On-resistance and gate drive — sizing the gate driver and heatsink
The gate threshold voltage is 4 V maximum at 250 µA drain current, so a 10 V gate drive rail is recommended to fully enhance the channel and achieve the rated on-resistance. With a maximum power dissipation of 30 W at the case, the TO-220FP's thermal resistance to heatsink must be factored in — the full-pack construction means the tab is electrically isolated but still needs a good thermal interface to the heatsink to keep junction temperature below 150°C at full load.
Lifecycle and sourcing — still in production, no LTB risk
For current designs this means no urgency to qualify an alternate; the part remains available through franchised and independent distribution.