Transistor MOSFET N-Channel IRFZ44NPBF TO220
The IRFZ44NPBF is a high-performance N-channel MOSFET designed for power switching applications. It supports a high continuous drain current of up to 49A and a drain-source voltage of 55V. With its low RDS(on) of 17mΩ and fast switching characteristics, it's commonly used in DC motor drivers, power supplies, inverters, and lighting controls. Housed in a TO-220 package, the device is easy to mount on heatsinks for efficient thermal management.
Package Includes:
- 1 x IRFZ44NPBF N-Channel MOSFET
Features:
- High power handling capability (49A continuous current)
- Low on-state resistance (RDS(on) = 17mΩ)
- Fast switching speed with low gate charge
- TO-220 package for easy heatsink mounting
- Low input and output capacitance for improved efficiency
- High avalanche ruggedness
- Robust design for high reliability
- Can operate in high-temperature environments (up to 175°C)
Principle of Work:
This MOSFET operates using the electric field effect. When a voltage is applied to the Gate, it forms a conductive channel between the Drain and Source, allowing current to flow. In an N-channel MOSFET like the IRFZ44NPBF, applying a positive voltage (>10V) to the Gate relative to the Source allows electrons to flow from Drain to Source. Removing the gate voltage closes the channel, stopping current flow — making it ideal for switching applications.
Pinout:
- Gate (G): Controls current flow (turns the MOSFET on/off)
- Drain (D): Current flows from load into this terminal
- Source (S): Current flows out to ground or the return path
Applications:
- Switching power supplies
- DC motor speed control
- LED dimming and lighting control
- Audio amplifiers
- Inverter circuits (DC to AC conversion)
- Battery charging circuits
- High current switches for power electronics
Circuit Example:
Basic MOSFET switch circuit to control a DC motor:
- Drain → Connected to the negative terminal of the motor
- Motor positive terminal → Battery positive
- Source → Battery negative (GND)
- Gate → Push button + 10K resistor between gate and GND
Technical Details:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| VDS (Drain-Source Voltage) | 55V |
| VGS (Gate-Source Voltage) | ±20V |
| ID (Continuous Drain Current) | 49A |
| IDM (Pulsed Drain Current) | 196A |
| RDS(on) (On Resistance) | 17.5mΩ |
| Qg (Gate Charge) | 60nC |
| Package | TO-220AB |
| Operating Temperature Range | -55°C to +175°C |
Resources:
Comparison with TIP120:
| Specification | IRFZ44NPBF | TIP120 |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | N-Channel MOSFET | Darlington Transistor |
| Max Voltage | 55V | 60V |
| Current Rating | 49A (continuous) | 5A (max) |
| On Resistance / VCE(sat) | 17.5mΩ | ~2V |
| Switching Speed | Fast | Moderate |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Features:
- High power handling capability (49A continuous current)
- Low on-state resistance (RDS(on) = 17mΩ)
- Fast switching speed with low gate charge
- TO-220 package for easy heatsink mounting
- Low input and output capacitance for improved efficiency
- High avalanche ruggedness
- Robust design for high reliability
- Can operate in high-temperature environments (up to 175°C)
Principle of Work:
This MOSFET operates using the electric field effect. When a voltage is applied to the Gate, it forms a conductive channel between the Drain and Source, allowing current to flow. In an N-channel MOSFET like the IRFZ44NPBF, applying a positive voltage (>10V) to the Gate relative to the Source allows electrons to flow from Drain to Source. Removing the gate voltage closes the channel, stopping current flow — making it ideal for switching applications.
Pinout:
- Gate (G): Controls current flow (turns the MOSFET on/off)
- Drain (D): Current flows from load into this terminal
- Source (S): Current flows out to ground or the return path
Applications:
- Switching power supplies
- DC motor speed control
- LED dimming and lighting control
- Audio amplifiers
- Inverter circuits (DC to AC conversion)
- Battery charging circuits
- High current switches for power electronics
Circuit Example:
Basic MOSFET switch circuit to control a DC motor:
- Drain → Connected to the negative terminal of the motor
- Motor positive terminal → Battery positive
- Source → Battery negative (GND)
- Gate → Push button + 10K resistor between gate and GND
Technical Details:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| VDS (Drain-Source Voltage) | 55V |
| VGS (Gate-Source Voltage) | ±20V |
| ID (Continuous Drain Current) | 49A |
| IDM (Pulsed Drain Current) | 196A |
| RDS(on) (On Resistance) | 17.5mΩ |
| Qg (Gate Charge) | 60nC |
| Package | TO-220AB |
| Operating Temperature Range | -55°C to +175°C |
Resources:
Comparison with TIP120:
| Specification | IRFZ44NPBF | TIP120 |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | N-Channel MOSFET | Darlington Transistor |
| Max Voltage | 55V | 60V |
| Current Rating | 49A (continuous) | 5A (max) |
| On Resistance / VCE(sat) | 17.5mΩ | ~2V |
| Switching Speed | Fast | Moderate |
| Price | Higher | Lower |