STMicroelectronics VN02N-E

Overview

VN02N from STMicroelectronics is a high-side smart power solid-state relay IC designed for driving grounded resistive or inductive loads in automotive and industrial control systems. It delivers 6 A continuous output current at T_c = 25°C, features 5 V logic-compatible input, thermal and under-voltage shutdown, open-drain diagnostic output, and 0.4 Ω R_DS(on) at I_OUT = 3 A and T_j = 25°C.

For engineers reviewing the VN02N datasheet, VN02N pinout, VN02N application, or VN02N equivalent, key selection considerations include its high-side switching architecture, integrated diagnostics for open-load and over-temperature detection, 60 V V_DSS rating, PENTAWATT package thermal performance (R_thj-case = 4.35 °C/W), and automotive-grade protection features including reverse-battery tolerance with external Schottky diode.

Technical Context

The VN02N integrates a VIPower high-side MOSFET switch with embedded protection logic and status feedback. Its internal thermal sensor triggers shutdown at 140°C junction temperature and auto-resets at ~125°C. The open-drain STATUS pin reports open-circuit (no load) and over-temperature conditions via defined voltage thresholds and timing constraints (>100 µs after switching edge).

Protection functions operate independently: under-voltage shutdown activates below 6.5 V V_CC, short-circuit response time is 1.5–5 ms, and over-current threshold is 28 A (R_LOAD < 10 mΩ). Input logic thresholds are hysteresis-enabled (V_IH = 2 V min, V_IL = 0.8 V max, V_IHYS = 0.5 V), with internal 6 V clamp on INPUT and STATUS pins.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The VN02N is housed in a PENTAWATT (5-pin, single-in-line) package with isolated heatsink tab (pin 3), optimized for high-power dissipation (R_thj-case = 4.35 °C/W) and surface-mount or through-hole mounting. Pin 3 serves as both thermal pad and electrical ground connection.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-side smart power switch applications.

Compared with IPS1025H and TPS27082L, the VN02N uniquely combines 6 A drive capability, open-load + over-temperature diagnostics, 60 V rating, and automotive-qualified thermal protection-making it the only option among the three validated for BCM lighting and heavy-duty solenoid control with full fault visibility.

Availability

VN02N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC output stages, smart fuse replacements, and commercial vehicle HVAC blower control requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for VN02N includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in automotive, industrial, and power management solutions with vertical manufacturing and broad IP portfolio.

The VN02N belongs to ST's VIPower M0-3 family of high-side drivers, engineered specifically for robust, diagnostic-capable load switching in 12 V/24 V automotive and industrial environments where reliability and functional safety are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current for VN02N and under what thermal conditions?

The VN02N delivers 6 A continuous output current at case temperature (T_c) = 25°C, as specified in Table 1 and confirmed in Section 2.3. At higher case temperatures, current must be derated per Figure 10 - e.g., to approximately 3.5 A at T_c = 85°C. This rating assumes proper heatsinking via pin 3 (GND/heatsink) with R_thj-case = 4.35 °C/W.

How does the open-drain STATUS pin indicate fault conditions?

The STATUS pin asserts low (≤0.4 V) for two distinct fault conditions: open-load (no connected load) and over-temperature (>140°C junction). In normal operation with load present and safe temperature, STATUS remains high-impedance (open-drain pulled up externally). Per Table 8, STATUS goes low within >100 µs after switching edge if either condition occurs.

Can VN02N be used in 12 V automotive systems without additional protection?

No - VN02N requires external reverse-battery protection. As detailed in Section 3.2, a Schottky diode must be placed between pin 1 (GND) and chassis ground (Figure 12) to withstand -26 V reverse supply. Without this, the device may be damaged. Alternatively, connecting the control unit's signal ground to pin 1 (Figure 13) allows use of a standard diode but requires board-level grounding reconfiguration.

What is the purpose of the internal 6 V clamp on the INPUT and STATUS pins?

The internal 6 V clamp (per Table 6 and Table 7) limits voltage stress on input and status circuitry during transients or miswiring. It allows safe interfacing with 5 V logic while preventing damage from overshoots up to 6 V. For higher-voltage inputs, an external series resistor must be added to limit input current to ≤10 mA, as VIH is clamped at ~6 V and IIN must stay within ±10 mA absolute maximum ratings.