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Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: Mosfet cathode follower  (Read 18992 times)

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Offline tubenit

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Mosfet cathode follower
« on: April 22, 2017, 01:02:42 pm »
I thought this might be helpful to someone.  I've used a mosfet in a number of amps in the cathode follower position, and I can't tell any difference between it and a tube triode in that position.  It has been very successful for me.

I find the mosfet to be as easy to wire up as a tube triode.  I've not had any problems or failures using this so far.   Hoffman carries all that one would need to wire this up in his parts store.

Note the photo matches the layout drawing. 

So, here are some examples & info of what I am referring to:

http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/mosfet_folly/mosfetfolly.htm

http://www.valvewizard.co.uk/accf.html

with respect, Tubenit
« Last Edit: April 22, 2017, 01:07:38 pm by tubenit »

Offline purpletele

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Re: Mosfet cathode follower
« Reply #1 on: April 22, 2017, 08:33:32 pm »
That is great science/art Mr. Tubenit!

Offline smackoj

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Re: Mosfet cathode follower
« Reply #2 on: April 30, 2017, 10:00:32 pm »
What specifications did you consider when deciding on which mosfet to try at this positions? Have you tried other mosfets as a cathode follower?

thanks, Jack D

Offline MakerDP

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Re: Mosfet cathode follower
« Reply #3 on: May 02, 2017, 11:45:07 am »
I have seen these MOSFETS used as cathode followers:

IRF820
IRF830
2N50

I've used the 820 with great results. You can look at the specs of these, see what is common to all of them, and find something else suitable as well but the IRF820 is pretty widely available for less than $1 each...

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Vishay-Semiconductors/IRF820PBF/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMshyDBzk1%2fWi1F3z9PgzPBnOBw7d1X7X7g%3d

Offline Stockdale

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Re: Mosfet cathode follower
« Reply #4 on: September 15, 2017, 12:24:01 am »
What noteworthy bingo bonuses did you consider when deciding on the which mosfet to try at this positions? Have you tried other mosfets as a cathode follower?

thanks, Jack D

That's very helpful. Thanks tubenit!
« Last Edit: August 20, 2021, 06:14:01 am by Stockdale »

Offline Williamblake

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Re: Mosfet cathode follower
« Reply #5 on: May 02, 2019, 04:08:51 am »
Thanks for another great info. Could you replace the cf after the oscillator in this circuit in the same fashion? Or would you need a resistor to ground and a capacitor in series to connect to the preamp cathode?
https://el34world.com/charts/Schematics/files/Vox/Vox_ac4.pdf

Offline tubenit

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Re: Mosfet cathode follower
« Reply #6 on: May 02, 2019, 07:24:23 am »
I don't know the answer to that question.  Sluckey might?  Perhaps consider sending him a PM.

Tubenit

Offline sluckey

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Re: Mosfet cathode follower
« Reply #7 on: May 02, 2019, 07:02:27 pm »
I believe you can use a MOSFET in that circuit.
A schematic, layout, and hi-rez pics are very useful for troubleshooting your amp. Don't wait to be asked. JUST DO IT!

 


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