Books or Resources Like '110 Thyristor Projects' for MOSFET Circuits and Projects?

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#1 21680775 02 Oct 2018 19:34

Graham Rounce Graham Rounce

Anonymous

Post #1
21680775 02 Oct 2018 19:34

Hi - Invaluable little books like '110 Thyristor Projects' and 'abc of Unijunction Transastors' and the many Babani Books seem to have stopped being published before the era of MOSFETs.
I don't want to spend the next hundred years in front of Youtube videos with twinkly music and no explanation, so I've googled extensively for books similar to the above, but on MOSFETs, without any luck. I'm not that interested in the atomic detail, just a wide variety of basic circuits that are adaptable.
Does anyone..... etc etc?Thank-you, Graham.
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#2 21680776 02 Oct 2018 21:47

Elizabeth Simon Elizabeth Simon

Anonymous

Post #2
21680776 02 Oct 2018 21:47

Graham,
You are right, it's amazingly difficult to find project information for MOSFETs that's NOT a YouTube Video.

Here's a couple of tutorials on how to use a MOSFET as a switch and as an amplifier to help get you started.

https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/transistor/tran_7.html
https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/amplifier/mosfet-amplifier.html
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#3 21680777 02 Oct 2018 23:41

Rick Curl Rick Curl

Anonymous

Post #3
21680777 02 Oct 2018 23:41

Hi Graham-The biggest difference between MOSFETS and bipolar transistors is that bipolar transistors are current-controlled devices and MOSFETS are voltage-controlled devices. An N-channel enhancement-mode MOSFET behaves much the same an an NPN transistor would except the gate (base) current will be very low, and the gate voltage will be higher than for a bipolar transistor. Bipolar | MOSFET
Emitter = Source
Base = Gate
Collector = Drain
-Rick
#4 21680778 03 Oct 2018 01:14

Graham Rounce Graham Rounce

Anonymous

Post #4
21680778 03 Oct 2018 01:14

Elizabeth - thanks for those I'll have to build up my own collection, I guess...
Rick ...and 2u2.
With a + voltage on the gate, will the source-drain conduct in either direction? From the diagrams, there's nothing stopping that?
You could put a diode in the way if you didn't want it to. Do any come with that built in?Cheers,
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#5 21680779 03 Oct 2018 01:40

Rick Curl Rick Curl

Anonymous

Post #5
21680779 03 Oct 2018 01:40

@graham: "With a + voltage on the gate, will the source-drain conduct in either direction? From the diagrams, there's nothing stopping that?"I'm impressed. You've been studying. Yes- they will conduct in both directions, BUT- most have an inherent (and often unwanted) "body diode" that conducts when current is flowing in the reverse direction regardless of what the gate is doing.Also note that although the MOSFET is a voltage-controlled device, and the gate draws no current when the device is turned on, you'll see gate driver chips rated 1, 2, 4 amps or more. The reason for this is that the gate has a lot of capacitance, especially in the devices with larger chunks of silicon in them. If you need to turn them on and off very quickly you need a lot of current while the gate is being charged and discharged.If you're still working on the project that will be discharging a capacitor into a coil you won't need to worry too much about the capacitance. -Rick
#6 21680780 03 Oct 2018 02:59

David Ashton David Ashton

Anonymous

Post #6
21680780 03 Oct 2018 02:59

Hi Graham...as I mentioned in a previous post I have "110 Thyristor Projects" and I have a bunch of the Babani books around somewhere too. They - and others - were very good for learning the basics.This indicates that you're an old timer like me, I also prefer books to messing around in Google. But you have to get used to it these days. Try Googling "xxx thtorials" when you want to find out about something and you will usually get hundreds of resources....but usually in the first 5 will be something good. In this case, "Mosfet tutorials" gets the first onehttps://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/transistor/tran_6.html
Which is actually one before Elizabeth's suggestion above. BTW the Electronics Tutorials site is a good one to go to if you don't want to wade through Google results (and You Tube stuff), they usually deliver the goods.Data sheets are a good next step - once you have the basics then the curves and figures in Data Sheets can be very edifying.Good luck in your searches - good, easy to digest information is hard to come by.
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#7 21680781 03 Oct 2018 04:47

Graham Rounce Graham Rounce

Anonymous

Post #7
21680781 03 Oct 2018 04:47

Ok, thank-you all.Yes, I'm still doing the cap(s) discharging thing, but I've already half gone on to something else.
Pity you can't regulate ideas like a sweet machine, one at a time!PS: "old-timer"? How dare you? I'm as er youthful as ever. It's not my fault if external time has sped up!
#8 21680782 03 Oct 2018 06:54

PeterTraneus Anderson PeterTraneus Anderson

Anonymous

Post #8
21680782 03 Oct 2018 06:54

Yes, an "on" MOSFET will conduct in both directions. Look up the Texas Instruments CD4053 triple analog mux/demux for a small-signal example. The CD4053 includes digital logic driving three analog switches.
#9 21680783 03 Oct 2018 07:06

PeterTraneus Anderson PeterTraneus Anderson

Anonymous

Post #9
21680783 03 Oct 2018 07:06

Most of us designing low-frequency or low-speed high-impedance circuits think of bipolar transistors as base-current-controlled devices where the base-to-emitter voltage is a nuisance side effect. The exceptions are logarithm/antilogarithm circuits, where the base-to-emitter voltage is central, and the base current is a side effect.
Those of us designing high-frequency or wideband or high-speed low-impedance (say 50-ohm) circuits think of bipolar transistors as base-voltage-controlled devices where the base current is a nuisance side effect.To those of us used to FETs or MOSFETs or vacuum tubes, the transconductance of a bipolar transistor at the same drain or plate or collector current is impressive.
#10 21680784 03 Oct 2018 07:16

PeterTraneus Anderson PeterTraneus Anderson

Anonymous

Post #10
21680784 03 Oct 2018 07:16

The ARRL Handbook has good sections on basic electronics and devices, written from an RF and amateur-radio perspective.
#11 21680785 03 Oct 2018 13:10

David Ashton David Ashton

Anonymous

Post #11
21680785 03 Oct 2018 13:10

Graham: "PS: "old-timer"? How dare you?..."Mate, anyone who remembers Babani books is no spring chicken...
#12 21680786 05 Oct 2018 01:44

Aubrey Kagan Aubrey Kagan

Anonymous

Post #12
21680786 05 Oct 2018 01:44

GrahamSiliconix had quite a few good app notes in the early days. I do have the data book scanned. I have copied it to Dropbox and I will send you the link via a personal message. You may need to register with Dropbox to get it. Let me know when you get hold of it so I can recover the storage space.Section 6 is what you want.
#13 21680787 05 Oct 2018 01:52

Aubrey Kagan Aubrey Kagan

Anonymous

Post #13
21680787 05 Oct 2018 01:52

I have also uploaded an International Rectfier data book with app notes
#14 21680788 06 Oct 2018 02:33

Richard Gabric Richard Gabric

Anonymous

Post #14
21680788 06 Oct 2018 02:33

The "The Art of Electronics", section 3.5 in the 3rd edition has some useful information on power MOSFETS as well, including a short section on what to watch out for in data sheets (what's not said),cheers,Richard
#15 21680789 23 Oct 2018 16:12

Cologne LED Cologne LED

Anonymous

Post #15
21680789 23 Oct 2018 16:12

Yes, you are right.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion addresses the scarcity of concise, project-oriented books on MOSFET circuits comparable to classic titles like "110 Thyristor Projects" and Babani books, which focused on earlier semiconductor devices. Contributors highlight the difficulty in finding printed resources with practical MOSFET projects, noting the prevalence of YouTube tutorials that often lack detailed explanations. Recommended resources include the Electronics Tutorials website, which offers clear guides on MOSFET operation as switches and amplifiers, and classic references such as the ARRL Handbook and "The Art of Electronics" (3rd edition, section 3.5) for power MOSFET insights and datasheet interpretation. The conversation clarifies fundamental differences between bipolar transistors and MOSFETs, emphasizing MOSFETs as voltage-controlled devices with inherent body diodes allowing bidirectional conduction. Application notes and data books from manufacturers like Siliconix and International Rectifier are suggested as valuable sources of practical circuit examples and technical details. The Texas Instruments CD4053 triple analog mux/demux is cited as an example of a device incorporating MOSFET analog switches with integrated digital logic. Overall, the exchange underscores the need to combine online tutorials, manufacturer datasheets, and classic electronics literature to build a practical understanding of MOSFET-based circuits.

FAQ

TL;DR: Gate drivers often source 1–4 A to charge MOSFET gates; “most have an inherent ‘body diode’.” This FAQ curates book-style resources, key behaviors, and safe-use tips for MOSFET projects without video rabbit holes. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680779]

Why it matters: If you’re hunting for Babani-style, project-first guidance on MOSFETs, this gives you vetted starting points and practical answers.

Quick Facts

MOSFET vs BJT pins: Emitter=Source, Base=Gate, Collector=Drain; plan layouts accordingly. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680777]
An “on” MOSFET conducts both ways, but the intrinsic body diode enforces reverse-direction behavior. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680779]
Step-by-step primers: MOSFET as a switch and as an amplifier (text tutorials, not videos). [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680776]
Book-style depth: The Art of Electronics, 3rd ed., §3.5 covers power MOSFET gotchas and datasheet reading. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680788]
RF-oriented fundamentals: ARRL Handbook sections explain devices and practical circuits clearly. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680784]

What books or resources mirror “110 Thyristor Projects,” but for MOSFETs?

Combine vendor app notes with modern handbooks. Siliconix and International Rectifier data books include application sections with buildable circuits. Pair these with The Art of Electronics for design insight. Expect sectioned examples, cautions, and parts lists similar to classic project books. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680786]

How is a MOSFET different from a bipolar transistor in practice?

BJTs are current-controlled; MOSFETs are voltage-controlled. Map pins as Emitter→Source, Base→Gate, Collector→Drain. N‑channel enhancement MOSFETs often replace NPN roles, but they need the right gate voltage and careful gate driving. This mindset shift simplifies switching designs and reduces base/gate drive losses. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680777]

Will a MOSFET conduct in both directions when it’s on?

Yes. With the channel enhanced, current flows either way through the channel. However, the intrinsic body diode conducts in the reverse direction regardless of gate state. Designers add series diodes or arrange devices to control reverse paths. “Most have an inherent ‘body diode’.” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680779]

Why do gate drivers claim 1–4 A if MOSFET gates draw almost no DC current?

Because the gate is a capacitor. Driving it fast needs high peak current to charge and discharge gate capacitance. That’s why gate driver ICs list ampere-level source/sink ratings, even though steady-state gate current is near zero. Fast edges reduce switching losses and heating. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680779]

Is there a simple IC example of bidirectional analog switching with MOSFETs?

Yes. The CD4053 integrates logic with three MOSFET analog switches (a “triple” mux/demux). It’s a small‑signal, bidirectional example useful for signal routing, audio, and sensor selection. Check it to see how control logic steers bilateral MOSFET channels safely. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680782]

Where can I learn MOSFET switching and amplifier basics without YouTube?

Use text tutorials covering MOSFETs as switches and as amplifiers. They walk through symbols, biasing, load lines, and example schematics. You can prototype from these pages and progress into datasheets once fundamentals click. It’s the closest feel to classic “project books.” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680776]

Any tips for reading MOSFET datasheets—what’s often “not said”?

Start with AoE §3.5 guidance on power MOSFETs. Watch typical vs. max ratings, conditions for RDS(on), pulsed vs. continuous current, and thermal limits. Cross‑check SOA plots and gate charge when selecting drivers. “What to watch out for in data sheets” matters. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680788]

How do RF and high‑speed designers think about BJTs vs MOSFETs?

In 50‑ohm and wideband work, many treat BJTs as voltage‑controlled with base current as a nuisance. FET users admire BJT transconductance at equal current. Perspective shifts with impedance and bandwidth, influencing device choice and matching networks. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680783]

What is a body diode, and when does it cause trouble?

It’s the intrinsic PN diode between body and drain/source in power MOSFETs. It conducts when reverse‑biased relative to channel direction. It can backfeed supplies or defeat blocking in H‑bridges. Add series elements or use back‑to‑back MOSFETs to block. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680779]

Quick how‑to: use an N‑channel MOSFET as a low‑side switch?

Put the load between +V and drain; source to ground.
Drive gate to a valid logic/high level relative to source; add a gate resistor.
Add a flyback diode across inductive loads; verify RDS(on) and thermal limits. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680776]

What is a gate driver in this context?

A gate driver sources and sinks high peak current to charge and discharge the MOSFET’s gate capacitance quickly. Faster transitions cut switching losses and heat. Many drivers advertise 1–4 A capabilities for robust, clean edges in power stages. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680779]

Are there book lists that bridge hobby and pro power electronics?

Yes: The Art of Electronics for design intuition, plus vendor application handbooks from Siliconix and International Rectifier for proven circuits and notes. Expect example schematics and parts selection advice akin to classic hobby texts. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680786]

What is the CD4053 used for in MOSFET learning?

It’s a triple analog multiplexer/demultiplexer IC. Each channel is a bilateral MOSFET switch steered by logic. Studying it shows how to manage on‑resistance, control signals, and bidirectional conduction in small‑signal paths. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680782]

Which handbook offers approachable RF‑centric device explanations?

The ARRL Handbook. Its device chapters provide clear basics, measurements, and practical RF circuits that sharpen understanding of transistors and FETs beyond pure theory. It’s a solid complement to project‑driven learning. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680784]

Edge case: will the MOSFET block reverse current if the gate is off?

Not necessarily. The body diode can still conduct and bypass your intended block. That’s a common cause of backfeed failures. Use back‑to‑back MOSFETs or add diodes when true reverse blocking is required. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21680779]