2N7638-GA MOSFET — Specifications & Equivalents

About the 2N7638-GA

The 2N7638-GA is a MOSFET with a drain–source voltage (V_DS) rating of 650 V and a continuous drain current (I_D) of 8 A. It can dissipate up to 11 W and is rated to a junction temperature of 250 °C. It is supplied in the TO-276AA package.

At a glance

• Type: MOSFET
• Max drain–source voltage (V_DS): 650 V
• Max continuous drain current (I_D): 8 A
• Power dissipation (P_D): 11 W
• Max junction temperature (T_J): 250 °C
• Package: TO-276AA
• Manufacturer: Multi-source (JEDEC registered part number)

Typical applications

With its 650 V drain–source rating the 2N7638-GA 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 88 pF, which together with the gate drive determines switching loss and the practical upper frequency limit.

Choosing a replacement for the 2N7638-GA

A drop-in substitute for the 2N7638-GA should match its polarity and offer a drain–source rating of at least 650 V and a continuous drain current rating of at least 8 A.

Mechanically, check the replacement against the TO-276AA footprint and confirm the pin order — parts sharing a package outline do not always share a pinout.

Because 2N7638-GA is a JEDEC-registered part number rather than one vendor's proprietary series, it is produced by several manufacturers. Datasheet figures vary slightly between them, so check the datasheet of the brand you actually buy — this also makes like-for-like sourcing easier.

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 2N7638-GA?

The 2N7638-GA is a MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor). It is rated for 650 V drain-source and 8 A continuous drain current.

What is the maximum voltage of the 2N7638-GA?

The 2N7638-GA has a maximum drain-source voltage (Vds) of 650 V. Treat this as an absolute maximum and design with margin, especially when switching inductive loads.

How much current can the 2N7638-GA handle?

It is rated for 8 A of continuous drain current, with power dissipation limited to 11 W. Real-world capability depends on your heatsinking and ambient temperature.

What package does the 2N7638-GA come in?

It is listed in TO-276AA. Verify the pinout of the specific variant, as one outline can carry different pin assignments.

What can I use to replace the 2N7638-GA?

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.