IRF740 N-Channel MOSFET 400V 10A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The IRF740 is an N-Channel MOSFET manufactured by STMicroelectronics, rated for 400V drain-to-source voltage with 10A continuous drain current at 25°C. The device is housed in a TO-220-3 package and delivers 125W maximum power dissipation. The IRF740 is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute components for new designs and production continuity. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility across voltage, current, and thermal specifications while accommodating packaging and compliance requirements.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
FET Type	N-Channel	—
Drain to Source Voltage (Vdss)	400	V
Continuous Drain Current (Id) @ 25°C	10	A (Tc)
Drive Voltage (Max Rds On)	10	V
Rds On (Max) @ Id, Vgs	550	mOhm @ 5.3A, 10V
Power Dissipation (Max)	125	W (Tc)
Operating Temperature Range	-65 to 150	°C (TJ)
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the IRF740 are classified into two categories based on electrical and mechanical compatibility:

Direct Electrical Equivalents (TO-220AB Package): Parts maintaining identical or superior Vdss (400V), Id (10A), and Rds On specifications in the same TO-220-3 package form factor. These parts are pin-compatible and thermally equivalent.

Enhanced Performance Substitutes (Higher Voltage/Current Rating): Parts exceeding the original Vdss or Id ratings while maintaining TO-220-3 package compatibility. These provide design margin and are suitable for applications requiring higher voltage or current headroom.

Alternate Package Substitutes (I2PAK): Parts with identical electrical specifications but different through-hole package geometry (I2PAK/TO-262-3), requiring PCB layout modification.

Key Substitution Criteria:

Drain-to-Source Voltage (Vdss): Minimum 400V
Continuous Drain Current (Id): Minimum 10A at 25°C
On-State Resistance (Rds On): Maximum 550mOhm at specified conditions
Gate-Source Voltage (Vgs): ±20V minimum
Operating Temperature: -55°C to 150°C minimum
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package Compatibility: TO-220-3 or I2PAK

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	IRF740 (Main)	IRF740PBF	IRF740APBF	IRF740LCL	IRF740LCPBF	IRFB13N50APBF
Manufacturer	STMicroelectronics	Vishay Siliconix	Vishay Siliconix	Vishay Siliconix	Vishay Siliconix	Vishay Siliconix
FET Type	N-Channel	N-Channel	N-Channel	N-Channel	N-Channel	N-Channel
Vdss (V)	400	400	400	400	400	500
Id @ 25°C (A)	10	10	10	10	10	14
Rds On (Max) @ 10V (mOhm)	550 @ 5.3A	550 @ 6A	550 @ 6A	550 @ 6A	550 @ 6A	450 @ 8.4A
Vgs(th) (Max) @ 250µA (V)	4	4	4	4	4	4
Vgs (Max) (V)	±20	±20	±30	±30	±30	±30
Gate Charge Qg @ 10V (nC)	43	63	36	39	39	81
Ciss @ 25V (pF)	1400	1400	1030	1100	1100	1910
Power Dissipation (Max) (W)	125	125	125	—	125	250
Operating Temperature (°C)	-65 to 150	-55 to 150	-55 to 150	-55 to 150	-55 to 150	-55 to 150
Package / Case	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-262-3 (I2PAK)	TO-220-3	TO-220-3
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	RoHS non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Pin-Compatible Replacement (TO-220-3 Package):

IRF740PBF, IRF740APBF, and IRF740LCPBF are active alternatives to the obsolete IRF740. All three maintain 400V Vdss and 10A Id ratings with TO-220-3 package compatibility. IRF740PBF and IRF740LCPBF are ROHS3 compliant with REACH unaffected status, suitable for applications requiring regulatory compliance. IRF740APBF offers reduced gate charge (36 nC) and input capacitance (1030 pF) compared to the original, enabling faster switching characteristics. All three operate across -55°C to 150°C, narrowing the lower temperature range by 10°C from the original specification.

For Enhanced Performance Applications:

IRFB13N50APBF provides superior electrical performance with 500V Vdss and 14A Id rating in the same TO-220-3 package. This device delivers 250W power dissipation versus 125W in the original, with lower on-state resistance (450 mOhm). IRFB13N50APBF is ROHS3 compliant and suitable for high-power switching applications requiring design margin above the original 400V/10A specification.

For Alternate Package Applications:

IRF740LCL offers identical electrical specifications in an I2PAK (TO-262-3) through-hole package. This option requires PCB layout modification but maintains electrical compatibility. IRF740LCL is RoHS non-compliant and should be evaluated against regulatory requirements before selection.

Compliance Considerations:

All active substitutes except IRF740LCL are ROHS3 compliant. IRF740PBF and IRF740LCPBF carry REACH unaffected status. IRF740APBF and IRFB13N50APBF are REACH affected. Selection should align with end-product regulatory requirements and supply chain compliance mandates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can IRF740PBF directly replace the obsolete IRF740?

A: Yes. IRF740PBF is a direct electrical and mechanical equivalent with identical 400V Vdss, 10A Id, and TO-220-3 package. Both are ROHS3 compliant. The primary difference is the lower operating temperature minimum (-55°C versus -65°C), which is acceptable for most industrial and commercial applications.

Q: What is the difference between IRF740APBF and IRF740LCPBF?

A: Both maintain 400V/10A specifications in TO-220-3 packages. IRF740APBF features lower gate charge (36 nC) and input capacitance (1030 pF), enabling faster switching. IRF740LCPBF has slightly higher gate charge (39 nC) and input capacitance (1100 pF). IRF740APBF supports ±30V Vgs maximum versus ±20V in the original, providing greater gate voltage margin. Both are ROHS3 compliant.

Q: When should IRFB13N50APBF be selected over direct equivalents?

A: IRFB13N50APBF is selected for applications requiring higher voltage headroom (500V versus 400V) or higher current capacity (14A versus 10A). The 250W power dissipation rating versus 125W in the original accommodates higher thermal loads. Lower on-state resistance (450 mOhm) reduces conduction losses. This device is suitable for high-power switching, motor control, and industrial power conversion applications.

Q: Is IRF740LCL compatible with existing PCB layouts designed for TO-220-3?

A: No. IRF740LCL uses an I2PAK (TO-262-3) package with different pin spacing and lead geometry. PCB layout modification is required. However, electrical specifications are compatible with the original IRF740. This option is suitable for new designs where package footprint can be accommodated.

Q: What are the compliance implications of selecting IRF740LCL?

A: IRF740LCL is RoHS non-compliant, making it unsuitable for applications subject to RoHS directives or end-product regulations requiring RoHS compliance. All other active substitutes (IRF740PBF, IRF740APBF, IRF740LCPBF, IRFB13N50APBF) are ROHS3 compliant and recommended for regulated applications.

Q: How does gate charge affect switching performance?

A: Gate charge (Qg) determines the energy required to switch the MOSFET on and off. Lower gate charge enables faster switching transitions and reduces driver power consumption. IRF740APBF (36 nC) and IRF740LCPBF (39 nC) have lower gate charge than the original IRF740 (43 nC) and IRF740PBF (63 nC), resulting in improved switching speed. IRFB13N50APBF (81 nC) has higher gate charge due to its larger die size and higher current rating.

Q: Are all substitutes rated for the same operating temperature range?

A: No. The original IRF740 operates from -65°C to 150°C. All active Vishay substitutes operate from -55°C to 150°C, narrowing the lower temperature range by 10°C. Applications requiring operation below -55°C must retain the original IRF740 or identify alternative devices with extended low-temperature ratings.

Q: What is the inventory status of substitute parts?

A: IRF740PBF has the highest inventory (20,100 pcs), followed by IRFB13N50APBF (15,126 pcs). IRF740APBF (7,458 pcs) and IRF740LCPBF (3,607 pcs) have moderate availability. IRF740LCL (1,030 pcs) has the lowest inventory. Inventory levels should be confirmed with suppliers for production planning.

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