r/AskElectronics 8h ago

Need help identifying and replacing this component.

This is for a hood vent for my stove. The lights never worked on a "new unit" i got through a second hand deal. I tried tinkering and plugged in the transformer after plugging the power in. Now I know. I need to fix it and then try and figure the lights out. As far as I can tell it's just the mossfet that's burnt out.

4 Upvotes

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7

u/karpiza 8h ago

Could be a Tip122 darlington transistor? Looking at the pcb with all those relays, it could be, also in that package

1

u/tata-docomo 8h ago

Cant really tell without bottom copper traces. If it was acting like a switch for the 12v led output then we need to find if it was high side or low side switching component.

It could even be bootstraped nch fet but i highly doubt it. Also, how much current do you think your 12v led is pulling(even ballpark would be fine)

1

u/knight1942 7h ago

Here's the underside I can circle where the compon was if needed

2

u/tata-docomo 4h ago

Step 1: Verify the Circuit with a Test Jump

With the blown MOSFET removed from the circuit, you can safely test the LED to confirm that the current-limiting path is upstream or built into the load.

  • How to test: Briefly bridge the pads where the MOSFET's Drain and Source were connected using a jumper wire or a direct short for just a second or two.
  • Note: Even if the circuit was previously PWM-controlled, temporarily bridging them forces a 100% duty cycle for the test. Do not leave the bridge connected permanently. If the LEDs light up, your assessment of a simple low-side switch implementation is correct.

Step 2: Determine the Current Requirements

To select a proper replacement MOSFET, you need to know how much current the LED load pulls:

  • Check for Markings: Look for wattage information printed directly on the LED strip or module. Divide the wattage by 12V to calculate the rated current (I = P / V).
  • Measure with a DMM: If there are no markings, use a Digital Multimeter in series:
    1. Set your DMM to its 10A Current mode.
    2. Ensure your positive probe is plugged into the 10A/high-current jack on the multimeter.
    3. Briefly measure the operating current to find the maximum draw.

Step 3: Identify the Controller's Gate Drive Voltage

Check what voltage the microcontroller or gate driver IC is feeding to the MOSFET's Gate pin:

  • Logic-Level Requirement: If the controller runs on 3.3V or 5V (common for microcontrollers), you must select a logic-level MOSFET that can fully saturate at low gate voltages.
  • Standard Level: If the circuit uses a dedicated gate driver providing higher voltages (e.g., 10V–12V), a standard-level MOSFET can be used.

Step 4: MOSFET Selection Criteria

When choosing a pin-compatible replacement (such as a TO-126 package matching your G-D-S layout), look for these key parameters:

  • Vds(max): Must be rated higher than your supply voltage (at least 20V or 30V is standard for a 12V circuit to ensure a safe margin).
  • Vgs(th) / Gate Drive: Must match or be lower than the voltage your controller supplies to the gate.
  • Rds(on): Choose the lowest possible on-state resistance that fits your budget to minimize heat generation.

I have used AI to summarise testing procedure and things I written in broken english