NXP Semiconductors PMT21EN,135

Overview

PMT21EN from Nexperia is a 30 V, 7.4 A N-channel enhancement-mode Trench MOSFET in SOT223 (SC-73) package, designed for low-side switching with logic-level gate drive compatibility, 18 mΩ R_DS(on) at V_GS = 10 V, and fast 4 ns turn-on delay - used in relay drivers and high-speed line drivers.

For engineers reviewing the PMT21EN datasheet, PMT21EN pinout, PMT21EN application, or PMT21EN equivalent, key selection considerations include its 30 V V_DS, 7.4 A continuous drain current at 25 °C, 18–21 mΩ on-resistance, 12.5 nC total gate charge, and dual-drain SOT223 thermal performance with 62 K/W R_th(j-a) on 6 cm² copper pad.

Technical Context

This N-channel MOSFET uses Trench MOSFET technology to achieve low R_DS(on) and fast switching, with gate threshold voltage of 1.5 V (typ) enabling direct interfacing with 3.3 V and 5 V logic controllers. Its dual-drain configuration (pins 2 and 4) enhances thermal dissipation in surface-mount layouts.

Static characteristics are specified across temperature: R_DS(on) rises to 27–32 mΩ at T_j = 150 °C, while dynamic parameters include 588 pF input capacitance and 62 pF reverse transfer capacitance - supporting stable operation in high-frequency switching circuits up to several MHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT223 (SC-73) plastic surface-mounted package with increased heatsink area; 4 leads, dual-drain configuration for enhanced thermal performance on PCBs with 6 cm² copper pad.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with DMN3026LSD-13 and IPD220N03L3-1R2, the PMT21EN delivers optimal balance of logic-level drivability, SOT223 thermal efficiency, and compact size for medium-current switching - making it ideal for space- and thermally constrained industrial control nodes where gate drive simplicity and reliability are critical.

Availability

PMT21EN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay drivers, high-speed line drivers, low-side load switches, and switching circuits requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for PMT21EN 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

Nexperia is a global leader in discrete, logic, and PowerMOS semiconductors, formed in 2017 from the former NXP Standard Products business, with focus on automotive, industrial, computing, and consumer markets.

The PMT21EN belongs to Nexperia's TrenchMOS portfolio, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, logic-compatible switching in space-constrained industrial and embedded applications - emphasizing thermal robustness and ease of integration.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous drain current for PMT21EN at 100 °C ambient temperature?

The PMT21EN supports 4.7 A continuous drain current at T_amb = 100 °C under standard FR4 PCB conditions (single-sided copper, tin-plated). This derating reflects thermal limitations of the SOT223 package and ensures reliable operation without exceeding 150 °C junction temperature. The PMT21EN datasheet specifies this value in Table 5 under limiting values.

Does PMT21EN require a gate resistor for safe operation?

A gate resistor is recommended for PMT21EN to control switching speed and suppress ringing, especially in high-di/dt applications. While not strictly required for basic turn-on, a 6 Ω external resistor is used in the datasheet's timing measurements (e.g., t_d(on), t_r) and helps manage EMI and gate driver stress. The PMT21EN's 12.5 nC Q_G makes it compatible with standard microcontroller GPIOs when paired with appropriate series resistance.

Can PMT21EN be used in automotive applications?

The PMT21EN is not automotive-qualified per its datasheet and lacks AEC-Q101 certification. It is intended for industrial, computing, and consumer applications. For automotive use, Nexperia offers qualified alternatives like the PMV21EN (AEC-Q101 compliant, same SOT223 footprint). The PMT21EN should not be deployed in safety-critical or temperature-cycled automotive environments without full qualification testing.

What is the thermal resistance from junction to ambient for PMT21EN on a standard PCB?

On a standard FR4 PCB with single-sided copper and tin-plated footprint (no extended heatsink pad), the PMT21EN has R_th(j-a) = 132–152 K/W (Table 6). With a 6 cm² drain pad, this improves to 62–71 K/W - a 2.2× thermal improvement critical for sustaining 7.4 A continuous current. These values directly impact the PMT21EN's power dissipation limit and must be applied in thermal design calculations.

How does the dual-drain configuration of PMT21EN improve performance?

The dual-drain (pins 2 and 4) configuration in the PMT21EN reduces package inductance and spreads heat across two solder joints, lowering effective thermal resistance and improving current handling in high-pulse applications. This design allows more uniform current distribution and better thermal coupling to the PCB copper, directly enhancing reliability in repetitive switching and surge conditions. The PMT21EN's pinout diagram (Table 2) confirms both pins are internally connected to the drain.