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What Is the IRFZ44N? N-Channel Power MOSFET: Pinout and Uses

October 9, 2026 6 min read
Quick answer

The IRFZ44N is a common N-channel power MOSFET. With low on-resistance (~17.5 mΩ) and high current (~49 A, V_DS 55 V) it is used in efficient high-current switching and PWM. Its TO-220 pinout is G-D-S. IMPORTANT: it is standard-level and needs ~10 V at the gate to fully turn on; for a 5V/3.3V MCU use the logic-level IRLZ44N.

The IRFZ44N is a very common N-channel power MOSFET. With low on-resistance (RDS(on)) and high current capability, it is used in efficient high-current switching and PWM applications. For the concept, see what is a MOSFET. Compared with a BJT: MOSFET vs BJT (switching).

What is the IRFZ44N used for?

DC motor speed control (PWM), driving high-power LEDs, switching heaters/solenoids and power distribution. A MOSFET is driven by voltage (it draws almost no continuous gate current) → it switches more efficiently than a BJT/Darlington.

IRFZ44N pinout (TO-220)

With the front face toward you, leads down, left to right: G – D – S.

PinFunction
1Gate (G)
2Drain (D)
3Source (S)

The metal tab is connected to the drain. It contains an internal body diode.

Key electrical specifications

ParameterTypical value
TypeN-channel MOSFET
VDS (drain-source)55 V
ID (drain current)~49 A
RDS(on)~17.5 mΩ
VGS(th) (threshold)~2–4 V

Watch out: NOT logic-level

The IRFZ44N is a standard-level MOSFET: it needs about 10 V at the gate to fully turn on. Driven from 5 V (especially 3.3 V) it does not fully turn on and heats up. To drive it directly from a 5 V/3.3 V MCU, use a logic-level MOSFET (e.g. the IRLZ44N, with the IRL prefix) or a gate driver.

IRFZ44N equivalents and alternatives

  • IRLZ44N: the logic-level version (fully on at 5 V) — preferred for MCUs.
  • IRF3205: lower RDS(on), higher current.
  • IRF540N: a close N-channel alternative.
  • STP16NF06: a similar power MOSFET.

Find it in our catalog

To compare price and stock for the IRFZ44N and its alternatives, use the IRFZ44N search.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IRFZ44N?+
The IRFZ44N is a common N-channel power MOSFET. With low on-resistance (~17.5 mΩ) and high current (~49 A) it is used in efficient high-current switching and PWM.
What is the IRFZ44N pinout?+
In TO-220, with the front face toward you, left to right it is G-D-S (Gate, Drain, Source). The metal tab is connected to the drain.
Can the IRFZ44N be driven from 5 V?+
Not fully; because it is standard-level it needs ~10 V at the gate to fully turn on. For a 5V/3.3V MCU use the logic-level IRLZ44N or add a gate driver.
What are the IRFZ44N's current/voltage ratings?+
V_DS is 55 V and the continuous drain current is ~49 A (in practice limited by cooling and PCB); the threshold voltage is ~2–4 V.
What is an equivalent for the IRFZ44N?+
The logic-level version IRLZ44N (for MCUs); the IRF3205 for higher current; the close alternative IRF540N; and the similar STP16NF06.
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