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How come there are components in TO220 packages that supposedly take 100A given their small legs? (programming.dev)
submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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Not sure if this is a dumb question but this has me quite puzzled.

The legs on TO220 packages are very small. How is it that there are e.g MOSFETS rated as being able to continuously conduct ~100A? e.g IRF1404Z

From what I understand such large currents need busbars on PCBs and these appear a lot larger than the legs on these components.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

For the IRF1404Z, under the absolute maximum ratings, continuous drain current is given as 140A. If it was for something like picoseconds, it doesn't seem meaningful labeling it 'continuous current'?