Power MOSFET IRFP460: Manufacturer, Technical Parameters and Applications
01 November 2023
Ⅲ. Symbol, footprint and pin configuration of IRFP460
Ⅳ. What are the features of IRFP460?
Ⅴ. Technical parameters of IRFP460
Ⅵ. What are the parallel connection methods of IRFP460?
Ⅶ. What are the applications of IRFP460?
Ⅷ. Typical characteristics of IRFP460
Ⅸ. How to protect the IRFP460 from overcurrent and overvoltage damage?
The IRFP460 is a versatile N-channel MOSFET transistor that finds application in a wide range of electronic systems. Packaged in TO-247, this component boasts a maximum power handling capability of 260W and can comfortably handle voltages up to 500V. It is not only used in motor drives but also in switching converters that require supply voltage inputs or high-voltage amplifiers. In motor drives, the IRFP460's high power rating allows it to efficiently control electric motors. Moreover, in the realm of switching converters, it plays a key role in regulating the flow of electrical energy, ensuring smooth and efficient power conversion. Additionally, its compatibility with high-voltage amplifiers ensures precise signal amplification in applications such as audio amplifiers and RF (Radio Frequency) devices.
Replacements and equivalents:
• IRF044
• IRF250
• IRF3205
• IRF840
The IRFP460 is manufactured by Vishay. VISHAY Group was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Pennsylvania, USA. It is one of the world's largest semiconductor manufacturers, manufacturing and selling discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Its products are widely used in various electronic instruments and equipment in the fields of industry, computers, automobiles, consumer goods, telecommunications, military, aviation and medicine.
Vishay has acquired many well-known brands of discrete electronic component manufacturers, such as Siliconix, Dale, Sprague, Vitramon, General Semiconductor, and SIF Sfernice and International Rectifier certain discrete semiconductors and modules, thereby promoting the company's development.
IRFP460 has a total of 3 pins, and their names are described as follows:
Pin 1 (GATE): The gate is used to trigger the MOSFET.
Pin 2 (DRAIN): The drain is the input terminal of the MOSFET.
Pin 3 (Source): In the source, terminal current flows out from the MOSFET.
• Low on-resistance: Its on-resistance is only 2.5 milliohms under normal operating conditions, which allows current to flow more smoothly through the device.
• Fast switching speed: It has nanosecond-level fast switching speed. Additionally, the lower gate charge enables higher switching speeds.
• High input impedance: This higher input impedance enables it to efficiently receive and process electrical signals while placing minimal load on the preceding circuitry. It is suitable for applications requiring high sensitivity and minimal signal attenuation.
• High voltage withstand capability: It uses advanced technology and materials to withstand voltages up to 500V and has low leakage current.
• Has isolated central mounting holes: This design enables the device to achieve better alignment and fixation when installed, and can also better withstand mechanical and thermal stress, further improving the reliability and stability of the product.
• Easy parallel connection: It can easily realize parallel connection of multiple tubes to meet the needs of larger current.
• Repetitive avalanche rated
1. Series and parallel connection
We connect the anodes and cathodes of multiple IRFP460s to the positive and negative poles of the power supply, and connect the gates of each IRFP460 in series to increase the voltage withstand capability. This parallel connection method is suitable for applications that require increased voltage driving capabilities, such as solar inverters, electric vehicle chargers, etc.
2. Simple parallel connection
We connect the anode and cathode of multiple IRFP460s to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply to increase current handling capability. This parallel connection method is suitable for applications that require increased current driving capabilities.
3. Bridge parallel connection
This is two IRFP460 connected in anti-parallel to form a bridge circuit. This parallel connection method is suitable for application scenarios that require full-wave rectification or half-wave rectification, such as power switches, welding machines, etc.
• Gas discharge lamp control: It can be used to control gas discharge lamps such as xenon lamps or mercury-xenon lamps for lighting and display applications.
• Switching power supply: IRFP460 can be used in switching power supply circuits, including switching regulators and switch-mode power supplies. They efficiently adjust voltage and current to provide the required power. Switching circuits such as DC-DC converters and electronic ballasts benefit from the IRFP460's fast switching characteristics and high voltage handling capabilities. These MOSFETs ensure efficient power conversion and enable compact circuit designs.
• Welding equipment: In high-power arc welding equipment, it can be used as a switching tube to accurately control the welding current.
• Power Amplifier: The IRFP460 can be used as the output stage of a power amplifier that can drive high-power loads such as sound systems and amplifiers.
• Modulator: In modulation and conditioning circuits, it also can be used to control current and voltage to achieve precise signal modulation and demodulation.
*Note: Typical temperature is 25°C unless otherwise specified.
1. Use protection circuit
We can add protection circuits, such as over-current protection, over-temperature protection and over-voltage protection circuits, to monitor the working status of the IRFP460 and cut off the power supply when abnormal conditions occur.
2. Use appropriate voltage limiter
Add a voltage limiter to ensure the voltage does not exceed the rated maximum voltage of the IRFP460. We can achieve this using diodes, overvoltage protection circuits, or voltage feedback circuits.
3. Temperature control
Under high load conditions, the IRFP460 may heat up. We can use a radiator to help dissipate heat to prevent overheating damage.
4. Soft start
On power-up, instead of suddenly applying a high voltage to the IRFP460, we can use a soft-start circuit to gradually increase the supply voltage. This mitigates current and voltage surges when powering on.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the use of IRFP460?
This MOSFET can be utilized in switching converters with mains voltage input, high voltage amplifiers, and motor drivers due to its high breakdown voltage.
2. What is the equivalent of IRFP460?
You could use IRF3205, IRF250, IRF840 as IRFP460 equivalents.
3. Can I use a MOSFET as a diode?
Diodes in the forward direction inject minority charge carriers which can lead to problems (latchup). A MOSFET circuit that can replace the diode is shown in Fig 1 on the right. It is called diode connected transistor of MOSFET diode.
4. What is the maximum gate voltage for IRFP460?
In this case, the IRFP460 has a gate threshold voltage between 2V and 4V, and it just barely starts conducting at this voltage. To achieve the specified-on resistance of 0.27Ω, the gate voltage must be at least 10V. The maximum limit of the gate voltage is ±20V, beyond which the gate can be damaged.
