The IRLZ44N is an N-channel power MOSFET designed for high-efficiency switching and low-voltage control, manufactured by Infineon Technologies (formerly International Rectifier). It’s a logic-level MOSFET, meaning it can be fully turned on with a low gate voltage (around 5V), making it ideal for microcontroller-based systems like Arduino or Raspberry Pi. Below is a detailed overview based on its specifications and applications:

Key Specifications

• Type: N-Channel, Enhancement Mode MOSFET
• Drain-Source Voltage (Vds): 55V
• Continuous Drain Current (Id): 47A (at 25°C, with proper heatsinking)
• Pulsed Drain Current: Up to 160A
• On-State Resistance (Rds(on)): 22 mΩ (max) at Vgs = 10V, Id = 25A
• Gate Threshold Voltage (Vgs(th)): 1V to 2V (fully on at ~5V)
• Gate-Source Voltage (Vgs): ±16V (max)
• Total Gate Charge (Qg): 48 nC (max) at Vgs = 5V
• Power Dissipation (Pd): 110W (with adequate thermal management)
• Switching Times:
  • Rise Time: ~84 ns
  • Fall Time: ~45 ns
• Operating Temperature: -55°C to +175°C
• Package: TO-220AB (through-hole); variants available in D2PAK
• Input Capacitance (Ciss): 1700 pF (typical) at Vds = 25V
• Output Capacitance (Coss): 400 pF (typical)

Pinout (TO-220AB)

1. Gate (G): Controls the MOSFET’s switching by applying voltage.
2. Drain (D): Current flows out to the load.
3. Source (S): Current enters from the power source.

Features

• Logic-Level Gate Drive: Fully switches on at 5V, eliminating the need for a gate driver in low-voltage circuits.
• Low Rds(on): Minimizes power loss and heat generation, enhancing efficiency.
• Fast Switching Speed: Suitable for applications requiring rapid on/off cycles.
• High Current Capacity: Handles up to 47A continuous (with heatsink) and 160A pulsed.
• Rugged Design: 100% avalanche tested, with a wide Safe Operating Area (SOA) for reliability under stress.
• Planar Cell Structure: Ensures robustness and consistent performance.

Applications

• Power Electronics: Used in DC-DC converters (buck, boost, buck-boost) for efficient voltage regulation.
• Motor Control: Drives DC motors in robotics, automotive, and industrial systems.
• Battery Management Systems: Manages power in solar chargers, UPS, and battery-powered devices.
• Microcontroller Projects: Ideal for Arduino/Raspberry Pi-based circuits to switch high-current loads (e.g., LEDs, relays, heaters).
• Audio Amplifiers: Suitable for high-current switching in audio applications.
• Automotive Systems0: Used in automotive power systems due to its reliability and ruggedness.
• Switching Applications: Fast switching for PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control in lighting, dimmers, and flashers.

Usage Guidelines

• Safety Margins: Operate at 80% of max ratings (e.g., <44V for Vds, <37.6A for Id) to ensure longevity.
• Heatsink: Always use a heatsink for high-current applications to manage heat dissipation.
• Gate Protection: Add a 10kΩ pull-down resistor between gate and source to prevent accidental turn-on from electrostatic voltages. A small gate resistor (~10Ω) can dampen transient responses.
• Microcontroller Compatibility: The 5V gate threshold makes it directly compatible with 5V logic (e.g., Arduino), unlike the IRFZ44N, which requires a gate driver for full switching.
• Testing: Use a multimeter to check resistance across terminals to verify functionality. Ensure no shorts between gate-source or drain-source.

Differences from IRFZ44N

• Gate Threshold: IRLZ44N is logic-level (5V fully on), while IRFZ44N needs ~10V for full conduction, requiring a gate driver for microcontrollers.
• Rds(on): IRLZ44N has slightly higher resistance (22 mΩ vs. 17.5 mΩ for IRFZ44N), but this is negligible in most applications.
• Use Case: IRLZ44N is better for low-voltage, microcontroller-driven circuits; IRFZ44N suits higher-voltage or non-logic-level applications.

Equivalents/Replacements

• Similar MOSFETs: IRLZ44, IRLZ44S, IRFIZ44G, RFP45N06LE, IRF3205, STP55NF06L, BUK556-60H
• Cross-Reference: Check datasheets for matching Vds, Id, and Rds(on) before substituting.

Availability

• Widely available through distributors like DigiKey, Mouser, Amazon, eBay, and AliExpress.
• Ensure purchases from reputable sources to avoid counterfeit parts, as some Amazon reviews note issues with non-static-proof packaging or defective units.