IRL520NL Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The IRL520NL is an N-Channel MOSFET manufactured by Infineon Technologies, rated for 100V drain-to-source voltage with 10A continuous drain current in a Through Hole TO-262 package. This device is classified as Obsolete, making identification of equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing production support and design continuity. The part operates across a temperature range of -55°C to 175°C and is RoHS non-compliant, reflecting its legacy status in the HEXFET® series.

Substiute Parts

IRL520NL

Infineon TechnologiesIn Stock: 27530IRL520NL Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

IRF540ZLPBF

Infineon TechnologiesIn Stock: 3162IRF540ZLPBF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

RCX120N25

Rohm SemiconductorIn Stock: 3983RCX120N25 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the IRL520NL is determined by electrical and mechanical compatibility across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

• Drain-to-Source Voltage (Vdss) must equal or exceed 100V
• Continuous Drain Current (Id) must meet or exceed 10A
• Gate Threshold Voltage (Vgs(th)) must be compatible with existing drive circuits
• Maximum Gate Voltage (Vgs Max) must accommodate circuit design margins
• Operating temperature range must span -55°C to 175°C or higher

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

• Package type must be Through Hole TO-262 or equivalent footprint
• Mounting configuration must support existing PCB layouts
• Lead configuration must match TO-262-3 Long Leads specification

Compliance Considerations:

• RoHS status and REACH compliance affect suitability for new production environments
• Product status (Obsolete, Not For New Designs, Active) influences long-term availability and support

The substitute parts listed below satisfy the electrical requirements for 100V, 10A N-Channel MOSFET applications while maintaining Through Hole TO-262 package compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

IRF540ZLPBF (Infineon Technologies)

The IRF540ZLPBF is a direct electrical equivalent for the IRL520NL, sharing identical 100V Vdss rating and TO-262 package configuration. This part exceeds the 10A continuous drain current requirement with 36A capability, providing design margin for current handling. The IRF540ZLPBF maintains the same operating temperature range (-55°C to 175°C) and is ROHS3 compliant, addressing environmental compliance requirements. However, the IRF540ZLPBF is classified as "Not For New Designs," indicating limited future availability. The higher gate charge (63 nC vs. 20 nC) and input capacitance (1770 pF vs. 440 pF) require verification of gate drive circuit compatibility in existing designs.

RCX120N25 (Rohm Semiconductor)

The RCX120N25 provides electrical substitution with a higher 250V Vdss rating, suitable for applications requiring voltage margin above 100V. The 12A continuous drain current meets the 10A requirement. This part is Active status with ROHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term availability and environmental compliance. The RCX120N25 uses a TO-220-3 Full Pack package, which differs from the TO-262 footprint of the IRL520NL. This package change requires PCB layout modification and may not be suitable for space-constrained applications. Incomplete parameter data (Rds On, Vgs(th), Ciss, operating temperature range) limits direct circuit-level comparison.

Selection Basis:

For applications requiring direct TO-262 package compatibility and immediate substitution, the IRF540ZLPBF is the preferred choice. For new designs or applications where package change is acceptable, the RCX120N25 offers superior compliance status and active product support. Both parts satisfy the core electrical requirements of 100V operation and 10A continuous current.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the IRF540ZLPBF directly replace the IRL520NL without PCB modifications?

A: Yes, the IRF540ZLPBF maintains the same TO-262-3 Long Leads package and pin configuration as the IRL520NL. However, the higher gate charge (63 nC vs. 20 nC) and input capacitance (1770 pF vs. 440 pF) may require gate drive circuit adjustment to ensure proper switching performance and timing.

Q: Why is the RCX120N25 listed as a substitute if it uses a different package?

A: The RCX120N25 satisfies the electrical requirements for 100V, 10A N-Channel MOSFET applications and is included as a functional substitute for designs where package migration is feasible. The TO-220-3 Full Pack package requires PCB layout changes but offers superior compliance status and active product availability.

Q: What is the significance of the "Not For New Designs" status of the IRF540ZLPBF?

A: "Not For New Designs" indicates that Infineon Technologies does not recommend this part for new product development. While the part remains available, long-term supply cannot be guaranteed. For production designs with extended lifecycle requirements, the RCX120N25 (Active status) is the more suitable choice.

Q: Are there thermal performance differences between these substitutes?

A: Yes. The IRL520NL dissipates 48W (Tc) maximum, the IRF540ZLPBF dissipates 92W (Tc), and the RCX120N25 dissipates 40W (Tc). The IRF540ZLPBF provides higher thermal capacity, while the RCX120N25 operates within similar thermal limits to the original part. Thermal design and heatsinking requirements must be evaluated based on actual application current levels.

Q: What compliance differences exist between these parts?

A: The IRL520NL is RoHS non-compliant, reflecting its legacy status. Both the IRF540ZLPBF and RCX120N25 are ROHS3 compliant. All three parts are REACH Unaffected and carry EAR99 ECCN classification. For applications subject to RoHS requirements, only the IRF540ZLPBF and RCX120N25 are suitable.

Q: How do gate threshold voltages affect circuit compatibility?

A: The IRL520NL has a 2V gate threshold, the IRF540ZLPBF has 4V, and the RCX120N25 data is not specified. Higher threshold voltages require higher gate drive voltages to achieve full on-state conduction. Existing gate drive circuits designed for 2V threshold operation must be verified for compatibility with the 4V threshold of the IRF540ZLPBF.

Q: Can the RCX120N25 be used in applications requiring the full -55°C to 175°C temperature range?

A: The RCX120N25 operating temperature range is not fully specified in the provided data. The maximum junction temperature is listed as 150°C, which does not extend to the 175°C upper limit of the IRL520NL. Applications requiring operation above 150°C must use the IRL520NL or IRF540ZLPBF.