The two main types of MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors) are:
1. **Enhancement-mode MOSFET (E-MOSFET):**
- **N-Channel Enhancement MOSFET:** In this type, the transistor is normally off when the gate-source voltage (V_GS) is zero. It requires a positive V_GS to turn on, which enhances the channel conductivity. This type is used widely in digital circuits and power electronics.
- **P-Channel Enhancement MOSFET:** This type is also normally off when V_GS is zero but requires a negative V_GS to turn on. It is used in circuits where a negative gate voltage is needed to control the device.
2. **Depletion-mode MOSFET (D-MOSFET):**
- **N-Channel Depletion MOSFET:** In this type, the transistor is normally on (conducting) when V_GS is zero. It requires a negative V_GS to deplete the channel and turn off the device. This type is less common than the enhancement-mode MOSFET but is used in specific analog applications.
- **P-Channel Depletion MOSFET:** Similar to the N-channel depletion MOSFET, but it requires a positive V_GS to deplete the channel and turn off the device. This type is also used in specialized analog circuits.
In summary:
- **Enhancement-mode MOSFETs** require a gate voltage to enhance the channel conductivity (normally off).
- **Depletion-mode MOSFETs** are normally on and require a gate voltage to deplete the channel and turn off (normally on).