Understanding FET Part Numbers: Decoding Features and Choosing the Right FET for Your Circuit

FETs (Field Effect Transistors) come in countless part numbers, and for beginners, they can look like random strings of letters and digits. However, each model name contains hints about the manufacturer, voltage rating, gate drive level, and other key characteristics. In this post, we’ll explore how to decode common FET part numbers and how to use that information to select the right FET for your circuit.     1. IRF vs IRL: Identifying Gate Drive Levels A good example is the difference between IRF and IRL series FETs from International Rectifier (now Infineon). IRF series: Standard MOSFETs that typically require 10V or more to fully turn on the gate. IRL series: Logic-level MOSFETs that can be driven directly by 5V or even 3.3V microcontrollers like Arduino or Raspberry Pi. Choosing an IRL model ensures better switching performance in low-voltage digital systems.     2. What You Can Tell from the Part Number (Without a Da...