Another Mosfet Question

[rmteo]

Ace, is correct. A driver IC, like the ones that I mention above typically apply 12V above V+. So if your circuit is running from say 20V, the voltage applied to the gate of the MOSFET is 32V - this will ensure that is turned on fully.

[skimask]

I've used this 'STN2E10L' logic level N channel MOSFET before, kicking the gate with a PIC at 5v, switching a 24V load with little if any Rds(on), at least none my meter could measure.
A bit spendier than a standard N channel MOSFET, but it eliminates the whole driver issue, for me anyways...

[rmteo]

Logic level MOSFETs are definitely the way to go. Most recently released MOSFET's are logic level and are spec'd (for Rds ON) at both 4.5V and 10V gate drive voltages.

There 2 issues though with an N-Channel MOSFET. The load cannot be ground referenced and has to be on the high side - may or may not be a problem depending on the application.

Secondly, they are OK to be driven directly from the MCU if you are just turning them on (and/or OFF). For PWM type applications, they MCU cannot supply the current (and voltage) to efficiently overcome the gate charge/capacitance. With many applications running in the many KHz to MHz region (for reasons of efficiency), gate drivers become a necessity.

[skimask]

With many applications running in the many KHz to MHz region (for reasons of efficiency), gate drivers become a necessity.

True...I guess I should've quantified those statements a bit.
The bulk of those MOSFETs are driving a load of LEDs at 76Hz, a few are driving motors at 4882 Hz in other projects (yes, I know, the whine from the motors rocks!!! but I don't have to listen to it!). I've never measured I(g)...probably should. Might be the exact reason why I've had 3 pins fail to 'open-drain wanna-be' in the past couple of years.

[sheepdog]

Shame I did not read this thread before I toasted some irl2203ns, low rds on, logic level, I thought I was good to go. Powered up my battery vehicle drove down the street, heat sink perfectly cool I thought I had cracked it. Return journey mosfet stuck on until the brakes overcame its stall current, pop went the fuse. Only needed the wheels to fall off to finish the circus event.
It probably went through the Miller effect,shoot through etc,the other irl2003n for braking ending up in the same condition.
I suppose I live and learn, upped the voltage and used some 2n3055`s from a collection I have for some reason. Worked first time plus I have a bum warmer for the coming winter.

[Macgman2000]

The irl2203ns handles 82 ~ 110A @ 10v drive. Running a 12v supply I have used a PNP/NPN driver. Basically pnp emitter to 12v and collector to gate of FET. A base bias keeps the PNP in the off region and finally a npn pulls the pnp base bias low to turn on the FET. Works like a charm every time I have used this. Largest load I have used thus far is 75A and no problem @ 2kHz.

Nick

[skimask]

The irl2203ns handles 82 ~ 110A @ 10v drive. Running a 12v supply I have used a PNP/NPN driver. Basically pnp emitter to 12v and collector to gate of FET. A base bias keeps the PNP in the off region and finally a npn pulls the pnp base bias low to turn on the FET. Works like a charm every time I have used this. Largest load I have used thus far is 75A and no problem @ 2kHz.

So, this is almost like a double-stacked Darlington pair (with extras) and a mix of BJT and FETs?