How to Turn Off a MOSFET

Because MOSFETs are so easy to turn off or on, they are used in the construction of digital logic gates that are used to build all types of smart gadgets. Although turning a MOSFET off is a very simple process, it will help to know what type of MOSFET it is (NMOS or PMOS) and know which MOSFET leads are the gate, source and drain terminal. Having this information in hand, you can determine where to apply the voltages that controls whether the MOSFET is off or on -- when current through the MOSFET's drain and source terminals.

Instructions

    • 1

      Examine the manufacturer's MOSFET data sheet to determine which leads on the MOSFET are the gate, drain and source terminals. Study the package schematic and locate on that drawing the corresponding location of each of these terminals on the actual MOSFET package.

    • 2

      Turn off the supply voltage that powers the "on" MOSFET and the associated circuitry it is connected to.

    • 3

      Disconnect the wire or PC trace that connects the gate of the "on" MOSFET to the other electronic components.

    • 4

      Connect a jumper wire between the gate and the source of the MOSFET. Because a direct electrical connection between the gate and source of the MOSFET will ensure that the gate and source voltage is the same, the MOSFET will not be able to be turned on -- and will always be off. When the gate to source voltage of a MOSFET is equal to or near zero volts, a MOSFET will exhibit a very high resistance and will conduct very little current.

    • 5

      Connect an ammeter in series with the drain lead of the terminal. Turn the power back on. Note that with power applied, that the ammeter displays a reading of 0 milliamperes indicating that there is no appreciable current flow and the MOSFET is now off.

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