MOSFET: Types and their importance on the motherboard
MOSFETS and their operation
Within the main components of a PC are the
In order to understand the role that these transistors play within a
The supply draws a current of 12 V, but components such as the CPU need just over 1 voltand in a very stable way, to function correctly. MOSFETs are responsible for carrying out this task, since act as switches switches that turn on and off quickly to regulate the voltagedynamically, until the desired one is achieved. Also avoid fluctuations that may come from the power supply, which could cause damage to components.
Each of these works like a switch and its principle is the field effectsince it controls the flow of current through an applied voltage in one of its components called Gate.
In addition to this door, they also have other main components like him drain and the sourcealthough sometimes the body. To fulfill their function, these control the flow of current what’s there between two of its components, the drain (Drain) and the source (Source)depending on the strain which is applied in the gate.
Let’s say that the door is responsible for open or close the passageand the current between the drain and the source is the flow that stops or passes, depending on the operation of the transistor.
These can work in mode off (Mode Off) or in mode on (or Mode On). In the off mode, conductivity is not produced when the voltage does not exist or is smaller than that established for its operation. In this case, the MOSFET is said to be open, and therefore does not allow current to pass between the drain and the source.
If it is working in on mode it would be the opposite. If there is a suitable voltage adapted to the type of transistor (type N or type P which we will see in the next section), creates the electric field necessary for there to be a conductive channel between the drain and doorallowing the flow of current. In this case it acts as a closed switch.
When it is open no conductivityso the current does not flow, if it is closed the current can circulatesince there is conductivity.
Once we have explained how they work, let’s see the types what’s there
Among the main components of a PC are the motherboards, an essential element for its
Starting from that MOSFETs are a type of transistorthis may have various modes of operation. As we have seen in the previous section, it depends on whether the door receives a positive or negative voltagealthough they also differ if they are always on or off (the latter is the most common).
According to this, the operation of MOSFETs is classified into two general criteria, for which channel type or mode of operation. Furthermore, they can work by combining these two criteria. Let’s see in what they consist of and what they are called.
N-channel MOSFET
In short, this allows you to form a channel that lets electrons passthat is, the loads negative. To let negative charges pass, the strain applied to the door must be positive regarding the source. When this positive voltage exists, the electrons go towards the surface of the channel thus reducing the resistance which allows the current passes from drain to source. This type are the most used in VRMs of the
P-channel MOSFET
Here the channel allows drive through positive charges taking advantage of existing gaps. Unlike the N channel, here the strain in the gate must be negative regarding the source. By applying this negative voltage the gaps are reduced creating a channel that allows current to pass from the source to drainright at contrary than with the N channel ones. These are less efficientbut more useful when switch positive voltages without the need for additional electronics.
MOSFET Enhancement Mode
These They can be N-channel or P-channeland are the way most used in current electronic components, and consequently also in the
MOSFET Depletion Mode
This mode is the least common, although it is still used for some analog circuits. Its operation is on the contrary that the way enrichmentwhere they are usually on. When applied to the door a opposite tension to the one it already has, negative in the case of the N channel or positive in the P channel, this is reduced by cutting off the current flow that already existed. In this way, its operation consists in cutting the signal instead of making way for him. Its usefulness can be found, for example, in protection circuits.
Its importance in motherboards
After knowing what MOSFETs are, how they work and the different modes with which they can work, we will now see What are they for in the
These transistors play the essential role in the VRMs of regulate energy what is supplies to the CPU. The power supply applies 12V, and these convert this 12 volts in much smaller quantitiesbetween 1 and a few more decimal places so that the processor can function correctly. Furthermore, they also do it in a way dynamicmanaging to apply to the CPU the necessary demand at all timesmore when you need greater performance and less when it is at rest.
To reduce the 12 V to the necessary amount demanded by the CPU, they turn on and off very quickly, thus adjusting the voltage. Furthermore, they get dampen voltage fluctuations that can come from the power supply, supplying a voltage stable for the CPU and other components.
Another important element is the number of phases that makes up the VRMs in the
A strong VRM configuration also allows offer better results when overclockingsince they will be able to raise the frequency of the processor by applying more voltage on demand without it suffers from instability or raises its temperature considerably. But this does not mean that VRMs, and consequently MOSFETs, should not have a good dissipation system. In order to keep the VRMs at temperature in the
Another factor that we must take into account when it comes to the phases is that sometimes marketing techniques use formulas to make us believe that the configuration of The VRM is stronger than it really is. When we hear that a VRM is 14 phases, it is possible that it has 14 actual phases, or that some have used a signal duplicator that share it with another component. In this case the 14 phases would be 7 duplicate reales.
Phases may also be available for CPU and other componentswhat we usually find as 14+2, 14+2+1 or even 14+2+1+1 phases. The first figure refers to the available phases for CPUwhile the rest are divided into other components such as the SoC or the iGPU.
Currently, and especially in mid- and high-range boards, each phase of the VRM has MOSFET driver or what we usually know as DrMOS. This means that it integrates the two types of high and low next to its controller. This allows for a more compact and efficient type. DrMOS combines the high ones that connect the 12 line to the VRM coil, and also the low ones that connect the coil to ground. Both are usually N channel handling high voltage and current.
Without MOSFETs your PC would not work
As we can see, MOSFETs are a very important element within the
They have evolved over the years, although Its operating principle is the same. Modern plates have DrMOS which are more efficient, smaller and durable, but inside we find MOSFET type transistors like those that have been used for some time now.
If you are going to build your PC and want overclockit is better that you look for one
A good motherboard choice includes a good combination of VRM so that your CPU can work correctly thanks to these Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistorscommonly known as MOSFET or DrMOS.
