23N50 MOSFET — Specifications & Equivalents
About the 23N50
The 23N50 is a MOSFET with a drain–source voltage (VDS) rating of 500 V and a continuous drain current (ID) of 23 A. It can dissipate up to 315 W and is rated to a junction temperature of 150 °C. It is supplied in the TO-247 package.
At a glance
- Type: MOSFET
- Max drain–source voltage (VDS): 500 V
- Max continuous drain current (ID): 23 A
- Power dissipation (PD): 315 W
- Max junction temperature (TJ): 150 °C
- Package: TO-247
Typical applications
With its 500 V drain–source rating the 23N50 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.
Choosing a replacement for the 23N50
A drop-in substitute for the 23N50 should match its polarity and offer a drain–source rating of at least 500 V and a continuous drain current rating of at least 23 A.
Mechanically, check the replacement against the TO-247 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 23N50?
The 23N50 is a MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor). It is rated for 500 V drain-source and 23 A continuous drain current.
What is the maximum voltage of the 23N50?
The 23N50 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 23N50 handle?
It is rated for 23 A of continuous drain current, with power dissipation limited to 315 W. Real-world capability depends on your heatsinking and ambient temperature.
What package does the 23N50 come in?
It is listed in TO-247. Verify the pinout of the specific variant, as one outline can carry different pin assignments.
What can I use to replace the 23N50?
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.
Key Specifications
| Pd ⓘ - Maximum Power Dissipation | 315 W |
|---|---|
| |Vds|ⓘ - Maximum Drain-Source Voltage | 500 V |
| |Vgs|ⓘ - Maximum Gate-Source Voltage | 30 V |
| |Id| ⓘ - Maximum Drain Current | 23 A |
| Tj ⓘ - Maximum Junction Temperature | 150 °C |
| Package | TO-247 |
| isc N-Channel MOSFET Transistor 23N50FEATURESDrain Current I = 23A@ T =25D CDrain Source Voltage- | V =500V(Min)DSSStatic Drain-Source On-Resistance: R =0.245(Max)DS(on)100% avalanche testedMinimum Lot-to-Lot variations for robust deviceperformance and reliable operationDESCRIPTIONDesigned for use in switch mode power supplies and generalpurpose |