MOSFET Technology

The MOSFET: a mainstay of power electronics

First developed in the 1970s, the Silicon (Si) MOSFET remains the most widely used power device globally. With its low gate drive power, fast switching speed, and advanced paralleling capability, power MOSFETs are used in a wide range of applications in sectors such as consumer electronics, transportation technology, and automotive applications.

Leveraging the advantages of the MOSFET

The voltage-controlled power MOSFET can operate at voltages up to 1 kV with high switching speeds and low power losses, with many advantages over current- controlled devices, such as BJTs, including:

• low on-resistance and low static power consumption offers superior power efficiency, reducing heat generation and extending battery life.

• insulating oxide layer ensures high immunity to external electrical noise, enabling more accurate signal processing and data transmission.
• can be manufactured in small form factors, enabling integration into semiconductor chips and compact electronic devices.
• require minimal input current to control the load current, compared to bipolar junction transistors (BJTs).
• can rapidly switch digital signals.

MOSFETs are the ideal choice for multiple applications, including power supplies, DC-DC converters, motor controllers, and various RF and switching applications.

Choosing the right MOSFET

It seems as if manufacturers are continually launching new device families and showcasing their respective benefits. Individual MOSFETs within the same device family target different use-cases and, with such a wide choice, finding the optimal balance between price and performance can be difficult and time-consuming.

At the same time, MOSFET design presents a specific set of challenges. The gate driver circuit characteristics must match the required switching speed of the device while offering protection against factors such as overvoltage and unwanted EMI effects. While datasheets may give typical operating parameters, the actual performance of the MOSFET will depend on factors such as switching speed and operating temperature.

With considerations such as solution operating environment and cost also influencing the final decision, how can you be confident that you’ve chosen the right MOSFET for your solution?

Let our knowledge and expertise guide you

Avnet Silica’s market-leading team of power engineers and FAEs boasts extensive expertise and know-how across our full MOSFET product portfolio. When you work with us, you’ll have direct access to this comprehensive support network, as well as relevant market specialists and regional experts. You’ll also benefit from our solid relationships with our extensive supplier network, gaining insight into their proprietary information on existing and planned products.

Our full-system approach ensures that we can support you across the entire product lifecycle, from choosing the best device to optimisation of overall solution design.

A market-winning partnership

Everything we do is focused on accelerating your product development process and reducing time to revenue.

Our close relationships with an extensive range of suppliers ensure we have the insights to help your engineers make the right decisions when choosing the best MOSFET for your solution. These same relationships offer you a window into the full product roadmaps and lifecycles of our partners, enabling you to secure second and third sources for your chosen devices.

When we work with you, we’ll identify the best suppliers, based on your application, your location, and the support levels that you will need. Together we’ll build the best combination of development team, products, and supplier to guarantee the market success of your solution.

LOOKING FOR SUPPORT? CONTACT OUR POWER EXPERTS