When it comes to MOSFET datasheets, you have to know what you’re looking for. While certain parameters are obvious and explicit (BV_DSS, R_DS(ON), gate charge), others can be ambiguous at best (ID, SOA curves), while others can be downright useless at times (see: switching times).

In complicated power designs, metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) selection has a tendency to be somewhat of an afterthought. While it’s just a three-pin device, appearances can be deceiving and trying to select the correct MOSFET or “FET” can be a task more complicated than you might think. In this 7-part blog series, we analyze a variety of typical FET applications, from power supply to motor control, and address the various concerns and trade-offs that dictate the FET selection process.

In today’s computing environment, CPUs, FPGAs, ASICs and even peripherals are growing increasingly complex and, consequently, so do their power delivery requirements. To handle the higher demands, multiphase regulators are becoming increasingly common on motherboards in many areas of computing--from laptops and tablets to servers and Ethernet switches. Designing with these regulators is more challenging than using conventional switchers and linear regulators, but the benefits of multiphase outweigh the complexity for high-performance power applications.

The below introductory section features a video briefly discussing what exactly multi-phase buck regulators are, what applications they're suited for, and some of the challenges associated with implementing them. Additionally, the listed resources dive a little deeper into the topics covered in the video, providing further instruction in the beginning of your multiphase journey. 

White Papers 

In designing with multiphase, Carmen works through a six-phase design for powering the core voltage of a networking ASIC, Marketing Manager George Lakkas explains why multiphase converters are ideal for high currents, and TI engineers blog about common concerns and use contexts.

Blogs

In testing in the lab, Carmen takes a six phase buck regulator through basic validation testing in the lab with plenty of tips and waveforms shared. Let Carmen show you how to test transient response, input and output ripple, phase stability, and thermal performance. Additionally, TI engineers blog about various lab tricks related to multiphase devices.

Blogs

Learn the basic tips and tricks to select and design with a MOSFET to get to market faster.