Send an Inquiry

To receive a quote for your project, please fill in the following information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Submit Inventory List

Please fill in the following information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Transistors > FETs, MOSFETs > FETs, MOSFETs

STMicroelectronics IRF520

Name: IRF520
Brand: STMicroelectronics
SKU: IRF520
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

Compare

Part No.:: IRF520

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Category:: FETs, MOSFETs

Package:: TO-220-3

Datasheet:: IRF520.pdf

Description:: MOSFET N-CH 100V 10A TO220AB

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

Payment:

Shipping:

Inventory:7,221

Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.

Product details

Overview

IRF520 from STMicroelectronics is an N-channel enhancement-mode power MOSFET in TO-220 package, rated for 100 V V_DS, 10 A continuous drain current at 25°C, and 0.115 Ω typical R_DS(on) at V_GS = 10 V. It features low gate charge (16 nC), avalanche ruggedness, and 175°C maximum junction temperature - used as primary switch in isolated DC-DC converters and motor control stages.

For engineers reviewing the IRF520 datasheet, IRF520 pinout, IRF520 application, or IRF520 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 100 V breakdown voltage, 0.115 Ω on-resistance, 16 nC total gate charge, avalanche energy rating (100 mJ), and TO-220 thermal performance under high-current switching.

Technical Context

This device employs ST's proprietary STripFET™ II process to minimize input capacitance (C_iss = 460 pF) and gate charge, enabling high-frequency operation in hard-switched topologies. Its intrinsic body diode supports unclamped inductive load handling with 95 ns reverse recovery time and 5 A peak reverse recovery current.

The MOSFET operates with a gate threshold voltage of 2–4 V and delivers 20 S forward transconductance at V_DS = 15 V and I_D = 7 A. Safe operating area (SOA) is defined up to 40 A pulsed drain current with di/dt ≤ 300 A/µs and T_j ≤ 175°C.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_DS	100 V - supports 48 V telecom and 24 V industrial bus systems with margin against transients
R_DS(on)	0.115 Ω typ. at V_GS = 10 V - enables <1.15 W conduction loss at 10 A DC
Q_g	16 nC - reduces gate drive power and allows use with low-current controllers (e.g., microcontroller GPIO)
E_AS	100 mJ - withstands unclamped inductive switching events without failure
T_j max	175°C - permits operation in sealed enclosures or high-ambient automotive under-hood environments
C_iss	460 pF - limits Miller effect, supporting >100 kHz switching in flyback and forward converters

Pinout & Package

IRF520 is housed in a standard through-hole TO-220 package with vertical heat-sinking capability and 2.5°C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance. The case is electrically connected to the drain terminal.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1 (Source)	Power return path for load current	Low-impedance connection to ground or low-side reference; ties to PCB ground plane for EMI control
2 (Gate)	Control input for channel conduction	High-impedance node requiring <16 nC charge; sensitive to ringing - needs local RC snubber or gate resistor
3 (Drain)	Main power output / high-side switching node	Connected to heatsink; carries full load current and must be routed with wide copper for thermal and current handling

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Avalanche ruggedness	100% tested to 100 mJ single-pulse energy - eliminates need for external clamping in relay/solenoid drivers
Low gate charge	16 nC total gate charge - enables direct drive from 3.3 V/5 V logic without buffer stage
High current capability	10 A continuous at 25°C, derated to 7 A at 100°C - supports fan/motor loads in compact thermal envelopes
STripFET™ II process	Reduces C_iss by ~30% vs. legacy planar MOSFETs - improves efficiency in 200–500 kHz DC-DC designs

Applications

DC-DC Converter Primary Switch

Solenoid & Relay Driver

Use Scenario: Isolated 48 V to 12 V flyback converter in telecom power supply.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side primary switch operating at 250 kHz with 50% duty cycle.

Use Value: 0.115 Ω R_DS(on) and 16 nC Q_g reduce conduction and switching losses, achieving >92% efficiency at full load.

Use Scenario: 24 V solenoid actuation in industrial valve control cabinet.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch turning 8 A inductive load on/off with 10 ms pulse width.

Use Value: 100 mJ E_AS rating absorbs turn-off energy without snubber, simplifying PCB layout and BOM.

Automotive Lamp Driver

Audio Amplifier Output Stage

Use Scenario: Headlamp dimming circuit in 12 V vehicle electrical system.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PWM-controlled high-side switch driving 5 A halogen lamp load.

Use Value: 175°C T_j max and avalanche testing ensure reliability during load dump transients (ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a).

Use Scenario: Class AB output stage in 50 W mono audio amplifier.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Complementary N-channel switch delivering peak 10 A current into 4 Ω speaker load.

Use Value: Low R_DS(on) minimizes thermal drift and crossover distortion; TO-220 mounting enables direct heatsink coupling.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar N-channel power MOSFET applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
STP10NK60Z	600 V V_DS, 0.72 Ω R_DS(on), 10 A - higher voltage, lower current, higher on-resistance	Better suited for offline SMPS; not drop-in for 100 V/10 A DC systems	Select when designing universal-input AC-DC supplies needing >400 V blocking
IRFZ44N	55 V V_DS, 0.028 Ω R_DS(on), 49 A - lower voltage, much lower on-resistance, higher current	Optimized for 12–24 V battery-powered motor drives; insufficient for 48 V bus	Prefer for high-efficiency BLDC gate drivers where V_DS < 40 V and R_DS(on) < 0.03 Ω is critical

Compared with STP10NK60Z and IRFZ44N, IRF520 uniquely balances 100 V rating, 0.115 Ω on-resistance, and 10 A current in TO-220 - making it optimal for mid-voltage industrial DC-DC, lamp drivers, and solenoid interfaces where voltage margin and thermal robustness are prioritized over ultra-low R_DS(on).

Availability

IRF520 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC-DC converters, solenoid drivers, and automotive lamp control requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for IRF520 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, designing and manufacturing analog, power, MCU, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STripFET™ power MOSFET product line targets high-efficiency, high-reliability switching applications - especially where ruggedness, predictable SOA, and thermal stability are required in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum safe gate-source voltage for IRF520?

The absolute maximum V_GS is ±20 V per datasheet. Operation above ±15 V increases risk of oxide damage, while below ±2 V may result in incomplete turn-on. For reliable 10 A switching, apply +10 V to ensure full enhancement and minimize R_DS(on) variation across temperature.

Can IRF520 be used in linear (analog) mode for audio amplification?

Yes - its SOA curve supports linear operation up to 10 A and 50 V with proper heatsinking. However, thermal runaway risk exists above 100°C junction temperature; bias stabilization via source degeneration resistors and precise thermal monitoring is required for sustained analog use.

Does IRF520 have a built-in body diode, and what are its recovery characteristics?

Yes - it integrates an intrinsic fast-recovery body diode with t_rr = 95 ns, Q_rr = 230 nC, and I_RRM = 5 A at T_j = 150°C. These values enable use in synchronous rectification and freewheeling paths, but external Schottky diodes are recommended for <50 ns recovery requirements.

Is IRF520 RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes - per STMicroelectronics' PCN DSG/CT/0C23 (August 2002), IRF520 is manufactured in RoHS-compliant, lead-free TO-220 packages. The device meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU and has no exemptions applied; Pb-free soldering profiles up to 260°C are supported.

IRF520 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Series:: STripFET™ II

Package/Case:: TO-220-3

Packaging:: Tube

Product Status:: Obsolete

FET Type:: N-Channel

Technology:: MOSFET (Metal Oxide)

Drain to Source Voltage (Vdss):: 100 V

Current - Continuous Drain (Id) @ 25°C:: 10A (Tc)

Drive Voltage (Max Rds On, Min Rds On):: 10V

Rds On (Max) @ Id, Vgs:: 270mOhm @ 7A, 10V

Vgs(th) (Max) @ Id:: 4V @ 250µA

Gate Charge (Qg) (Max) @ Vgs:: 22 nC @ 10 V

Vgs (Max):: ±20V

Input Capacitance (Ciss) (Max) @ Vds:: 460 pF @ 25 V

FET Feature:: -

Power Dissipation (Max):: 60W (Tc)

Operating Temperature:: -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-220

IRF520 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for IRF520 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for IRF520 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.

2.Are the price and stock information for IRF520 reliable?

The price and inventory of IRF520 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for IRF520 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for IRF520?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for IRF520 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for IRF520?

IRF520 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your IRF520 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.

Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.

5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for IRF520?

For technical support, including IRF520 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your IRF520 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that IRF520 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All IRF520 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that IRF520 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of IRF520?

All IRF520 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with IRF520, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:

1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.

2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.

3.The IRF520 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for IRF520:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

Tech Hub

2026-09-10 Schmitt Trigger Explained: Hysteresis, Circuits, Inverters and Applications

Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…

2026-09-09 Counterfeit Electronic Components: How to Detect, Authenticate, and Test Suspect Parts

Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …

2026-09-08 Obsolete Electronic Components: How to Source and Evaluate Replacements

A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.

2026-09-07 TTL vs CMOS Logic Levels: 74HC and 74HCT Compatibility Explained

TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.

2026-09-04 Logic Level Shifter: How to Connect 3.3V and 5V Logic Safely

A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.

2026-09-03 74HC595 vs TPIC6B595: Output Drive, Pinout, Current, and Load Selection

The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…

2026-09-02 74HC595 Pinout, Timing, Output Current, and Applications

The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…

2026-09-01 Latch vs Flip-Flop: Timing, Differences and Design Choices

A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…

2026-08-30 D Latch Circuit: Truth Table, Timing, ICs and Applications

A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

2026-08-28 SR Latch Explained: NOR and NAND Circuits, Truth Tables, and Applications

An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…