STMicroelectronics STF16N50U

Overview

STF16N50U from STMicroelectronics is a 500 V, 16 A N-channel Power MOSFET in TO-220FP package, featuring 0.3 Ω R_DS(on) at V_GS = 10 V, 45 nC total gate charge, and 100% avalanche-rated ruggedness for industrial switching applications such as AC-DC power supplies and motor control inverters.

For engineers reviewing the STF16N50U datasheet, STF16N50U pinout, STF16N50U application, or STF16N50U equivalent, key selection criteria include breakdown voltage margin, conduction loss at rated current, gate drive compatibility with standard PWM controllers, and thermal performance in constrained heatsink environments.

Technical Context

This MOSFET employs ST's proprietary SuperMESH™ technology to achieve low on-resistance while maintaining high dv/dt immunity and robust short-circuit withstand capability. Its 500 V V_DSS rating supports universal input (85–265 V_AC) offline converters without derating.

The device features an integrated fast-recovery body diode with 50 ns reverse recovery time and 1.7 A peak diode current, enabling quasi-resonant and ZVS topologies without external diode supplementation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STF16N50U uses the TO-220FP package: vertically mounted, insulated tab, single-row 3-pin configuration with 2.54 mm pitch. The plastic housing provides creepage/clearance compliance for reinforced insulation in Class II systems.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-voltage power switching applications.

Compared with STP16N50 and FQP16N50, STF16N50U uniquely combines insulated packaging, guaranteed avalanche ruggedness, and industry-leading R_DS(on)/Q_g balance-making it the preferred choice for industrial-grade, safety-certified power conversion where reliability and layout simplicity are mandatory.

Availability

STF16N50U is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial AC-DC power supplies, motor control inverters, and LED streetlight drivers requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturing continuity.

Supply support for STF16N50U 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, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power devices, sensors, and analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STF16N50U belongs to ST's Power MOSFET portfolio, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, high-reliability offline switching applications demanding ruggedness, low conduction loss, and simplified thermal management.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous drain current for STF16N50U at 100°C case temperature?

The STF16N50U supports 12 A continuous drain current at T_C = 100°C, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table of its official datasheet (Doc ID 12196, Rev 5). This derating accounts for thermal resistance (R_thJC = 1.25 °C/W) and ensures safe operation within the 150°C junction limit under sustained load conditions.

Does STF16N50U require a gate resistor for EMI suppression in 100 kHz SMPS designs?

Yes - a 10–22 Ω gate resistor is recommended to dampen ringing caused by parasitic inductance between driver and gate, especially when using high-speed gate drivers. ST's AN4408 application note confirms this value suppresses dv/dt overshoot below 15 V/ns while maintaining <300 ns turn-on delay in typical 300 W flyback layouts.

Can STF16N50U replace STP16N50 in an existing PCB layout?

No - although electrically identical, STF16N50U uses TO-220FP (insulated tab), whereas STP16N50 uses TO-220 (conductive tab). Direct replacement requires removing the thermal pad insulator and verifying creepage distance meets IEC 62368-1 requirements, as the tab voltage differs between packages.

Is STF16N50U qualified for use in automotive powertrain applications?

No - STF16N50U is not AEC-Q101 qualified and lacks automotive-specific screening (e.g., HTOL, UHAST, ESD >2 kV HBM). It is rated for industrial temperature range (-55°C to +150°C) but not designed for automotive powertrain environments where failure modes demand higher fault coverage and lifetime validation.