JFET Vs. MOSFET: Understand the Difference Between JFET and MOSFET
Both of these are field-effect transistors with different terminal devices. There is a crucial difference between JFET and MOSFET. In the case of JFETs, the electric field present across the PN junction of reverse-biased type controls the channel conductivity. On the other hand, in the case of MOSFET, the transverse electric field present across the insulating layers (that gets deposited on the material of a semiconductor) controls the channel conductivity.
Their characteristics, as well as operating principles, are almost very similar. Still, their lot of aspects differ from each other. We can say that MOSFET is an advanced FET version. It emerged for overcoming the overall disadvantages of the FETs. Both of these can easily change the conductivity according to the applied voltage. Thus, they find their application while amplifying the electrical signals.
In this article, we will discuss the difference between JFET and MOSFET in a comparison chart. But let us first understand their individual functionalities.
What is JFET?
The term JFET is an acronym for Junction Gate FET (Field-Effect Transistor). It is a device with three terminals. You can use various applications of JFET in the form of amplifiers, switches, etc. It has two broad categories: P-Channel JFET N-Channel JFET.
What is MOSFET?
The term MOSFET is an acronym for Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor FET. It is a device with four terminals, namely body (B), drain (D), gate (G), and source (S). It has two major classifications: the Enhancement Mode MOSFET and the Depletion Mode MOSFET.
Difference Between JFET and MOSFET
| Parameters | JFET | MOSFET |
| Input Impedance | The input impedance in the case of JFET is much smaller, primarily around the order 108 Ω. | The input impedance in the case of MOSFET is much higher, primarily around the order 1010-1015 Ω because it has a very small current leakage. |
| Mode of Operation | JFET only operates on the depletion mode. | You can easily operate the MOSFET on enhancement or depletion mode. |
| Drain Resistance | It has a drain resistance of about 105 to 106 Ω. | It has a drain resistance of about 1 to 50 Ω. |
| Characteristic Curve | It has a very high drain resistance. Thus, in this case, the characteristic curve turns out to be comparatively much flatter. | In the case of MOSFET, the characteristic curve turns out to be comparatively less flat than JFET. |
| Process of Fabrication | The process of fabrication in the case of JFET is much more complex than that of MOSFET. | One can easily fabricate MOSFET. Thus, it is very much more in use. |
| Susceptible to Damage | JFET is not very susceptible to damage. Thus, it requires no special handling. | MOSFET is very susceptible to voltage overload. Thus, it requires very special handling. |
| Cost | The cost of manufacturing a JFET is much less than that of MOSFET. | It is comparatively more expensive to manufacture MOSFET as compared to the JFET. |
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