IRLB8721 N-Channel Power MOSFET — 30V / 62A, TO-220, Logic-Level, Ultra-Low Rds(on)

IRLB8721 N-Channel Power MOSFET — 30V / 62A, TO-220, Logic-Level

The IRLB8721 is one of the most popular logic-level N-channel power MOSFETs in the maker and electronics community — and for good reason. Rated at 30V / 62A with an exceptionally low Rds(on) of 8.7mΩ @ Vgs=10V and full enhancement at 4.5V gate drive, it switches massive currents with minimal heat directly from a 5V Arduino or 3.3V microcontroller GPIO pin. If you need to switch a 12V LED strip, DC motor, or high-current load from a microcontroller, the IRLB8721 is the benchmark choice.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value
Channel Type	N-Channel
Drain-Source Voltage (Vds)	30V
Continuous Drain Current (Id)	62A @ Tc=25°C
Pulsed Drain Current (Idm)	240A
On-Resistance (Rds(on))	8.7mΩ @ Vgs=10V / 11mΩ @ Vgs=4.5V
Gate Threshold Voltage (Vgs(th))	1.0V – 2.0V
Logic-Level Gate Drive	Fully on @ Vgs=4.5V
Total Power Dissipation	65W @ Tc=25°C
Gate Charge (Qg)	22nC typical
Body Diode Forward Voltage	1.3V typical
Package	TO-220 (through-hole)
Operating Temperature	-55°C to +175°C
Manufacturer	Infineon (International Rectifier)
RoHS Compliant	Yes

Why the IRLB8721 is the Community Favourite

• Ultra-low Rds(on) = 8.7mΩ — at 10A, only 0.87W dissipated; runs cool without a heatsink in most applications
• Logic-level gate — fully on at 4.5V Vgs; drives directly from 5V Arduino or 3.3V MCU GPIO without a gate driver
• 62A peak current — handles the highest-current 12V LED strips, motors, and solenoids without breaking a sweat
• Low gate charge (22nC) — fast switching, low drive power; suitable for PWM frequencies up to ~100kHz from MCU GPIO
• 30V Vds — ideal for 12V systems with ample headroom; not suitable for 24V+ systems (use STP40NF10L instead)
• Integrated body diode — built-in freewheeling diode for motor and inductive load switching

IRLB8721 vs Common Alternatives

MOSFET	Vds	Id	Rds(on)	Logic Level	Best For
IRLB8721	30V	62A	8.7mΩ	✅ Yes	12V LED strips, motors
IRLZ44N	55V	47A	22mΩ	✅ Yes	24V systems
STP40NF10L	100V	40A	28mΩ	✅ Yes	48V systems
IRF540N	100V	33A	44mΩ	❌ No (10V gate)	Gate driver required

Typical Applications

• 12V WS2812B / NeoPixel LED strip power switching
• DC motor speed control via Arduino PWM
• High-current 12V solenoid and relay driver
• 12V LED dimmer (PWM)
• Battery discharge switch and BMS low-side switch
• Electronic load and dummy load circuit
• 3D printer heated bed MOSFET replacement
• Automotive 12V accessory switching

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I drive this directly from a 3.3V MCU (ESP32, RP2040)?

Yes, but with caveats. At Vgs=3.3V, Rds(on) rises to approximately 15–20mΩ (check datasheet curves). For currents under 5A this is fine. For higher currents or PWM above 20kHz, use a gate driver (TC4427, ULN2003) to ensure full enhancement and fast switching.

Q: Do I need a heatsink for 12V LED strips?

For LED strips drawing under 10A, no heatsink is needed — power dissipation is under 1W. For 20A+ loads, attach a small TO-220 heatsink. The IRLB8721 runs significantly cooler than older MOSFETs like the IRF540N at the same current due to its lower Rds(on).

Q: Why is the Vds only 30V? Is that safe for 12V systems?

Yes — 30V provides 2.5× headroom over 12V, which is sufficient for most 12V applications. Inductive loads (motors, solenoids) generate voltage spikes — ensure your circuit has adequate flyback protection (body diode handles most cases). For 24V systems, use the IRLZ44N or STP40NF10L instead.

Package Contents

• 1× IRLB8721 N-Channel Power MOSFET (TO-220)

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