat and energy loss.
Q7: Can MOSFETs be used for analog signals?
A: Yes, MOSFETs can also act as variable resistors or switches in analog signal circuits for audio or sensor applications.