N-channel depletion mode MOSFET

Depletion MOSFETs are in an on-state at zero voltage of gate-to-source (VGS), normally-on. This makes them a perfect constant current source.

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Overview

Infineon's range of depletion type MOSFET switches offers fast switching and small and compact design. Infineon offers depletion MOSFETs in SOT-223 and SOT-23 packages, with breakdown voltages ranging from 60 V to 600 V. Together with a low negative voltage to turn off and a Strong Safe Operating Area, these products also offer the benefit of reduced design complexity.

Key Features

  • Available from 60 V up to 600 V
  • Higher efficiency and ruggedness
  • Wide operating range available
  • Fast switching and compact design

Products

About

What are N-Ch depletion mode MOSFET characteristics?

For a MOSFET, the gate-to-source voltage (VGS) should be higher than the gate-to-source threshold voltage (VGS(th)) in order to conduct current through it. For an N-channel enhancement MOSFET, VGS(th) is above 0 V. Therefore, even at VGS of 0 V, a depletion-type MOSFET can conduct current. To turn off a depletion-type MOSFET, the VGS should be lower than the (negative) VGS. The N-channel depletion mode MOSFET operation results in a load current independent of the applied drain-to-source input voltage. These N-channel depletion MOSFET characteristics are ideal for power supply startup power, overvoltage protection, in-rush-current limiter, and offline voltage reference applications.

One important parameter when selecting a depletion-type MOSFET is the minimum drain current when the gate voltage is zero. Because the depletion MOSFET is used as a current source, the minimum current capability of a gate voltage of 0 V is necessary to design the Depletion-mode MOSFET circuit for the required current levels. Infineon’s range of N-channel depletion-mode MOSFETs are available with the VGS indicator on the reel, and are RoHS compliant as well as qualified according to AEC Q101.

What is NMOS Depletion-mode conduction?

NMOS depletion-type MOSFETs use electrons as the current carrier allowing conduction if there is a positive charge. On the other hand, PMOS MOSFETs use holes, so a negative charge attracts positively charged holes to the channel allowing it to conduct. However, NMOS depletion mode is activated when using a negative voltage to repel the free carriers so the depletion device can no longer conduct. This is how to turn off a depletion-mode MOSFET.

What automotive applications use depletion-type MOSFETs?

All N-channel depletion MOSFET products are suitable for automotive applications. In order to meet special requirements, N-channel depletion mode MOSFETs are available with VGS(th) indicator on reel.

What industrial applications use depletion-type MOSFETs?

Areas of Depletion-mode MOSFET applications include power supply startup power, overvoltage protection, in-rush-current limiter, and offline voltage reference. With one single component, it is possible to realize a simple current regulator.

What are N-Ch depletion mode MOSFET characteristics?

For a MOSFET, the gate-to-source voltage (VGS) should be higher than the gate-to-source threshold voltage (VGS(th)) in order to conduct current through it. For an N-channel enhancement MOSFET, VGS(th) is above 0 V. Therefore, even at VGS of 0 V, a depletion-type MOSFET can conduct current. To turn off a depletion-type MOSFET, the VGS should be lower than the (negative) VGS. The N-channel depletion mode MOSFET operation results in a load current independent of the applied drain-to-source input voltage. These N-channel depletion MOSFET characteristics are ideal for power supply startup power, overvoltage protection, in-rush-current limiter, and offline voltage reference applications.

One important parameter when selecting a depletion-type MOSFET is the minimum drain current when the gate voltage is zero. Because the depletion MOSFET is used as a current source, the minimum current capability of a gate voltage of 0 V is necessary to design the Depletion-mode MOSFET circuit for the required current levels. Infineon’s range of N-channel depletion-mode MOSFETs are available with the VGS indicator on the reel, and are RoHS compliant as well as qualified according to AEC Q101.

What is NMOS Depletion-mode conduction?

NMOS depletion-type MOSFETs use electrons as the current carrier allowing conduction if there is a positive charge. On the other hand, PMOS MOSFETs use holes, so a negative charge attracts positively charged holes to the channel allowing it to conduct. However, NMOS depletion mode is activated when using a negative voltage to repel the free carriers so the depletion device can no longer conduct. This is how to turn off a depletion-mode MOSFET.

What automotive applications use depletion-type MOSFETs?

All N-channel depletion MOSFET products are suitable for automotive applications. In order to meet special requirements, N-channel depletion mode MOSFETs are available with VGS(th) indicator on reel.

What industrial applications use depletion-type MOSFETs?

Areas of Depletion-mode MOSFET applications include power supply startup power, overvoltage protection, in-rush-current limiter, and offline voltage reference. With one single component, it is possible to realize a simple current regulator.

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