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Comparing Power N-MOSFET IRF3205 and IGBT SKW30N60 for Negative Rail Switch in Ham Radio

fjpompeo 2865 9
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Which is better for a negative-rail protection switch in a ham radio power supply: a power N-MOSFET like IRF3205 or an IGBT like SKW30N60?

For a low-voltage supply such as 12 V, a power MOSFET like the IRF3205 is the better choice; an IGBT is meant for higher voltages and would have more than 2 V of voltage drop in this kind of circuit [#21169078][#21407178] SKW30N60 may only make sense if the application really involves higher voltages and currents, but for lower-voltage ham radio supplies the IRF3205 fits better [#21407178]
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  • #1 17655587
    fjpompeo
    Level 11  
    Posts: 29
    Hi there, I want to install a protection system using a transistor like a switch in the negative rail of my ham radio power supply. But before need to know which is better a power N-MOSFET like IRF3205 or an IGBT like SKW30N60 or a more powerful one.

    Sorry, this is a GOOGLE's translation from Portuguese.

    73,

    Thank you very much from PU2PLL, Fernando, Brazil.
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  • #2 17655648
    ArturAVS
    Moderator  
    Posts: 26412
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    You are looking for protection what for?

    Only for power supply?
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  • #3 17657761
    fjpompeo
    Level 11  
    Posts: 29
    Not to protect the power supply, protect the load, or my radio, the semiconductor will stay in series with the negative output connector.
    73,
    PU2PLL
  • #4 17658101
    ArturAVS
    Moderator  
    Posts: 26412
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    Hmmm to protect your radio or load connected to power supply?
    Over voltage protection? Or over current?
    Any schematic?

  • Logic-level N-channel MOSFETs for negative rail protection

    #5 17659464
    fjpompeo
    Level 11  
    Posts: 29
    Well, to protect my radio from overvoltage like a SCR crowbar does but instead burn a fuse it opens the negative rail. I know that SCR crowbar is a very safe topology but it can burn not only the fuse but power transistors, rectifiers the SCR and so on. Using an electronic switch circuit made of a N-channel Power MOSFET I can avoid all these possibilities and either protect my radio, easy and safe!

    After a little search on the net I found some logic N-channel Power MOSFET that switch on with just 5V

    73,

    Fernando - PU2PLL - Brazil
    Attachments:
    • Comparing Power N-MOSFET IRF3205 and IGBT SKW30N60 for Negative Rail Switch in Ham Radio Diagram.png (6.55 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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  • #7 21169078
    jarek_lnx
    Level 43  
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    IGBTs are used for high voltages. At 12 volts it makes no sense. There will be more than 2V of voltage drop on the IGBT.
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  • #9 21183472
    jarek_lnx
    Level 43  
    Posts: 22732
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    By what do you judge that it is better?
    What is the current and voltage in your circuit?
  • #10 21407178
    8829426
    Level 2  
    Posts: 2
    Hi Fernando,

    The SKW30N60 would be a better choice, as the IGBT will perform better at the higher voltages and currents required for this application. IRF3205 is good, but more suitable for lower voltages. https://www.lisleapex.com/product-skw30n60
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Topic summary

LABEL_AI_GENERATED
The discussion focuses on selecting an appropriate semiconductor switch for protecting a ham radio by interrupting the negative power supply rail during overvoltage conditions. The original question compares using a power N-channel MOSFET (IRF3205) versus an IGBT (SKW30N60) or a more powerful alternative. The protection goal is to safeguard the radio from overvoltage by opening the negative rail, similar to an SCR crowbar but avoiding fuse and component damage. Responses highlight that IGBTs like the SKW30N60 are better suited for higher voltage and current applications, while the IRF3205 MOSFET is more appropriate for lower voltage scenarios (e.g., 12 V). The SKW30N60 is favored for this use case due to better performance at the required voltages, despite a higher voltage drop in IGBTs at low voltages. Alternatives such as the SKW30N60HS from Infineon were mentioned but noted as out of stock. The discussion also includes considerations about switching voltage thresholds and the practicality of logic-level MOSFETs that switch at 5 V for ease of control.
AI summary based on the discussion. May contain errors.
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