Testing a MosFet

This testing procedure is for use with a digital multimeter in the diode test-range with a
minimum of 3.3 volt over d.u.t. (diode-under-test)

Connect the 'Source' of the MosFet to the meter's negative (-) lead.

1) Hold the MosFet by the case or the tab but don't touch the metal parts of the test probes with
any of the other MosFet's terminals until needed.

2) First, touch the meter positive lead onto the MosFet's 'Gate'.

3) Now move the positive probe to the 'Drain'. You should get a 'low' reading. The MosFet's
internal capacitance on the gate has now been charged up by the meter and the device is 'turned-
on'.

4) With the meter positive still connected to the drain, touch a finger between source and gate
(and drain if you like, it does not matter at this stage). The gate will be discharged through your
finger and the meter reading should go high, indicating a non-conductive device.

Such a simple test is not 100% -- but is useful and usually adequate.

When MOSFETS fail they often go short-circuit drain-to-gate. This can put the drain voltage
back onto the gate where of course it feeds (via the gate resistors) into the drive circuitry,
possibly blowing that section. It will also get to any other paralleled MosFet gates, blowing them
also.
So, if the MosFets are deceased, check the drivers as well! This fact is probably the best reason
for adding a source-gate zener diode; zeners fail short circuit and a properly connected zener can
limit the damage in a failure! You can also add subminiature gate resistors -- which tend to fail
open-circuit (like a fuse) under this overload, disconnecting the dud MosFet's gate.

Inverter from 12V-230V IRF3205

This is a modern version of the drive 12 V / 230 V circuitIR2153. This circuit is suitable for
drives above 555, because it has two outputs designed specifically for driving MOSFETs and
deadtime protection against low supply voltage. This is a prerequisite for high efficiency and
reliability of the drive. Transformer is a network with two 12V secondary windings and must be
rated for the maximum load required drive. The load shall correspond to cooler two power
transistors, which are screwed through the mica washers and grommets, or use a separate
transistor for each cooler (in this case, the radiator and not live together or to ground. Source
must be hard enough voltage should be in the range 9 - 14V. If the supply voltage is less than
9V, IR2153 circuit is turned off, preventing damage to the battery, inverter or powered unit. V
supply is suitable fuse. for appliances that are not dependent on the frequency of 50Hz is
possible to use higher frequency, around 100 - 300Hz. reduces the quiescent consumption drive.
MOSFET transistors can be egIRFZ44type for loads up to 200W, or 350W into IRFZ48
IRF3205to 600W. performances for over 600 watts is possible to connect multiple parallel
transistorsIR3205 .

When working with the drive to be careful. Output voltage is isolated from the ground, but when
touched both output terminal voltage is as dangerous as the mains voltage