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MOSFET

A MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor) is a three-terminal device used for switching and amplification in electronic circuits, with N-channel and P-channel types based on the charge carrier polarity. The operation involves three regions: cutoff (OFF state), linear (weak ON state), and saturation (fully ON state), each serving different applications. MOSFETs are widely utilized in various applications including digital logic, voltage regulation, amplification, and power conversion.

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16 views4 pages

MOSFET

A MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor) is a three-terminal device used for switching and amplification in electronic circuits, with N-channel and P-channel types based on the charge carrier polarity. The operation involves three regions: cutoff (OFF state), linear (weak ON state), and saturation (fully ON state), each serving different applications. MOSFETs are widely utilized in various applications including digital logic, voltage regulation, amplification, and power conversion.

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tbs3535
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MOSFET

A MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor) is a type of field-


effect transistor that has a metal-oxide-semiconductor structure.
It has three terminals: gate (G), drain (D), and source (S).
The voltage applied to the gate controls the amount of electricity that can flow
between the drain and the source.
It is widely used for switching and amplification in electronic circuits.
There are two kinds of MOSFETs: N-channel (NMOS ) and P-channel (PMOS),
depending on the polarity of the "channel"
N channel and P Channel
An N-channel MOSFET is a type of MOSFET in which the channel, through which
current flows between the source and drain, is made of n-type semiconductor
material.
In N-Channel, It uses electrons as charge carriers, which move faster than holes,
making it more efficient.
N-Channel has a lower ON resistance, making it ideal for high-speed and high-
power applications.
In an N-channel MOSFET, a positive voltage applied to the gate terminal relative
to the source terminal allows current to flow from the drain to the source.
A P-channel MOSFET is a type of MOSFET in which the channel is made of p-type
semiconductor material.
P-Channel uses holes as charge carriers, which move slower than electrons,
making it less efficient.
It has a higher ON resistance, making it slightly less efficient compared to an N-
Channel MOSFET. NMOS PMOS
In a P-channel MOSFET, a negative voltage applied to the gate terminal relative
to the source terminal allows current to flow from the source to the drain.
MOSFET Principle of Operation
1. Cutoff Region (OFF State)
When V_GS (Gate-to-Source Voltage) < Threshold Voltage
Saturation Region(Active)
(V_th), no channel is formed.
The MOSFET remains OFF, and no current flows between
Drain and Source (I_D ≈ 0).
This is similar to an open switch in a circuit.
2. Linear (Triode) Region (Weak ON State)
When V_GS > V_th, an inversion layer of electrons is created,
forming a conductive channel between Drain and Source.
If V_DS (Drain-to-Source Voltage) is small, the MOSFET
operates as a variable resistor, and current increases linearly
with V_DS.
Used in analog amplifiers and low-power switching
MOSFET Characteristics
applications.
3. Saturation (Active) Region (Fully ON State)
When V_GS > V_th and V_DS is large, the MOSFET is fully ON.
The current I_D depends mostly on V_GS rather than V_DS.
This region is used for digital switching and high-power
applications like motor drivers and DC-DC converters.
Applications of MOSFET
1. Switching (ON/OFF Control)
MOSFETs act as electronic switches in both digital and power electronics circuits.
Example: Used in microcontrollers, LEDs, and power supplies to turn devices ON and OFF efficiently.
2. Amplification (Signal Boosting)
MOSFETs amplify weak signals in analog circuits (like in radios and speakers).
Example: In audio amplifiers, they increase the sound signal to drive loudspeakers.
3. Voltage Regulation (Stable Power Supply)
MOSFETs help maintain a steady voltage even when the input power or load changes.
Example: Used in mobile chargers and power adapters to keep voltage constant.
4. Power Conversion (Efficient Energy Transfer)
MOSFETs are used in DC-DC converters, inverters, and motor controllers to efficiently control high
currents and voltages at high speeds.
Example: Solar power systems use MOSFETs to convert DC power from panels into usable electricity.
5. Digital Logic (Computers & Processors)
MOSFETs are the building blocks of microprocessors, memory chips, and digital circuits.
Example: Every computer, smartphone, and microcontroller relies on billions of MOSFETs to process
data.

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