Demystifying Power MOSFET Voltage Ratings

by Sanjay Havanur, Vishay Siliconix, Santa Clara, Calif, How2Power Today, Aug 15 2015

Focus:
Two kinds of voltage ratings are provided for MOSFETs in their datasheets—VDS and VGS. For each, both absolute maximum and rated voltages are specified. Usually the numbers are the same but manufacturers use them in different contexts and for different purposes. This article aims to demystify some of the issues surrounding MOSFET voltage ratings. The underlying mechanisms and failure modes by which excessive values of VDS or VGS lead to device destruction will be explained along with the operating conditions that may produce such overvoltages. Then, the issues surrounding derating of power MOSFETs for switching applications are discussed. This includes a look at industry standards such as IPC9592, which recommend their own derating guidelines, and the design considerations and tradeoffs that designers must address when derating power MOSFETs for their applications.

What you’ll learn:

• How to interpret MOSFET voltage ratings
• How to derate MOSFETs in applications

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