5 mOhm Rds(on) in an SO-8 — the conduction-loss ceiling
The IRF7842TRPBF: Rds(on) is 5 mOhm at 17 A, 10 V.
Gate charge and drive voltage — switching loss budget
Gate charge is 50 nC at 4.5 V. Drive voltage range for rated Rds(on) is 4.5 V to 10 V.
Package and thermal reality
Maximum power dissipation is 2.5 W at 25 °C ambient — this is the thermal limit in still air without a heatsink. For continuous operation above a few amps, the PCB copper area under the drain pins becomes the primary thermal path; a 1 oz copper pour of at least 1 square inch is typical to keep junction temperature below the 150 °C maximum.
