IRL520 N-Channel MOSFET 100V 9.2A TO-220AB Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The IRL520 is an N-Channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) rated for 100V drain-to-source voltage with 9.2A continuous drain current at 25°C. The device is packaged in a Through Hole TO-220AB configuration and dissipates a maximum of 60W at the case temperature. The IRL520 is classified as obsolete, making identification of equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and component procurement. Active alternatives with identical or enhanced 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)	100	V
Continuous Drain Current (Id) @ 25°C	9.2	A (Tc)
On-State Drain Resistance (Rds On Max) @ Id, Vgs	270	mOhm @ 5.5A, 5V
Gate Threshold Voltage (Vgs(th) Max) @ Id	2	V @ 250µA
Gate Charge (Qg Max) @ Vgs	12	nC @ 5V
Maximum Gate Voltage (Vgs Max)	±10	V
Input Capacitance (Ciss Max) @ Vds	490	pF @ 25V
Power Dissipation (Max)	60	W (Tc)
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 175	°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-220-3	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the IRL520 is determined by electrical and mechanical compatibility within the following criteria:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Drain-to-Source Voltage (Vdss) equal to or greater than 100V
Continuous Drain Current (Id) equal to or greater than 9.2A at 25°C
On-State Drain Resistance (Rds On) compatible with circuit requirements
Gate Threshold Voltage (Vgs(th)) within acceptable switching characteristics
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package: TO-220-3 (TO-220AB)
Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to 175°C or greater

Substitution Categories:

Direct Equivalents: Parts with identical electrical ratings and active product status. These parts maintain the same Vdss, Id, and Rds On specifications as the original IRL520.

Enhanced Substitutes: Parts with equal or superior Vdss and Id ratings, lower Rds On values, and higher power dissipation capabilities. These parts provide improved performance while maintaining backward compatibility.

Compliance Consideration: The IRL520 is RoHS non-compliant. Active substitutes are ROHS3 compliant, meeting current regulatory requirements for new designs and procurement.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	IRL520	IRL520PBF	IRL520NPBF	IRF540ZPBF
Manufacturer	Vishay Siliconix	Vishay Siliconix	Infineon Technologies	Infineon Technologies
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Not For New Designs	Active
FET Type	N-Channel	N-Channel	N-Channel	N-Channel
Vdss (V)	100	100	100	100
Id @ 25°C (A)	9.2	9.2	10	36
Rds On Max (mOhm)	270 @ 5.5A, 5V	270 @ 5.5A, 5V	180 @ 6A, 10V	26.5 @ 22A, 10V
Vgs(th) Max (V)	2 @ 250µA	2 @ 250µA	2 @ 250µA	4 @ 250µA
Gate Charge Qg Max (nC)	12 @ 5V	12 @ 5V	20 @ 5V	63 @ 10V
Vgs Max (V)	±10	±10	±16	±20
Ciss Max (pF)	490 @ 25V	490 @ 25V	440 @ 25V	1770 @ 25V
Power Dissipation Max (W)	60	60	48	92
Operating Temperature (°C)	-55 to 175	-55 to 175	-55 to 175	-55 to 175
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3
RoHS Status	Non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Packaging Type	—	Tube	Tube	Tube

Engineering Selection Recommendations

IRL520PBF (Direct Equivalent - Recommended for Direct Replacement)

The IRL520PBF is the direct functional equivalent of the obsolete IRL520. It maintains identical electrical specifications including 100V Vdss, 9.2A continuous drain current, 270mOhm Rds On, and 60W power dissipation. The IRL520PBF is manufactured by Vishay Siliconix with Active product status and ROHS3 compliance. This part is suitable for direct substitution in existing designs without circuit modification. Tube packaging is standard.

IRL520NPBF (Marginal Upgrade - Limited Recommendation)

The IRL520NPBF is manufactured by Infineon Technologies and provides a marginal performance upgrade with 10A continuous drain current (versus 9.2A) and improved Rds On of 180mOhm at 6A, 10V. However, this part carries a "Not For New Designs" product status designation, limiting its suitability for new development. The part is ROHS3 compliant and maintains the TO-220-3 package. Use is restricted to legacy system support where component availability is critical.

IRF540ZPBF (Enhanced Substitute - Performance Upgrade)

The IRF540ZPBF is an enhanced substitute manufactured by Infineon Technologies (HEXFET® series) with superior electrical characteristics. It provides 36A continuous drain current (4× the IRL520 rating) and significantly lower Rds On of 26.5mOhm at 22A, 10V. Power dissipation capability is increased to 92W. The IRF540ZPBF is Active product status with ROHS3 compliance. This part is suitable for applications requiring higher current capacity or lower on-state losses. Gate charge is increased to 63nC, and input capacitance is 1770pF, requiring verification of gate drive circuit compatibility. Maximum gate voltage is ±20V, providing greater gate drive margin.

Compliance and Regulatory Status

All recommended substitutes are ROHS3 compliant, addressing the non-compliance status of the original IRL520. All parts maintain REACH Unaffected and EAR99 ECCN classifications. Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) is 1 (Unlimited) for all parts, indicating no special moisture handling requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the IRL520PBF be used as a direct replacement for the IRL520?

A: Yes. The IRL520PBF is electrically and mechanically identical to the IRL520, with identical Vdss (100V), Id (9.2A), Rds On (270mOhm), and power dissipation (60W). The primary difference is product status (Active versus Obsolete) and RoHS compliance (ROHS3 versus non-compliant). No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the difference between the IRL520NPBF and IRL520PBF?

A: Both parts maintain 100V Vdss and approximately 9.2A to 10A drain current. The IRL520NPBF offers lower Rds On (180mOhm at 6A, 10V versus 270mOhm at 5.5A, 5V) and higher gate voltage rating (±16V versus ±10V). However, the IRL520NPBF carries "Not For New Designs" status. The IRL520PBF is the preferred choice for new applications due to Active product status.

Q: Can the IRF540ZPBF replace the IRL520 in all applications?

A: The IRF540ZPBF is electrically compatible with the IRL520 for voltage and current ratings (100V Vdss, 36A Id exceeds 9.2A requirement). However, the IRF540ZPBF has significantly higher gate charge (63nC versus 12nC) and input capacitance (1770pF versus 490pF). Gate drive circuits must be verified to supply adequate current and voltage for proper switching performance. The IRF540ZPBF is suitable for applications where higher current capacity or lower on-state losses provide system benefits.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same TO-220-3 package?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed (IRL520PBF, IRL520NPBF, IRF540ZPBF) are packaged in TO-220-3 (TO-220AB) Through Hole configuration, maintaining mechanical and thermal interface compatibility with the original IRL520.

Q: What is the significance of RoHS compliance for the IRL520 substitutes?

A: The original IRL520 is RoHS non-compliant. All recommended substitutes are ROHS3 compliant, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic component procurement and use in new designs. ROHS3 compliance is mandatory for many OEM and contract manufacturer applications.

Q: Does the operating temperature range differ between the IRL520 and its substitutes?

A: No. All parts maintain an operating temperature range of -55°C to 175°C (TJ), ensuring thermal compatibility across the full specified range.

Q: What factors should determine the choice between IRL520PBF and IRF540ZPBF?

A: Selection depends on application requirements. Choose IRL520PBF for direct replacement of existing IRL520 designs with no circuit modifications. Choose IRF540ZPBF when higher current capacity (36A versus 9.2A) or lower on-state losses (26.5mOhm versus 270mOhm) provide system benefits. Verify gate drive circuit compatibility with the IRF540ZPBF's higher gate charge (63nC) and input capacitance (1770pF) before selection.

Q: Is the IRL520NPBF recommended for new designs?

A: No. The IRL520NPBF carries "Not For New Designs" product status. It is suitable only for legacy system support and component replacement in existing applications. For new designs, use IRL520PBF or IRF540ZPBF.

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