AN2385 Datasheet, PDF (1/14 Pages) STMicroelectronics – Power dissipation and its linear derating factor

AN2385
Application note
Power dissipation and its linear derating factor, silicon
Limited Drain Current and pulsed drain current in MOSFETs
Introduction
Datasheets of the modern power MOSFET devices, either of low voltage or of high voltage,
show in the section entitled "Absolute Maximum Rating" the values of some important
parameters that regard the SOA (safe operating area). As it is well kwown in literature, SOA
is the area that includes all the I_D-V_DS operating points where the device works in safety
conditions.
These important parameters are studied in this technical article. In particular, attention will
be focused on the Power Dissipation and its Linear Derating Factor, Silicon Limited Drain
Current and Pulsed Drain Current. This technical article will explain what these parameters
are and how they can be calculated. It will recall some basic and simple technical concepts
and can be a useful tool for customers to understand and facilitate reading of a power
MOSFET datasheet.
June 2006
Rev 1
1/14
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