Types of MOSFETs

Based on the operating modes, there are two different types of MOSFETs available. These two
types further have two subtypes
1. Depletion type MOSFET or MOSFET with Depletion mode
 N-Channel MOSFET or NMOS
 P-Channel MOSFET or PMOS
1. Enhancement type MOSFET or the MOSFET with Enhancement mode
 N-Channel MOSFET or NMOS
 P-Channel MOSFET or PMOS

Depletion type MOSFET

Depletion type of MOSFET is normally ON at zero Gate to Source voltage. If the MOSFET is N-
Channel Depletion-type MOSFET then there will be some thresholds voltage, which is needed to
make the device turn off. For example, an N-Channel Depletion MOSFET with a threshold voltage of
-3V or -5V, the gate of the MOSFET needs to be pulled negative -3V or -5V to turn off the device.
This threshold voltage will be Negative for the N channel, and positive in case of P channel. This
type of MOSFET is generally used in logic circuits.

Enhancement type MOSFET

In Enhancement type of MOSFETs, the device remains OFF at zero Gate voltage. To turn on the
MOSFET , we must provide a minimum Gate to Source voltage (Vgs Threshold voltage). But, the
drain current is highly dependable on this gate-to-source voltage, if the Vgs is increased, the drain
current also increases in the same manner. Enhancement type MOSFETs are ideal for constructing
an Amplifier circuit. Also, similarly like depletion MOSFET, it also has the NMOS and PMOS
subtypes.

Characteristics and Curves of MOSFET

By providing the stable voltage across drain to source, we can understand the I-V curve of a
MOSFET. As stated above, the drain current is highly dependable on the Vgs, gate to source
voltage. If we vary the Vgs the Drain current will also vary.