I am proposing to switch 12V AC at around 500mA using this a PICAXE in this configuration;
This involves using the body diode of the MOSFET to conduct and I find it difficult to get full specs on the body diode from many MOSFET datasheets. Clearly, the maximum current capability of the body diode is much less than that of the junction and therefore it would seem sensible to add an external Schottky diode across the MOSFET. My concern is that this may not actually help if the primary current flow is through the MOSFET body diode which may still overload. Can any of the experts advise regarding this configuration?
This involves using the body diode of the MOSFET to conduct and I find it difficult to get full specs on the body diode from many MOSFET datasheets. Clearly, the maximum current capability of the body diode is much less than that of the junction and therefore it would seem sensible to add an external Schottky diode across the MOSFET. My concern is that this may not actually help if the primary current flow is through the MOSFET body diode which may still overload. Can any of the experts advise regarding this configuration?