IRFZ44N is an N-Channel MOSFET capable of switching high voltage and current levels. It is popularly known for reliability and durability as it has a maximum drain-to-source voltage of 55v and drain-source current of 49A (continuous).
IRFZ44N has a low threshold voltage of 4V with a low Rds value of 17.5 mΩ making it an ideal choice for many high-power and high-efficiency applications like UPS, DC Motor Drivers, Solar Inverters, Class D Amplifiers, and LED Drivers.
But this is not a logic-level MOSFET. Its Gate to Source threshold voltage(VGSth) is between 2V and 4V, which is a bit high for microcontroller applications.
The IRFZ44N MOSFET typically comes in TO-220, TO-220F, DPAK, and TO-247 Packages.
Table of Contents
IRFZ44N Pinout
Just like any other Mosfet, the IRFZ44N pinout has three pins: Gate, Drain, and Source respectively from left to right.
| PIN NO. | Pin name | Description |
| 1 | GATE | Controls the MOSFET, used to turn it on and off. |
| 2 | DRAIN | Current flows through the Drain |
| 3 | SOURCE | Current flows out of the Source |
Specs and features
The table given below highlights the specifications of this MOSFET.
| Feature | Value |
| Type | N Channel |
| Package | TO-220, TO-220F, DPAK, TO-247 |
| Drain-Source voltage | 55 V |
| Gate-Source voltage | ± 20 V |
| Gate Threshold voltage | 4 V |
| Max. Drain Current- Continuous | 49A |
| Max. Drain Current- Pulsed | 160A |
| Max. Junction temperature | 175 °C |
| Max. RDS(ON) (VGS = 10 V, ID = 200 mA) | 17.5 Ohm |
| Max. power dissipation | 94W |
Download the datasheet of IRFZ44N from here.
IRFZ44N Equivalent
The best alternatives to IRFZ44N are IRFZ40, IRFZ46N, IRFZ48N, IRLZ44N, IRL3705N, IRLB8721, STP60NF06, and STP55NF06, .
Difference between IRLZ44N and IRFZ44N Mosfet?
IRFZ44N: A standard N-Channel MOSFET requiring a higher gate drive voltage (2-4V), suitable for high-power applications needing higher drive voltages.
IRLZ44N: A logic-level N-Channel MOSFET with a low gate threshold voltage (1-2V), ideal for interfacing with low-voltage digital circuits and microcontrollers.
| Feature | IRLZ44N | IRFZ44N |
| Type | N-Channel | N-Channel |
| Logic Level | Yes | No |
| Package | TO-220, TO-220AB, etc. | TO-220, TO-220F, DPAK, TO-247 |
| Drain-Source Voltage (Vds) | 55 V | 55 V |
| Gate-Source Voltage (Vgs(max)) | ±16 V | ±20 V |
| Gate Threshold Voltage (Vgs(th)) | 1-2 V | 2-4 V |
| Max. Continuous Drain Current (Id) | 47A | 49A |
| Max. Pulsed Drain Current | 160A | 160A |
| Max. Junction Temperature | 175 °C | 175 °C |
| RDS(on) (VGS = 10 V) | 22 mΩ | 17.5 mΩ |
| RDS(on) (VGS = 5 V) | 35 mΩ | —- |
| Max. Power Dissipation | 110W | 94W |
Dimensions
Below is the information of the IRFZ44N 2D Model and dimensions from the datasheet.
Using IRFZ44N with Arduino- is it possible?
To use this Mosfet with Arduino, it should turn on significantly at 5V. Look at the graph between ID and VDS at different values of VGS.
As you can see at VGS= 4.5V, the Mosfet can conduct current more than 10A easily with the increase in VDS. Also, to turn it on fully, it needs VGS at least 10V.
But since the VGSth of the Mosfet is a bit high i.e., between 2V to 4V, it’s not possible to use it with Arduino in a region other than saturation. So we can use it as a switch only but not as a linear amplifier or a DC motor speed controller. At 5V, it will be turned ON significantly for the drain to source current to flow.
Make sure to use a heatsink when drawing a current of more than 1A as it will heat quickly due to high drain-to-source resistance at VGS= 5V.
Given below is the circuit diagram of IRFZ44N with Arduino- as a switch.
FAQs
What is the threshold voltage of the IRFZ44N MOSFET?
The IRFZ44N is an N-Channel MOSFET with a threshold voltage of 4V, at which it begins to conduct from the source to the drain.
What are the applications of the IRFZ44N?
The IRFZ44N is used in applications requiring high power, such as switching high-power devices, controlling motor speeds, battery management systems, and solar battery chargers.
Is the IRFZ44N a logic-level MOSFET?
No, the IRFZ44N is not a logic-level MOSFET as it has a higher Gate to Source threshold voltage.
Is it possible to control a DC motor speed using IRFZ44N with Arduino?
No, because IRFZ44N is not a logic-level Mosfet, controlling a motor speed using Arduino would not be possible.
