LM317 vs IRFZ44N Mosfet: Who works better?

The LM317 device is an adjustable three-terminal positive-voltage regulator capable of supplying more than 1.5 A over an output-voltage range of 1.25 V to 37V. The output voltage can be set with the use of two resistors. The device features a typical line regulation of 0.01% and typical load regulation of 0.1%. It includes current limiting, thermal overload protection, and safe operating area protection. Overload protection remains functional even if the ADJUST terminal is disconnected.

The IRFZ44N is an N-channel MOSFET with a high drain current of 49A and a low Rds value of 17.5 mΩ. It also has a low threshold voltage of 4V at which the MOSFET will start conducting. Hence it is commonly used with microcontrollers to drive with 5V. However, a driver circuit is needed if the MOSFET has to be switched in completely.

LM317 applications

• Used for Positive voltage regulations

• Variable power supply

• Current limiting circuits

• Reverse polarity circuits

• Commonly used in Desktop PC, DVDs, and other consumer products

• Used in motor control circuits

IRFZ44N applications

• Switching high-power devices

• Control speed of motors

• LED dimmers or flashers

• High-Speed switching applications

• Converters or Inverter circuits

LM317 features  

• Adjustable 3-terminal positive voltage regulator

• The output voltage can be set to range from 1.25V to 37V

• Output current is 1.5A

• The maximum Input output voltage difference is 40V, recommended 15V

• The maximum output current when the voltage difference is 15V is 2.2A

• The operating junction temperature is 125°C

• Available in To-220, SOT223, TO263 Package

IRFZ44N features

• Small signal N-Channel MOSFET

• Continuous Drain Current (ID) is 49A at 25°C

• Pulsed Drain Current (ID-peak) is 160A

• The Minimum Gate threshold voltage (VGS-th) is 2V

• The maximum Gate threshold voltage (VGS-th) is 4V

• Gate-Source Voltage (VGS) is ±20V (max)

• Maximum Drain-Source Voltage (VDS) is 55V

• Rise time and fall time are about 60ns and 45ns respectively.

• It is commonly used with Arduino, due to its low threshold current.

• Available in To-220 package

LM317 pinout

IRFZ44N pinout

LM317 alternatives

LM7805, LM7806, LM7809, LM7812, LM7905, LM7912, LM117V33, XC6206P332MR

IRFZ44N alternatives

IRF2807, IRFB3207, IRFB4710

LM317 package

IRFZ44N package

LM317 manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global independent semiconductor company and is a leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivaled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio, and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology, and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence trends.

IRFZ44N manufacturer

Infineon Technologies AG is a German semiconductor manufacturer founded in 1999 when the semiconductor operations of the former parent company Siemens AG were spun off. Infineon has about 50,280 employees and is one of the ten largest semiconductor manufacturers worldwide. In the fiscal year 2021, the company achieved sales of €11.06 billion. Infineon bought Cypress Semiconductor in April 2020.

LM317 datasheet

IRFZ44N datasheet