Unclamped Inductive Switching Rugged MOSFETs For Rugged Environments

The evolution of the power MOSFET has resulted in a very rugged transistor. The semiconductor industry defines this ruggedness as the capability to withstand avalanche currents when subjected to unclamped inductive switching. Historically, MOSFET manufacturers chose to quantify ruggedness, not based principally on individual performance, but rather on comparative performance with other manufacturers. Siliconix has optimized the cell structure of power MOSFETs, resulting in a new class of extremely rugged devices. Today’s avalanche-rated MOSPOWER FET exhibits a ruggedness that far exceeds the performance of any power MOSFET of earlier years.