I don't understand data sheets. So much info and such inconsistent labeling of parameters. What parameters should I be looking at when selecting mosfets and diodes? I mean What's really important and what different labels will they be using for those same important parameters? Thank you and sorry if this is dumb.

 

Survivable voltage and maximum current.

 

You might check out some of these references on the subject.

 

"What's really important" depends on what you are using a FET for. High speed, huge current, high voltage, switchable by a logic-level signal, .....?

 

For understanding mosfets it doesn't get much better than this for a 'hobbyist'. Probably not 'engineer' level information, but very practical down to earth information.

 

Survivable voltage and maximum current.

All well and good, but the "headlines" of a mosfet data sheet don't really tell the truth.

 

All well and good, but the "headlines" of a mosfet data sheet don't really tell the truth.

I guess the manufacturers are playing, "First liar doesn't stand a chance".

 

They give these great looking numbers, but don't tell you ,except some times in very fine print, thta the device package is the absolute limit. Like ~ 75W for the common TO-220, and that wattage only with a properly sized heat sink.