How to protect mosfet devices

MOSFET requires very careful handling particularly when out of circuit. In circuit a MOSFET is as rugged as any other solid-state device of similar construction and size.

MOSFETs have an ultra-thin silicon dioxide layer between the channel and the gate. Because the insulating layer is so thin, it is easily destroyed by excessive gate source voltage V_GS. On application of large gate voltage, an open-circuit gate may accumulate enough charge so as to develop an electric field large enough to puncture the thin Si0₂ layer.

Aside due to direct application of an excessive gate-to-source voltage V_GS, the thin Si 0₂ layer may get destroyed in more subtle ways. If a MOSFET is inserted or removed from a circuit while the power is ON, transient voltages caused by inductive kickback and other effects may exceed V_Gg /_max rating. This will wipe out the MOSFET. Even picking up a MOSFET may deposit enough static charge to exceed the V_{GS (max)} rating. Generally, ground rings are used to short all leads of a MOSFET for avoiding any voltage build up between gate and source. The grounding or shorting rings are removed after the MOSFET is connected in the circuit. Sometimes conducting foam is applied between the leads  Some MOSFETs are protected by built-in Zener diodes in parallel with the gate and source, as shown in figure. With normal operating voltages, the Zener diode remains open and does not influence the working of the circuit. In case of an extremely high V_GS, the Zener diode breaksdown thereby limiting the gate potential to a value equal to the Zener diode breakdown voltage, much smaller than V_{GS max} rating. The disadvantages of these internal Zener diodes are that MOSFET’s high input impedance is reduced. The trade­off is worth it in some applications because expensive MOSFETs get easily destroyed without Zener protection.

Precaution for protecting Mosfet devices:

MOSFETs are delicate devices and can get easily destroyed. So they are to be handled carefully. Further-more, they should never be connected or disconnected while the power is ON. Finally, before picking up a MOSFET device, get your body grounded by touching the chasis of the equipment you are working on.