What is the difference between a MOSFET and a JFET?
Technical Blog / Author: icDirectory / Date: Apr 06, 2024 15:04
Let%27s explore the differences between MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors) and JFETs (Junction Field-Effect Transistors) in detail:

1. Basic Structure:
- MOSFET:
- Uses a metal gate separated from the semiconductor channel by an insulating oxide layer (usually silicon dioxide).
- Has four terminals: drain, source, gate, and body (often shorted to the source).
- Commonly used in digital and analog circuits.
- JFET:
- Has three terminals: drain, source, and gate.
- The gate-channel junction is directly formed without an insulating layer.
- Used primarily in low-noise applications.

2. Channel Formation:
- MOSFET:
- The channel is formed by applying a voltage to the gate.
- Can operate in both enhancement mode (normally off) and depletion mode (normally on).
- JFET:
- The channel is pre-existing and controlled by voltage variation.
- Operates only in depletion mode (normally on).

3. Input Impedance:
- MOSFET:
- Higher input impedance due to the insulating oxide layer at the gate.
- Negligible gate current.
- JFET:
- Lower input impedance due to some gate current.
- More sensitive to temperature and radiation.

4. Noise Performance:
- MOSFET:
- Used in high-noise applications.
- JFET:
- Preferred for low-noise applications.

5. Gain Characteristics:
- MOSFET:
- Low gain current and high gain resistance.
- JFET:
- High gain current and low gain resistance.

6. Stability and Reliability:
- MOSFET:
- More stable and reliable.
- JFET:
- Sensitive to temperature and radiation.

In summary, MOSFETs and JFETs have distinct characteristics, making them suitable for different applications¹²³⁴.


(1) Difference between JFET and MOSFET. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv3eNtmp4iA.
(2) Difference between JFET and MOSFET. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9Kdkkh1n_g.
(3) JFET vs MOSFET: Difference and Comparison. https://askanydifference.com/difference-between-jfet-and-mosfet/.
(4) What is the Difference Between JFET and MOSFET? - Electrical Technology. https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2021/04/difference-jfet-mosfet.html.
(5) MOSFETs vs JFETs: Understanding Structures, Differences & Applications .... https://www.interfet.com/jfet-application-notes/jfet-transistor-vs-mosfet/.
(6) Difference Between JFET and MOSFET - BYJU%27S. https://byjus.com/gate/difference-between-jfet-and-mosfet/.
(7) Difference Between JFET and MOSFET Transistor - Medium. https://medium.com/@chris_53665/difference-between-jfet-and-mosfet-transistor-e8f5b9765c10.

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