Understanding the IRF Series MOSFETs: Applications, Pinout, and Specifications
At Regent Electronics, we specialize in providing high-quality electronic components like the IRF Series MOSFETs, which are crucial for efficient switching and amplification in various electronic circuits. These Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) are widely used in industrial, automotive, and consumer applications due to their superior performance. In this blog, we’ll explore the key IRF Series MOSFETs, their applications, specifications, and how they can benefit your projects.
What is a MOSFET?
A MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) is a semiconductor device used to control electrical power through a voltage applied to the gate. The device typically has four terminals: Source (S), Gate (G), Drain (D), and Body (B). The Source and Drain terminals are the points where current flows, while the Gate controls the flow of this current. The Body terminal is usually tied to the Source, making it effectively a three-terminal device.
MOSFETs come in two types: N-Channel and P-Channel, each with its unique characteristics and applications. The IRF Series MOSFETs provide a variety of options that cater to different voltage, current, and power requirements.
Key IRF Series MOSFETs: Features, Applications, and Pinout
1. IRF540 – N-Channel Power MOSFET
The IRF540 is an N-channel power MOSFET designed for use in high-speed switching applications. It offers excellent performance in circuits requiring high current handling and low gate threshold voltage (4V). This makes it ideal for switching applications controlled by logic-level devices like Arduino and other microcontrollers.
- Maximum Drain Current: 23A
- Drain-Source Voltage: 100V
- Threshold Voltage: 4V
Applications:
- Switching converters
- Relay drivers
- High-speed switching drivers
- Motor drivers
- Amplification processes
Pinout: The IRF540 features three main terminals: Gate (G), Source (S), and Drain (D), allowing easy integration into most circuits.
2. IRF520 – N-Channel Power MOSFET
The IRF520 is another N-channel MOSFET widely used in applications that require fast switching and efficient power handling. It is especially popular for switching large current loads and is suitable for use with Arduino or other microcontroller systems.
- Maximum Drain Current: 9.2A
- Drain-Source Voltage: 100V
- On-State Resistance: 0.27Ω
Applications:
- DC to DC converters
- Fast switching circuits
- Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
- Battery management systems
- Solar applications
- Motor driver circuits
Pinout: The IRF520 uses standard three-terminal connections: Gate (G), Source (S), and Drain (D).
3. IRF9530 – P-Channel Power MOSFET
The IRF9530 is a P-channel MOSFET designed for use in high-speed switching applications with a negative voltage at the gate. This device offers low on-state resistance and is ideal for applications where high power dissipation is required.
- Maximum Drain Current: -12A
- Drain-Source Voltage: -100V
- Power Dissipation: 50W
Applications:
- Solar power supply applications
- Motor drivers
- Telecommunication applications
- Power management systems
- High-speed switching applications
Pinout: It comes in a TO-220AB package with Gate (G), Source (S), and Drain (D) terminals.
4. IRFZ44N – N-Channel MOSFET
The IRFZ44N is a versatile N-channel MOSFET known for its high-speed switching and low on-resistance. This MOSFET is ideal for applications like motor drivers, battery management, and solar systems. It offers excellent performance in fast-switching environments.
- Maximum Drain Current: 49A
- Drain-Source Voltage: 55V
- Peak Pulse Current: 160A
Applications:
- Battery chargers
- Solar battery chargers
- Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
- Motor driver circuits
- Fast switching applications
Pinout: The IRFZ44N features the typical Gate (G), Source (S), and Drain (D) pinout.
5. IRFP460 – N-Channel Power MOSFET
The IRFP460 is an N-channel MOSFET with a high breakdown voltage of 500V, making it suitable for high-voltage power switching applications. It’s commonly used in motor drivers, power amplifiers, and DC-DC converters.
- Maximum Drain Current: 20A
- Drain-Source Voltage: 500V
- Gate Threshold Voltage: 2V to 4V
Applications:
- DC-DC converters
- Power amplifiers
- Motor drivers
- Power switching
Pinout: The IRFP460 is a TO-247 package with Gate (G), Source (S), and Drain (D).
6. IRF630 – N-Channel MOSFET
The IRF630 is a third-generation power MOSFET designed for high-speed switching. It supports high voltage (up to 200V) and moderate current (up to 9A), making it suitable for power conversion and motor driver applications.
- Maximum Drain Current: 9A (36A in pulse mode)
- Drain-Source Voltage: 200V
- Power Dissipation: 88W
Applications:
- Solar power supply applications
- Motor drivers
- Battery chargers
- High-speed switching
- Power management
Pinout: The IRF630 comes in a TO-220 package with Gate (G), Source (S), and Drain (D) terminals.
IRF Series MOSFETs Comparison
| MOSFET | Package | Type | Drain-Source Voltage | Drain Current | Power Dissipation | Applications |
| IRF540 | TO-220 | N-Channel | 100V | 23A | 100W | Switching, Motor Drivers, Amplification |
| IRF520 | TO-220 | N-Channel | 100V | 9.2A | 70W | UPS, Battery Management, Solar Systems |
| IRF9530 | TO-220AB | P-Channel | -100V | -12A | 50W | Solar, Telecommunication, Power Management |
| IRFZ44N | TO-220 | N-Channel | 55V | 49A | 110W | Battery Chargers, Motor Drivers |
| IRFP460 | TO-247 | N-Channel | 500V | 20A | 250W | Power Amplifiers, DC-DC Converters |
| IRF630 | TO-220 | N-Channel | 200V | 9A | 88W | Solar Power, Motor Drivers |
Conclusion
The IRF Series MOSFETs from Regent Electronics offer reliable, high-performance solutions for a wide variety of power switching and amplification applications. Whether you’re designing motor driver circuits, DC-DC converters, or high-speed switching systems, the IRF series provides the necessary capabilities to handle high voltages, currents, and fast switching times. These MOSFETs are widely used in industries like solar energy, telecommunications, and battery management systems.
Looking to incorporate IRF MOSFETs into your next project? Visit Regent Electronics to find the right component for your needs and ensure reliable performance in your circuits.