The MDmesh family includes several pin-compatible alternatives in the TO-220FP package; a cross-reference search against the base product number STP20N will surface candidates with similar voltage and current ratings.
Gate charge and switching — 56 nC at 10 V
With a maximum gate charge of 56 nC at 10 V, the STP20NM50FP requires a gate driver capable of sourcing and sinking that charge quickly to achieve low switching losses. The input capacitance is 1480 pF at 25 V drain-source. These figures are moderate for a 550 V, 20 A device and are compatible with standard MOSFET gate-drive ICs, but the gate threshold voltage maximum of 5 V at 250 µA means the drive voltage must be at least 10 V to achieve the rated on-resistance.
Heatsinking and airflow are essential for any load above a few amperes.
