Key Specs

SpecValueConditionSource
FET TypeN-ChannelDigi-Key
TechnologySiCFET (Silicon Carbide)Digi-Key
Drain-source Voltage (Max)400 VDigi-Key
Current Continuous Drain ID 25 C13.4A (Ta), 144A (Tc)Digi-Key
Drive Voltage Max RDS On Min RDS On15V, 18VDigi-Key
RDS On Max ID VGS14.4mOhm @ 37.1A, 18VDigi-Key
VGS Th Max ID5.6V @ 13.3mADigi-Key
Gate Charge Qg Max VGS85 nC @ 18 VDigi-Key
Gate-source Voltage (Max)+23V, -7VDigi-Key
Input Capacitance Ciss Max VDS3770 pF @ 200 VDigi-Key
FET Feature-Digi-Key
Power Dissipation (Max)3.8W (Ta), 429W (Tc)Digi-Key
Operating Temperature Range-55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)Digi-Key
Grade-Digi-Key
Qualification-Digi-Key
Mounting TypeSurface MountDigi-Key
Supplier Device PackagePG-HSOF-8-2Digi-Key
Package Case8-PowerSFNDigi-Key

When To Use

  1. 400 V bus → 48 V @ 10 A: The 400 V drain-source rating provides ample margin for high-voltage bus conversion with transient spikes. This SiCFET’s low R_DS(on) of 14.4 mΩ at 37 A and high continuous current rating (13.4 A at Ta, 144 A at Tc) prevent thermal runaway in demanding power stages, unlike standard silicon MOSFETs which could overheat or latch-up under such stress.

  2. High-frequency (up to 400 kHz) synchronous buck stage: The gate charge of 85 nC at 18 V and fast switching speed (4,000 A/μs typical) enable efficient switching at high frequency without excessive gate drive losses. Using a MOSFET with slower switching or higher gate charge would increase switching losses and risk shoot-through due to slower gate transitions.

  3. Automotive powertrain inverter stage operating to 175°C junction: The wide operating junction temperature range (-55°C to 175°C) supports harsh environments and elevated temperature operation. Standard MOSFETs rated only to 125°C risk premature failure or thermal runaway in these conditions.


When Not To Use

  1. Output current > 144 A continuous: The max continuous drain current at case temperature is 144 A; pushing beyond risks device degradation or failure. Use a high-current synchronous buck with external FETs to distribute current and improve thermal management.

  2. Low-voltage, low dropout linear regulation (<1 V differential): The R_DS(on) and gate threshold voltage are optimized for switching at 400 V range, not low dropout linear regulation. Use an LDO regulator to achieve low noise and low dropout voltage without excessive dissipation.

  3. Switching frequency > 500 kHz: While 400 kHz is supported, frequencies beyond 500 kHz risk excessive switching losses due to the 85 nC gate charge and gate drive voltage. Use a high-frequency buck controller designed explicitly for >500 kHz operation with optimized gate drivers and lower gate charge FETs.


Application Notes


Gotchas

  1. [Underestimating transient thermal impedance during pulsed operation]: Designers often rely on continuous power dissipation ratings (3.8 W at Ta, 429 W at Tc) but neglect the transient thermal impedance max of 0.01 W/K, causing underestimated junction temperature spikes during short pulses. This leads to premature device degradation or erratic switching behavior under pulse loads. Fix by measuring junction temperature during pulse conditions or derating pulse power using transient thermal impedance curves.

  2. [Gate drive voltage overshoot beyond +23 V max]: Some gate drivers or bootstrap circuits exceed the +23 V absolute maximum gate-source voltage during switching, causing gate oxide stress and eventual failure. Symptoms include increased gate leakage and device instability. Fix by adding gate voltage clamps or selecting gate drivers with built-in voltage limiting.

  3. [Layout-induced high dv/dt coupling causing false turn-on]: Long or looped gate drive traces combined with high dV/dt at the drain can induce Miller currents that falsely turn the device on, risking shoot-through in synchronous topologies. This may appear as voltage spikes or oscillations on the gate waveform. Fix by minimizing gate loop area, adding a small gate resistor (e.g., 5–10 Ω), and using Kelvin source sensing if possible.

  4. [Assuming threshold voltage at room temperature applies at 175°C]: The gate threshold voltage max is 5.6 V at 25°C, but V_TH drops significantly at elevated temperatures, potentially causing unintended conduction or leakage at idle. This can cause increased standby losses or reduced efficiency. Fix by characterizing gate threshold shift over temperature and ensuring gate drive signals maintain full enhancement margin at maximum operating junction temperature.