Guide to Selecting Hot-Swap MOSFETs for Servers

This technical report provides a comprehensive guide on selecting MOSFETs for server applications, particularly focusing on their suitability for hot-swap operations. It outlines the necessary electrical and thermal parameters critical for effective MOSFET selection, using a case study of the Nexperia 100 V application-specific MOSFET (ASFET), specifically the PSMN2R3-100SSE in LFPAK88 package. The document details the importance of parameters such as maximum drain-to-source voltage (VDSmax), drain-to-source on-state resistance (RDSon), and Safe Operating Area (SOA). It emphasizes the need for in-rush current control and fault protection in hot-swap circuits, particularly in AI server architectures where subsystems can be replaced without powering down the entire system. Additionally, it discusses the implications of input voltage ranges and power dissipation in MOSFETs, along with the significance of packaging and PCB layout in thermal management. The report serves as a valuable resource for engineers involved in the design and implementation of hot-swap circuits in modern server environments.