P-Channel load switch — what the 60 V / 12 A rating buys you
The STP12PF06 is a P-Channel MOSFET from STMicroelectronics' STripFET™ II series, packaged in a through-hole TO-220-3.
Stock is out there — this was a high-volume STripFET™ II part — but date codes will vary and traceability to the original fab lot is something to verify on any quote.
Gate drive and switching — 10 V recommended, 21 nC total gate charge
The drive voltage for rated Rds(on) is 10 V, with a maximum gate-source rating of ±20 V. Input capacitance is 850 pF at 25 V drain-source, which keeps the gate-drive power modest in a 50-100 kHz switching regulator. The 4 V threshold at 250 µA is a typical P-channel number; ensure the gate drive swings rail-to-rail for full enhancement at high current.
