IRF720L N-Channel MOSFET 400V 3.3A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The IRF720L is an N-Channel MOSFET manufactured by Vishay Siliconix, rated for 400V drain-to-source voltage with a continuous drain current of 3.3A at 25°C. The device is packaged in a Through Hole I2PAK (TO-262-3) configuration and is designed for general-purpose switching applications requiring moderate voltage and current ratings.

The IRF720L is classified as an obsolete product. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure component availability, and support ongoing production or repair requirements. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility across critical parameters including voltage rating, current capacity, and thermal characteristics.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Drain to Source Voltage (Vdss)	400	V
Continuous Drain Current (Id) @ 25°C	3.3	A (Tc)
Drive Voltage (Max Rds On)	10	V
Rds On (Max) @ Id, Vgs	1.8	Ohm @ 2A, 10V
Gate Threshold Voltage (Vgs(th)) @ Id	4	V @ 250µA
Gate Charge (Qg) @ Vgs	20	nC @ 10V
Maximum Gate Voltage (Vgs)	±20	V
Input Capacitance (Ciss) @ Vds	410	pF @ 25V
Power Dissipation (Max)	3.1 (Ta), 50 (Tc)	W
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 150	°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package Type	TO-262-3 (I2PAK)
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the IRF720L are identified based on strict electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria. The substitution logic is based on the following key parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Requirements:

Drain to Source Voltage (Vdss) must equal or exceed 400V
Continuous Drain Current (Id) must equal or exceed 3.3A at 25°C
Gate Threshold Voltage (Vgs(th)) must be compatible with existing drive circuits
Maximum Gate Voltage (Vgs) must accommodate ±20V or greater
Operating Temperature Range must span -55°C to 150°C

Mechanical Compatibility Requirements:

Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package compatibility with TO-262-3 footprint or equivalent pin configuration

Compliance and Status:

Active product status preferred for long-term availability
RoHS compliance status noted for regulatory requirements

The IRF720L has two identified substitutes: IRF720LPBF (direct equivalent from same manufacturer) and STP7NK40Z (cross-manufacturer alternative with enhanced specifications).

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	IRF720L	IRF720LPBF	STP7NK40Z
Manufacturer	Vishay Siliconix	Vishay Siliconix	STMicroelectronics
Drain to Source Voltage (Vdss)	400V	400V	400V
Continuous Drain Current (Id) @ 25°C	3.3A (Tc)	3.3A (Tc)	5.4A (Tc)
Drive Voltage (Max Rds On)	10V	10V	10V
Rds On (Max) @ Id, Vgs	1.8Ω @ 2A, 10V	1.8Ω @ 2A, 10V	1Ω @ 2.7A, 10V
Gate Threshold Voltage (Vgs(th)) @ Id	4V @ 250µA	4V @ 250µA	4.5V @ 50µA
Gate Charge (Qg) @ Vgs	20nC @ 10V	20nC @ 10V	26nC @ 10V
Maximum Gate Voltage (Vgs)	±20V	±20V	±30V
Input Capacitance (Ciss) @ Vds	410pF @ 25V	410pF @ 25V	535pF @ 25V
Power Dissipation (Max)	3.1W (Ta), 50W (Tc)	3.1W (Ta), 50W (Tc)	70W (Tc)
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C to 150°C (TJ)	-55°C to 150°C (TJ)	-55°C to 150°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package Type	TO-262-3 (I2PAK)	TO-262-3	TO-220-3
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active
RoHS Status	Non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

IRF720LPBF (Vishay Siliconix):

The IRF720LPBF is a direct electrical and functional equivalent to the IRF720L. Both devices share identical electrical specifications including Vdss, Id, Rds On, and thermal characteristics. The primary distinction is product status: IRF720LPBF is classified as Active, ensuring continued availability and manufacturing support. IRF720LPBF is ROHS3 compliant, meeting current regulatory requirements. The package type is TO-262-3, which maintains compatibility with existing PCB layouts designed for the IRF720L. This substitute is recommended for applications requiring direct replacement with minimal design modification.

STP7NK40Z (STMicroelectronics):

The STP7NK40Z is a cross-manufacturer substitute that exceeds the electrical specifications of the IRF720L. The device provides higher continuous drain current (5.4A versus 3.3A), lower on-resistance (1Ω versus 1.8Ω), and greater power dissipation capability (70W versus 50W). The STP7NK40Z is classified as Active with ROHS3 compliance. The package type is TO-220-3, which differs from the IRF720L TO-262-3 footprint and requires PCB layout modification. The STP7NK40Z is suitable for applications where enhanced thermal performance or higher current capacity is beneficial, provided mechanical integration is feasible.

Both substitutes maintain the 400V voltage rating and -55°C to 150°C operating temperature range required for IRF720L replacement. Selection between IRF720LPBF and STP7NK40Z depends on packaging constraints and thermal requirements of the target application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can IRF720LPBF be used as a direct replacement for IRF720L without PCB modification?

A: Yes. The IRF720LPBF shares identical electrical specifications and is packaged in TO-262-3, which maintains footprint compatibility with the IRF720L. No PCB layout changes are required for this substitution.

Q: What is the primary advantage of using STP7NK40Z over IRF720LPBF?

A: The STP7NK40Z provides enhanced electrical performance with higher continuous drain current (5.4A versus 3.3A), lower on-resistance (1Ω versus 1.8Ω), and greater power dissipation (70W versus 50W). These characteristics reduce thermal stress and improve efficiency in high-current applications. However, the TO-220-3 package requires PCB redesign compared to the TO-262-3 footprint of the IRF720L.

Q: Are both substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. Both IRF720LPBF and STP7NK40Z are ROHS3 compliant. The original IRF720L is RoHS non-compliant. Substitution with either part satisfies current RoHS regulatory requirements.

Q: What is the difference between I2PAK and TO-262-3 packaging?

A: I2PAK and TO-262-3 refer to the same package type. I2PAK is the commercial designation, while TO-262-3 is the standardized package code. Both terms describe the same three-lead Through Hole configuration used by the IRF720L and IRF720LPBF.

Q: Can STP7NK40Z be used in applications designed for IRF720L if thermal performance is a concern?

A: Yes, provided mechanical integration is feasible. The STP7NK40Z exceeds all electrical requirements of the IRF720L and provides superior thermal performance. The TO-220-3 package offers better heat dissipation than TO-262-3. PCB layout modification is required to accommodate the different pin configuration and larger package footprint.

Q: What is the significance of the product status (Obsolete vs. Active)?

A: Product status indicates manufacturing and supply availability. The IRF720L is obsolete, meaning Vishay Siliconix no longer manufactures or supports this part. IRF720LPBF and STP7NK40Z are both Active, ensuring continued production, technical support, and long-term availability. Active status is preferred for new designs and ongoing production requirements.

Q: Are the gate threshold voltages of the substitutes compatible with existing drive circuits?

A: The IRF720LPBF has identical gate threshold voltage (4V @ 250µA) to the IRF720L, ensuring full compatibility with existing drive circuits. The STP7NK40Z has a slightly higher threshold voltage (4.5V @ 50µA), which remains within acceptable operating margins for most standard gate driver circuits. Verification of gate drive voltage levels is recommended for applications with marginal drive voltage specifications.

Q: What is the impact of higher input capacitance in STP7NK40Z?

A: The STP7NK40Z has higher input capacitance (535pF versus 410pF), which increases gate charge requirements and may affect switching speed. Applications with high-frequency switching or limited gate drive current should account for this parameter. The higher gate charge (26nC versus 20nC) requires proportionally greater gate drive capability.

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