18N50A MOSFET — Specifications & Equivalents

About the 18N50A

The 18N50A is a MOSFET with a drain–source voltage (V_DS) rating of 500 V and a continuous drain current (I_D) of 18 A. It can dissipate up to 173 W and is rated to a junction temperature of 150 °C. It is supplied in the TO220 package.

At a glance

• Type: MOSFET
• Max drain–source voltage (V_DS): 500 V
• Max continuous drain current (I_D): 18 A
• Power dissipation (P_D): 173 W
• Max junction temperature (T_J): 150 °C
• Package: TO220

Typical applications

With its 500 V drain–source rating the 18N50A sits in the high-voltage (offline) class of switching MOSFETs, typically found in primary-side switching in offline SMPS (flyback, forward and quasi-resonant), active PFC boost stages, half-bridge and full-bridge inverters, induction heating and electronic ballasts and BLDC and AC motor drives. The rating leaves usable margin above the ~325 V DC bus obtained by rectifying 230 VAC mains, which is why this class dominates offline power supplies.

Gate drive and switching notes

Keep gate–source voltage within the ±30 V maximum; exceeding it punctures the gate oxide and destroys the device permanently.

Switching behaviour is characterised by an output capacitance (C_oss) of 264.6 pF, which together with the gate drive determines switching loss and the practical upper frequency limit.

Choosing a replacement for the 18N50A

A drop-in substitute for the 18N50A should match its polarity and offer a drain–source rating of at least 500 V and a continuous drain current rating of at least 18 A.

Mechanically, check the replacement against the TO220 footprint and confirm the pin order — parts sharing a package outline do not always share a pinout.

Where the application switches inductive loads or runs near the voltage limit, keep extra headroom rather than choosing a part that only just meets the original numbers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the 18N50A?

The 18N50A is a MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor). It is rated for 500 V drain-source and 18 A continuous drain current.

What is the maximum voltage of the 18N50A?

The 18N50A has a maximum drain-source voltage (Vds) of 500 V. Treat this as an absolute maximum and design with margin, especially when switching inductive loads.

How much current can the 18N50A handle?

It is rated for 18 A of continuous drain current, with power dissipation limited to 173 W. Real-world capability depends on your heatsinking and ambient temperature.

What package does the 18N50A come in?

It is listed in TO220. Verify the pinout of the specific variant, as one outline can carry different pin assignments.

What can I use to replace the 18N50A?

This page lists 17 candidate equivalents matched on electrical ratings and package. Any replacement should meet or exceed the original voltage, current and dissipation figures and use a compatible drive level.