🔍
How is MOSFET turn off?

2 Answers

 
Best answer
Turning off a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) involves removing the gate-to-source voltage (Vgs) that is required to keep it in the "on" state. Here’s how it works:

1. **Remove Gate Voltage**: To turn off an n-channel MOSFET, you typically need to reduce Vgs to below the threshold voltage (Vth). This is usually done by applying 0V to the gate or connecting it to ground.

2. **Discharge Gate Capacitance**: The gate of a MOSFET has capacitance, which can hold charge. When you turn off the MOSFET, you may need to ensure that this charge is discharged quickly to turn off the device effectively. This can be achieved through proper gate driver circuits.

3. **Body Diode Considerations**: In applications where the load may have inductive characteristics, turning off the MOSFET can cause voltage spikes due to the energy stored in the inductor. It’s important to manage these spikes, often using snubber circuits or flyback diodes.

4. **Turn-off Time**: The time it takes for the MOSFET to turn off completely is characterized by the turn-off delay and fall time, which are influenced by the gate drive strength and the load characteristics.

5. **Pull-down Resistors**: In some designs, pull-down resistors are used to ensure the gate voltage is pulled to ground when the control signal is not active, helping to turn off the MOSFET reliably.

In summary, turning off a MOSFET involves removing the gate voltage and ensuring that any stored charge is cleared efficiently.
0 like 0 dislike
Turning off a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) involves removing the gate voltage that keeps the channel conductive. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of the process:

1. **Gate Voltage Removal**: The primary way to turn off a MOSFET is to reduce the gate-source voltage (Vgs) to below the threshold voltage (Vth). For an n-channel MOSFET, this typically means bringing Vgs down to 0V.

2. **Depletion Region Formation**: When Vgs falls below Vth, the conductive channel formed by the majority carriers (electrons for n-channel and holes for p-channel) starts to deplete. The depletion region widens, effectively blocking current flow.

3. **Current Cut-off**: As the channel depletes, the MOSFET transitions from the "on" state (where it conducts current) to the "off" state (where it does not conduct). Ideally, in the off state, the MOSFET presents a very high resistance, allowing minimal leakage current.

4. **Discharge Capacitance**: The gate of the MOSFET also has capacitance (Cgs and Cgd). To ensure the MOSFET turns off quickly, any charge stored in these capacitances needs to be discharged. This can be done by connecting the gate to ground or using a pull-down resistor.

5. **Body Diode Consideration**: In some configurations, especially in inductive loads, the body diode may conduct if the source voltage rises above the drain voltage during turn-off. Properly managing this with flyback diodes can help protect the MOSFET.

In summary, turning off a MOSFET primarily involves reducing the gate voltage to below the threshold, which depletes the channel and stops current flow.
0 like 0 dislike

Related questions

How does gate-controlled turn-off work in some SCR variants?
Answer : Gate-controlled turn-off in Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCRs) is an important feature found in certain SCR variants, such as Gate Turn-Off Thyristors (GTOs). This ... electrical engineering applications. Understanding this mechanism is essential for designing effective power control systems....

Show More

How does an SCR turn off in DC circuits?
Answer : An SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) turns off in a DC circuit through a process called **commutation**. Here's how it works: 1. **Natural Commutation**: In a DC circuit, ... when the current falls below a certain level or through forced commutation techniques when additional control is needed....

Show More

Explain GTO (Gate turn off thyristor)
Answer : A Gate Turn-Off Thyristor (GTO) is a type of semiconductor device used primarily in power electronics. It combines the characteristics of a thyristor with the ability to be turned off ... switching of high currents and voltages is necessary, enabling more efficient and flexible power management....

Show More

What is meant by SCR turn-off time?
Answer : The **SCR turn-off time** refers to the time interval required for a **Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR)** to fully switch off after the current through it drops below the holding ... prematurely switch on, leading to improper operation in circuits such as AC rectifiers or power control systems....

Show More

What is a GTO (Gate Turn-Off) thyristor?
Answer : A Gate Turn-Off (GTO) thyristor is a type of semiconductor device used for switching and controlling high-power applications. It combines the characteristics of a conventional thyristor (SCR) ... versatile component in the field of power electronics, enabling efficient control of high-power systems....

Show More
Welcome to Electrical Engineering, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community.