Markus, FETs can be VERY fast devices. They can easily become oscillators if any inductance (nanohenries...) appears in the source lead, including the inductance of the bonding wire and pin. The oscillating L-C circuit consists of the gate-to-drain capacitance and the source inductance. Frequency may be in the tens or hundreds of megahertz. The oscillation may or may not occur, depending on the Q of the circuit. Lossy circuits don't oscillate. Less lossy circuits may do damped ringing on turnon and turnoff. The 100 ohm resistor damps the oscillation. It's a VERY good idea to include it in any FET circuit that switches current on and off. For very fast switching, such as switching regulators, the resistor may have to be tuned to compromise between switching speed and the tendancy to ring. -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist