Interpreting MOSFET ID/Vds curve for a MOSFET Switch

[saad87]

Hello,

I'm considering using a logic-level MOSFET as a switch in a design. The drain of the MOSFET will be connected to an IC. The IC works at 3.3V and the maximum voltage at which it's guaranteed to read a low is just 0.8V.

Now, I think every MOSFET will able to satisfy this but I'm just trying to understand how can I tell? From looking at the datasheet of http://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/FD%2FFDG6317NZ.pdf" [Broken], the drain current vs. V(DS) graph seems relevant.

Let's assume I need a current of 500mA through the MOSFET. If I look at the above graph, it suggests that when Id = 500mA, the drain to source voltage should be around about 0.25V, for a gate voltage of 3V. Is my analysis correct?

 

[es1]

Is my analysis correct?

Yes, but keep in mind those curves are for a "typical" NFET at "typical" temperatures (see the heading for the graphs).

For a one off prototype this will very likely be fine. But if you were going to build many of these then you would following the process below.

The nominal curve let's you know you'll be in the saturated region. This means you can determine Vds by Id*Rds(on). So for a worst case you can use the Rds(on) @ Vgs=2.5V,Id=0.6 line item spec so for Id=500mA I would use Vds(max)=0.55Ω*0.5A=0.275V.

You can then use Figure 3 to margin for temperature, if applicable. So if a Tj of 100C was possible then you would multiply this result by 1.275 for a new Vds(max) of 0.35V over process and temperature.