Question 1

If im trying to drive a 12v solenoid with this, would i be able to use the 3.3v signal from an arduino to switch the solenoid on?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you certainly can!  I've driven solenoids and relays off of the 3.3 V signals from the Arduino using this very MOSFET as the driver, and it works very well.  This MOSFET, like all MOSFETS, has a very high input impedance, and is voltage controlled like a vacuum tube.  So you draw hardly much current at all from the Arduino to control it. 
 However, I do prefer to drive these MOSFETS using a slightly higher voltage using a basic switching transistor (like NPN 2N3904) to crank up the voltage a little higher from the Arduino before applying it to the gate of the MOSFET.  Also, I generally prefer to use an opto-isolator between the Arduino and MOSFET to protect against any chance of kickback from the solenoid or MOSFET.  It's pretty straightforward, but I will include a simple diagram here in a video when I get a chance.  Always be sure to put a clamping diode In reverse bias across the relay or solenoid to dampen the high voltage kickback spikes from the solenoid or relay.  I hope this helps to answer your question.  Recapping, you can drive an N channel versions of this MOSFET directly from the Arduino, but my preference is to use an intermediary switching transistor and/or an opto-isolator.  If you use the P channel version, drive the gate using a PNP switching transistor, such as 2N3906.  Again, as time permits I will include a video diagram since a picture is always worth a thousand words.  But I hope this helps in some way to answer your question!

Question 2

is this a logic level mosfet? will i be able to switch 12v with a 3.3v signal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, indeed!  You can drive it from 5.5 Volts quite nicely.  It is designed mainly as an end output device used for switching large current flows.  Having viewed the signals directly with a scope it turns on and off quite fast and with a clean signal,  On the other hand, like most MOSFETS you can also make a pretty nice linear amplifier with it too.  But again, it does switch on and off quite well as a logic controlled device.  I hope this helps answer your question somewhat.

ASIN	B085J2HQQ5
Best Sellers Rank	#176,222 in Industrial & Scientific ( See Top 100 in Industrial & Scientific ) #66 in MOSFET Transistors
Customer Reviews	4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (152)
Date First Available	March 5, 2020
Item Weight	1.13 ounces
Item model number	BJ-MOS-260N
Manufacturer	BOJACK
Material	lead
Package Dimensions	2.83 x 2.05 x 0.67 inches
Part Number	BJ-MOS-260N
Size	5 Piece

BOJACK IRFP260 MOSFET Transistors IRFP260N 50A 200V N-Channel Power MOSFET IRFP260NPBF TO-247AC (Pack of 5)

Description

Specifications

Common Questions