STMicroelectronics STP4NK80Z

Overview

STP4NK80Z from STMicroelectronics is an N-channel 800 V, 3.5 Ω (max), 3 A Zener-protected SuperMESH™ power MOSFET in TO-220 package, designed for high-voltage switching in offline SMPS, lighting ballasts, and AC-DC adapters. It features 100% avalanche tested ruggedness, 4.5 V/ns dv/dt capability, and integrated gate-source Zener clamping.

For engineers reviewing the STP4NK80Z datasheet, STP4NK80Z pinout, STP4NK80Z application, or STP4NK80Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its 800 V V_DSS, 3 A continuous drain current at T_C = 25°C, 1.56 °C/W R_thj-case, 22.5 nC total gate charge, and built-in ESD protection rated to 3000 V HBM.

Technical Context

The STP4NK80Z employs ST's SuperMESH™ strip-based layout to minimize R_DS(on) while preserving high dv/dt immunity (4.5 V/ns) under unclamped inductive switching. Its gate-source Zener diodes (BVGSO = 30 V) provide intrinsic overvoltage protection without external components.

It delivers 190 mJ single-pulse avalanche energy (E_AS) at T_j = 25°C with I_AR = 3 A, and exhibits low dynamic capacitances: C_iss = 575 pF, C_oss = 67 pF, and C_rss = 13 pF at V_DS = 25 V, enabling efficient high-frequency hard-switching operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STP4NK80Z uses a standard TO-220 package with three leads: Gate (pin 1), Drain (pin 2, tab-connected), Source (pin 3). The metal tab is electrically connected to the Drain terminal and must be isolated from heatsink unless circuit topology permits common-drain configuration.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STP3NK80Z and FQP4N80, STP4NK80Z offers superior avalanche ruggedness (190 mJ vs. 120–150 mJ), lower on-resistance (3.5 Ω vs. 4.0–4.5 Ω), and guaranteed Zener protection-making it preferred for reliability-critical offline power stages.

Availability

STP4NK80Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for offline AC-DC adapters, electronic lighting ballasts, and industrial motor drives requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for STP4NK80Z 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, specializing in power management, microcontrollers, and analog/mixed-signal ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The SuperMESH™ MOSFET product line targets high-efficiency, high-reliability offline power conversion-designed specifically for 65–130 kHz SMPS topologies where ruggedness, low R_DS(on), and fast switching coexist.

FAQ

Is STP4NK80Z pin-compatible with STP4NK80ZFP?

No. STP4NK80Z uses TO-220 (3-pin, vertical lead form), while STP4NK80ZFP uses TO-220FP (3-pin, insulated flange, shorter leads). Pin numbering is identical (G-D-S), but mechanical mounting, thermal interface, and creepage distances differ. PCB footprint and heatsink isolation must be redesigned for TO-220FP.

What is the maximum safe operating temperature for continuous operation?

The STP4NK80Z has a maximum junction temperature (T_J) of 150°C. For continuous operation at 3 A, case temperature must be held ≤100°C using a heatsink with R_thj-case ≤ 1.56 °C/W and ambient derating. At T_C = 100°C, I_D is derated to 1.89 A per datasheet Table 1.

Does STP4NK80Z require an external gate resistor?

Yes. A gate resistor (typically 4.7–22 Ω) is required to dampen ringing, limit peak gate current, and control switching speed. The datasheet specifies t_d(on)/t_r/t_d(off)/t_f values measured with R_G = 4.7 Ω; omitting it risks oscillation, shoot-through, or gate oxide damage due to high dv/dt coupling.

Can STP4NK80Z replace STD4NK80Z in a DPAK layout?

No. STD4NK80Z uses DPAK (TO-252) surface-mount package with different pad layout, thermal path, and solder profile. STP4NK80Z is through-hole TO-220. Direct replacement would require full PCB redesign, new stencil, and requalification of thermal performance and mechanical stress.