How to Buy High Voltage Field Effect Transistors (HV FETs)

Your Guide to buying the best HV FETs

Overview

High Voltage Field Effect Transistors (HV FETs) are an important component used in many different electrical and electronic applications. They can offer an extremely high level of performance, with low power consumption and high switching speeds. This buying guide will provide you with all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing a HV FET. It will discuss the different types of HV FETs available to choose from, along with their features and benefits. Furthermore, it will also provide helpful tips on how to select the right HV FET for your specific needs, as well as the best ways to get the most out of your purchase.

Key features

  1. Voltage Rating: Look for a FET that can handle the voltage requirement of your application. Note that higher voltage ratings are capable of higher power handling.
  2. Current Rating: Check the current rating of the FET. It should be able to handle the current requirements of your application.
  3. RDS(on): This value determines the resistance of the FET when it’s turned on. Lower values are better as they result in lower power dissipation.
  4. Package: Consider the form factor of the FET. This will depend on the type of application, as larger packages may be needed for higher power systems.
  5. Reverse Recovery Time: This is the time it takes for the FET to turn off after it has been turned on. Shorter times are better as they result in less switching noise.
  6. Gate Capacitance: This determines the switching speed of the FET. Lower values are better as they result in faster switching.

See the most popular HV FETs on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • High Voltage - HV FETs are designed to handle high voltage, making them well-suited for a variety of electrical and electronic applications.
  • Low Power Consumption - HV FETs are incredibly efficient and consume less power than other types of FETs.
  • Low Cost - HV FETs are relatively inexpensive and can be a cost-effective solution for certain types of applications.
  • High Frequency Performance - HV FETs can operate at high frequencies, making them suitable for fast-switching applications.
  • Wide Temperature Range - HV FETs can withstand wide temperature ranges, making them suitable for applications that require extreme temperatures.
  • High Reliability - HV FETs are highly reliable and can be trusted to perform reliably over long periods of time.

Cons

  • Price: High voltage FETs (HV FETs) are typically more expensive than regular FETs due to their specialized design.
  • Voltage Ratings: HV FETs have higher voltage ratings than standard FETs, and may not be suitable for lower voltage applications.
  • Heat Management: Heat management is a critical factor when using HV FETs, as they may overheat and be damaged if not sufficiently cooled.
  • High Frequency Applications: HV FETs may not be suitable for high frequency applications due to their lower frequency response.

Best alternatives

  1. HV BJTs (Bipolar Junction Transistors) - A type of transistor similar to FETs, but with different operating characteristics.
  2. HV Triacs - A three-terminal component primarily used to control alternating current.
  3. HV SCRs (Silicon Controlled Rectifiers) - A four-terminal device that can switch large electric currents.
  4. HV MOSFETs (Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors) - A type of transistor similar to FETs, but with different operating characteristics.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Voltmeter - A device used to measure voltage.
  • Ammeter - A device used to measure current.
  • Heat sink - A device used to dissipate heat.
  • Power supply - A device used to provide voltage to the FET.
  • Protective resistor - A discrete resistor used to protect the FET from unwanted current.
  • Optocoupler - A device used to isolate the gate of the FET from other components.
  • Thermal grease - A material used to improve the thermal contact between the FET and the heat sink.
  • Torque screwdriver - A tool used to fasten the screws for the heat sink.

Common questions

  1. What is an HV FET?
    HV FET stands for High Voltage Field Effect Transistor, and it is a type of transistor that is designed to handle higher voltage than standard FETs.
  2. What are some common applications for HV FETs?
    HV FETs are commonly used in power supplies, motor control circuits, voltage regulation, and lighting applications.
  3. What are the advantages of using HV FETs?
    HV FETs are advantageous because they offer high power efficiency, wide range of operating voltages, low gate drive power requirements, and low dropout voltage.
  4. What should I consider when purchasing HV FETs?
    When purchasing HV FETs, you should consider the voltage and current rating you need, the type of package you need, and the power dissipation rating.
  5. What is an HV FET gate drive?
    An HV FET gate drive is a device used to control the gate of the FET, and supply the necessary voltage and current to switch the FET on and off.
  6. What safety measures should be taken when working with HV FETs?
    When working with HV FETs, it is important to take proper safety precautions such as using an ESD protection device, avoiding short circuits, and wearing protective gloves and eye protection.

Trivia

One amusing fact about High Voltage FETs is that they were first developed in the 1970s, and were originally called “Voltage Variable Transistors”. This is because they were designed to operate at higher voltage levels than the standard transistors, and were too powerful to be used in common transistor applications. However, their uses have since expanded greatly and they are now used in a wide range of applications from powering LEDs to providing power to medical devices. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field-effect_transistor#High-voltage_devices

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.