IRF740A N-Channel MOSFET 400V 10A TO-220AB Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The IRF740A is an N-Channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) rated for 400V drain-to-source voltage with 10A continuous drain current at 25°C. The device is housed in a Through Hole TO-220AB package and dissipates up to 125W at the case temperature. The IRF740A is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements. Active alternatives with identical or superior electrical characteristics are available from multiple manufacturers.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
FET Type	N-Channel	—
Technology	MOSFET (Metal Oxide)	—
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 @ 6A, 10V
Gate Threshold Voltage (Vgs(th)) @ Id	4	V @ 250µA
Gate Charge (Qg) @ Vgs	36	nC @ 10V
Maximum Gate Voltage (Vgs)	±30	V
Input Capacitance (Ciss) @ Vds	1030	pF @ 25V
Power Dissipation (Max)	125	W (Tc)
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 150	°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the IRF740A is determined by strict equivalence or superiority across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

FET Type: N-Channel
Technology: MOSFET (Metal Oxide)
Drain to Source Voltage (Vdss): 400V minimum
Continuous Drain Current (Id) @ 25°C: 10A minimum
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package / Case: TO-220-3 compatible

Electrical Performance Parameters:

Drive Voltage (Max Rds On): 10V
Rds On (Max) @ Id, Vgs: 550mOhm or lower
Gate Threshold Voltage (Vgs(th)): 4V or lower
Gate Charge (Qg): 36nC or lower
Maximum Gate Voltage (Vgs): ±30V minimum
Input Capacitance (Ciss): 1030pF or lower
Power Dissipation (Max): 125W or higher
Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to 150°C

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories:

Direct Equivalents (Vishay Siliconix IRF740 Series): Identical electrical specifications with active product status and improved compliance certifications.

Parametric Equivalents (onsemi and STMicroelectronics): Parts meeting or exceeding all mandatory parameters with comparable or superior electrical performance characteristics.

Functional Alternatives: Parts with higher voltage or current ratings that operate within the IRF740A application envelope.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	IRF740A	IRF740APBF	IRF740APBF-BE3	FQP11N40C	STP11NK40Z	FDP12N50NZ
Manufacturer	Vishay Siliconix	Vishay Siliconix	Vishay Siliconix	onsemi	STMicroelectronics	onsemi
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Obsolete
Vdss (V)	400	400	400	400	400	500
Id @ 25°C (A)	10	10	10	10.5	9	11.5
Rds On (Max) @ 10V (mOhm)	550	550	550	530	550	520
Vgs(th) (V)	4	4	4	4	4.5	5
Gate Charge Qg (nC)	36	36	36	35	32	30
Vgs (Max) (V)	±30	±30	±30	±30	±30	±25
Ciss (pF)	1030	1030	1030	1090	930	1235
Power Dissipation (W)	125	125	125	135	110	170
Operating Temperature (°C)	-55 to 150	-55 to 150	-55 to 150	-55 to 150	-55 to 150	-55 to 150
Package	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3
RoHS Status	Non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Inventory Status	1390 Pcs	7458 Pcs	2478 Pcs	20460 Pcs	20200 Pcs	2100 Pcs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: IRF740APBF or IRF740APBF-BE3

The IRF740APBF and IRF740APBF-BE3 are direct electrical equivalents of the IRF740A manufactured by Vishay Siliconix. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications including Vdss, Id, Rds On, gate charge, and power dissipation. Both are classified as Active products with ROHS3 compliance, addressing the obsolescence status of the original IRF740A. The IRF740APBF is available in higher inventory (7458 units) and carries REACH Affected status. The IRF740APBF-BE3 is available with 2478 units and carries Vendor Undefined REACH status. These parts are pin-compatible and require no circuit modifications.

Secondary Recommendation: FQP11N40C

The FQP11N40C manufactured by onsemi is an Active product with parametric equivalence to the IRF740A. It provides 10.5A continuous drain current (exceeding the 10A requirement), 400V Vdss, and 135W power dissipation. The Rds On of 530mOhm is superior to the IRF740A specification of 550mOhm. Gate charge is 35nC, slightly lower than the IRF740A. The FQP11N40C carries ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status. Inventory availability is substantial at 20460 units. This part is suitable for applications where slightly higher current capability is acceptable.

Tertiary Recommendation: STP11NK40Z

The STP11NK40Z manufactured by STMicroelectronics is an Active product with 400V Vdss and 9A continuous drain current. While the current rating is slightly below the IRF740A specification, the Rds On of 550mOhm matches the original part. Gate charge is 32nC, lower than the IRF740A. Input capacitance is 930pF, lower than the IRF740A specification. Power dissipation is 110W, below the IRF740A rating. This part is suitable for applications where the 9A current rating is sufficient. ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status are confirmed. Inventory is available at 20200 units.

Alternative Consideration: FDP12N50NZ

The FDP12N50NZ manufactured by onsemi provides higher voltage (500V Vdss) and higher current (11.5A) ratings with 170W power dissipation. This part is classified as Obsolete. While it exceeds the IRF740A electrical specifications, its obsolete status makes it unsuitable for long-term supply assurance. This part should be considered only when higher voltage or current margins are required and supply continuity is not a concern.

Compliance and Supply Considerations:

All recommended Active substitutes (IRF740APBF, IRF740APBF-BE3, FQP11N40C, STP11NK40Z) carry ROHS3 compliance certification, addressing regulatory requirements for new designs. The IRF740A is RoHS non-compliant. Inventory availability is highest for FQP11N40C (20460 units) and STP11NK40Z (20200 units), providing superior supply assurance. The IRF740APBF series maintains the original manufacturer lineage, reducing design risk for direct replacement applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the IRF740APBF directly replace the IRF740A without circuit modifications?

A: Yes. The IRF740APBF is electrically and mechanically identical to the IRF740A. All electrical parameters including Vdss, Id, Rds On, gate charge, and power dissipation are identical. The TO-220-3 package pinout is unchanged. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the primary reason for substituting the IRF740A?

A: The IRF740A is classified as Obsolete. Substitute parts are necessary to ensure continued supply availability for new designs and production. Active alternatives with identical or superior electrical characteristics are available from multiple manufacturers.

Q: Is the FQP11N40C suitable for applications designed for the IRF740A?

A: Yes. The FQP11N40C meets or exceeds all mandatory electrical parameters of the IRF740A. It provides 10.5A continuous drain current (versus 10A), 400V Vdss, and superior Rds On performance at 530mOhm. The part is pin-compatible in the TO-220-3 package. Applications designed for the IRF740A operate within the FQP11N40C electrical envelope.

Q: Why does the STP11NK40Z have a lower current rating (9A) than the IRF740A (10A)?

A: The STP11NK40Z is rated for 9A continuous drain current at 25°C case temperature, which is below the IRF740A specification of 10A. This part is suitable for applications where the required drain current does not exceed 9A. For applications requiring the full 10A capability, the FQP11N40C or IRF740APBF series are recommended.

Q: What is the difference between IRF740APBF and IRF740APBF-BE3?

A: Both parts are electrically identical with identical electrical specifications and Active product status. The IRF740APBF carries REACH Affected status with higher inventory (7458 units). The IRF740APBF-BE3 carries Vendor Undefined REACH status with lower inventory (2478 units). Selection between these parts depends on REACH compliance requirements and supply availability for specific applications.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: All recommended Active substitute parts (IRF740APBF, IRF740APBF-BE3, FQP11N40C, STP11NK40Z) carry ROHS3 compliance certification. The original IRF740A is RoHS non-compliant. This compliance improvement is a significant advantage for new designs subject to RoHS regulations.

Q: Can the FDP12N50NZ be used as a substitute despite its Obsolete status?

A: The FDP12N50NZ exceeds the IRF740A electrical specifications with 500V Vdss and 11.5A current rating. However, its Obsolete classification indicates limited supply availability and no long-term manufacturer support. This part should be used only in applications where higher voltage or current margins are critical and supply continuity is not a concern. For standard applications, Active alternatives are strongly preferred.

Q: What is the significance of Gate Charge (Qg) in MOSFET substitution?

A: Gate charge determines the switching speed and gate drive requirements. Lower gate charge enables faster switching and reduces gate drive power consumption. The IRF740A specifies 36nC at 10V. Substitute parts with lower gate charge (STP11NK40Z at 32nC, FDP12N50NZ at 30nC) provide improved switching performance. Substitute parts with equal or slightly higher gate charge (FQP11N40C at 35nC) maintain equivalent switching characteristics.

Q: How does Input Capacitance (Ciss) affect MOSFET performance?

A: Input capacitance affects gate drive circuit design and switching speed. Lower input capacitance reduces gate drive power requirements and enables faster switching transitions. The IRF740A specifies 1030pF at 25V. The STP11NK40Z provides lower input capacitance at 930pF, while the FDP12N50NZ specifies higher capacitance at 1235pF. For applications with stringent switching speed requirements, lower input capacitance is advantageous.

Q: What packaging considerations apply to these substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts are housed in the TO-220-3 package, identical to the IRF740A. This package is a Through Hole device with three leads (Gate, Drain, Source) and a mounting tab for thermal management. Pin assignments are standardized across all recommended substitutes. PCB layouts designed for the IRF740A accommodate all substitute parts without modification.

Q: Which substitute part offers the best inventory availability?

A: The FQP11N40C offers the highest inventory availability at 20460 units, followed closely by the STP11NK40Z at 20200 units. The IRF740APBF provides 7458 units. These high inventory levels ensure supply continuity for production requirements. The IRF740A itself has limited inventory at 1390 units, reinforcing the need for substitution.

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