Some time ago, I needed a power output buffer for a circuit. Normally I would have used a bipolar emitter follower, but didn't have any available that could handle the required current. But I had a bunch of power MOSFETs and so I figured, what the heck, and tried one. Even though these are normally intended for on-off switching, it worked very well. The only disadvantage that I can think of is that VGS offset may be quite a bit higher than the VBE of a bipolar emitter follower. I never thought to measure it at the time. Next time I drag out that circuit, I'll remember to measure it.
Of course power dissipation is a concern, since the device is somewhere in it's linear region, and dissipating a lot more power than it would when it operates as a switch.
Can anyone think of any other problems that could be encountered using these as a source follower?
Of course power dissipation is a concern, since the device is somewhere in it's linear region, and dissipating a lot more power than it would when it operates as a switch.
Can anyone think of any other problems that could be encountered using these as a source follower?