I don't mind, use either. Would like to see the results of the tests. I'm going to be laying out the PCB for my version soon.Want your real name on the PCB?
I've finished it. Now for a breather, and I'll start the first tests.
I don't mind, use either. Would like to see the results of the tests. I'm going to be laying out the PCB for my version soon.Want your real name on the PCB?
I've finished it. Now for a breather, and I'll start the first tests.
Here's the datasheet:Can you point us to the datasheet? Truth to tell, I'm not as familiar with MOSFETs as I would like, so I'd like Wookie's input
If it is local (and I need a new MOSFET) I might use it. You can get them in very small packages, sort of a modified SMT layout. My parts stock is coming along nicely, but it seems every new project needs something.
If mine works it will be listed as not critical, other than logic level.
It's 4:15AM here, I want to get a 1.2KΩ ½W resistor, so I'm going back to bed. One of things I miss as I get older is the ability to sleep the full night.
Yeah, I suspected that. Unfortunately it's one of the few P channel logic-level FET's in a TO-220 package.Tom,
The Vdss rating on that MOSFET is a bit high (100v) which makes the Qg (total gate charge) rather high (48nC) for the Rds(on) (0.15). You really want a lower Rds(on) and lower Qg; about the only way you can accomplish that is to go for a much lower Vdss rating.
The higher the voltage rating, the thicker the channel has to be, which increases Rds(on). In order to bring Rds(on) down, they have to increase the surface area of the drain and source, which increases the gate charge.
What's the matter with the SOIC-8 or TO-252 packages?Yeah, I suspected that. Unfortunately it's one of the few P channel logic-level FET's in a TO-220 package.
It takes time to charge/discharge the gate of a MOSFET. They act more or less like capacitors. The higher the gate charge requirement, the more current you need to charge/discharge them in a reasonable amount of time.I'm thinking, will the increased gate charge decrease efficiency even though the Rds(on) is lower? Will it present a significant problem for 1W LEDs?
I'm not following you here. I don't think I've posted any boost or buck-boost type circuits in this thread so far; only buck-type circuits.For higher power LEDs and the corresponding fets, a little boost circuit to generate 10-15V could be run off the main oscillator, if there is one.
That has less than 1/2 the gate charge of the previous MOSFET you found.Okay, here's another one with less than half the gate charge: http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=869-1054-ND. Would this one work?
Not necessarily. Once you start designing boards with SMT devices, you'll like the fact that you don't need so many holes through the board. The smaller IC's do take a bit of getting used to, but once you get "over the learning curve", you'll appreciate the additional flexibility.I'd be happy to move to SMT... but it is considerably more difficult to solder compared to through hole.
Go for it.I'm designing an SMT version soon, so I might use a surface mount fet.
Well, inductorless charge pump circuits are usually only good for up to around 150mA. That might be OK for a few low-power LEDs, but not really practical for higher power LEDs.The boost circuit I'm talking about is a simple implementation of a charge pump. My first circuit had an oscillator, but the new circuit doesn't, so it wouldn't work. But, on circuits with an oscillator, it can be used to boost Vcc by 2x-3x, and a zener can be used to limit the voltage.
Checking out the link will help you understand it a great deal better.I understand how when a MOSFET transitions between on and off it dissipates heat; what I don't understand is to what point will this present a problem? That is, will the fet I selected handle it? I'm asking you, because I don't know much about this. I'm more experienced with the simpler BJTs. I'll check out that link.
I'm also designing Super OSD with surface mount components so experience is useful!Not necessarily. Once you start designing boards with SMT devices, you'll like the fact that you don't need so many holes through the board. The smaller IC's do take a bit of getting used to, but once you get "over the learning curve", you'll appreciate the additional flexibility.
Go for it.Keep in mind that heat dissipation will be via the traces; so using nice fat traces will keep things cool.
No, I think you're misunderstanding me. The charge pump is for the fet's gate, not the LEDs.Well, inductorless charge pump circuits are usually only good for up to around 150mA. That might be OK for a few low-power LEDs, but not really practical for higher power LEDs.
Well, not really. http://www.microchip.com/ParamChartSearch/chart.aspx?branchID=9010&mid=11&lang=en&pageId=79Checking out the link will help you understand it a great deal better.
Keep in mind the simple emitter-follower driver circuits we're using are only good for around 100mA or so current. I was trying to avoid gate driver ICs, which do a great job, but are rather expensive compared to a couple of common transistors.
Thanks, I'll have a look. But the Qg is virtually the same as the one I originally suggested?Meantime, check out this MOSFET:
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=FDD6685CT-ND
It's in a D-Pak package; basically a surface mount version of a TO-252. Very compact, and really not that bad to solder; just tin the board beforehand.
Ahh, ok. You didn't explain that part.No, I think you're misunderstanding me. The charge pump is for the fet's gate, not the LEDs.
Don't forget that you'll need caps across the gate driver IC - and transistors & resistors can be purchased practically dirt cheap.Well, not really. http://www.microchip.com/ParamChartSearch/chart.aspx?branchID=9010&mid=11&lang=en&pageId=79
Microchip has some for 40 cents each, not that much more expensive given you eliminate two resistors, a zener and two transistors, and this will probably work better (efficiency wise.)
Look at the Rds(on) vs Qg.Thanks, I'll have a look. But the Qg is virtually the same as the one I originally suggested?
Yeah - it is going to be more expensive. But, it will probably work better.Don't forget that you'll need caps across the gate driver IC - and transistors & resistors can be purchased practically dirt cheap.
Ah, I didn't notice that. Thanks.Look at the Rds(on) vs Qg.
Also, since the leads are shorter, less opportunity for the gate to "ring".