The 2N7000 is a legendary small-signal N-channel enhancement mode MOSFET. Known for its low gate threshold voltage and high-speed switching, it is the go-to component for digital logic interfacing. It is manufactured using a high-cell density DMOS process to ensure ruggedness and reliability even in high-speed pulse applications.
If you are looking for a “digital switch” to allow a 5V microcontroller to talk to higher voltage peripherals, the 2N7000 is likely the first part you’ll reach for.
2N7000 Pinout Configuration
Important: While the 2N7000 uses the same TO-92 package as the BS170, the pin order is reversed in most standard versions. Always double-check your manufacturer.
| Pin Number | Terminal Name | Description |
| 1 | Source (S) | The terminal where electrons enter the channel (typically Ground). |
| 2 | Gate (G) | The voltage-controlled input. |
| 3 | Drain (D) | The terminal where electrons leave (typically the Load). |
Technical Specifications
The 2N7000 is designed for low-power applications. If your project exceeds 200mA, you should consider the BS170 or a larger power FET.
- Transistor Polarity: N-Channel
- Max Drain-Source Voltage (VDS): 60V
- Max Continuous Drain Current (ID): 200mA
- Max Pulsed Drain Current (IDM): 500mA
- Gate-Source Voltage (VGS): ± 20V (Continuous) / ± 40V (Pulsed)
- Gate Threshold Voltage (VGS(th)): 0.8V to 3.0V
- Static Drain-Source On-Resistance (RDS(on)): 5.0$\Omega$ (at VGS = 10V)
- Total Power Dissipation (PD): 400mW
2N7000 vs. BS170: Which one to use?
Because these two MOSFETs are so similar, they are often swapped, but they are not identical.
| Feature | 2N7000 | BS170 |
| Max Current (ID) | 200mA | 500mA |
| Power Dissipation | 400mW | 830mW |
| Pinout (TO-92) | S – G – D | D – G – S |
Summary: Use the BS170 for higher power loads (relays, small motors). Use the 2N7000 for high-speed signal switching and logic-level translation where power consumption must be kept to a minimum.
Common Applications
- Logic Level Shifting: Translating signals between 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers.
- LED PWM Dimming: Controlling the brightness of small indicator LEDs.
- Gate Driving: Using the 2N7000 to “kick” the gate of a much larger high-current MOSFET.
- Analog Switching: Managing signal routing in audio and sensor circuits.
2N7000 Equivalent & Substitutes
- 2N7002: The SMD (SOT-23) version of the 2N7000.
- BS170: Higher current alternative (Watch the pinout!).
- BSS138: A very popular logic-level shifter MOSFET in SMD.
Related Tutorials on elxhub
- Master Selection: Need help choosing? See our Ultimate MOSFET Selection Guide.
- Signal Shifting: Learn how to bridge different logic levels in our Logic Level Shifter Tutorial.
- Basics: Understand how MOSFETs differ from BJTs in Transistors – Basics, Types, and Working.
Pro-Tip for elxhub Users
The Reversed Pinout Trap: If you replace a BS170 with a 2N7000 and the circuit doesn’t work (or the chip gets hot), you likely have the Drain and Source swapped. Rotate the MOSFET 180 degrees to see if that fixes the issue!
Conclusion
The 2N7000 remains a staple of the electronics industry due to its low cost and ease of use with modern logic. Its high input impedance ensures that it won’t load down your microcontroller pins, making it a “safer” switch than an NPN transistor for delicate digital signals.
Download the MOSFET Datasheet pdf
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Comprehensive 2N7000 MOSFET datasheet. Discover its 200mA current limit, TO-92 pinout, and why its leads are different from the BS170. Perfect for Arduino logic switching.