STMicroelectronics VN02NSPTR-E

Overview

VN02NSPTR-E 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 Tc = 25°C, features 5 V logic-compatible input, integrated thermal and under-voltage shutdown, open-drain diagnostic output, and 0.4 Ω typical R_DS(on) in PENTAWATT package.

For engineers reviewing the VN02NSPTR-E datasheet, VN02NSPTR-E pinout, VN02NSPTR-E application, or VN02NSPTR-E equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world protection behavior, load-driving capability limits, diagnostic logic truth table, and validated alternatives for high-side switching designs requiring fault reporting and robust short-circuit immunity.

Technical Context

The VN02NSPTR-E integrates a VIPower high-side MOSFET switch with on-die thermal sensing, undervoltage detection, and open-load monitoring. Its diagnostic output reflects three distinct states-normal operation (high), open circuit (low), and over-temperature (low)-via internal logic synchronized to switching edges with >100 µs delay for status determination.

Protection is hardware-based and autonomous: thermal shutdown triggers at 140 °C junction temperature and resets at ~125 °C; under-voltage lockout activates below 6.5 V V_CC; short-circuit response time is 1.5–5 ms depending on case temperature, with over-current threshold of 28 A and average short-circuit current limited to 0.9 A at T_c = 85 °C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PENTAWATT (5-pin, single-in-line, ECOPACK® lead-free) package with exposed metal tab for thermal dissipation; mechanical dimensions per Table 9 (e.g., L = 17.85 mm, G = 3.2–3.6 mm, D1 = 1.2–1.35 mm).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with VN02NSPTR-E, IPS1021HTR offers superior current handling and efficiency but sacrifices open-load visibility, while TPS27081AQPWPRQ1 trades thermal autonomy and diagnostic depth for compactness and precision current limiting - making VN02NSPTR-E optimal for mid-power, fault-aware industrial and body-control applications.

Availability

VN02NSPTR-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC output stages, smart HVAC actuator drivers, and truck trailer lighting controllers requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100-aligned reliability.

Supply support for VN02NSPTR-E 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, designing and manufacturing silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1987.

VN02NSPTR-E belongs to ST's VIPower M0-3 family of high-side drivers, engineered specifically for robust, self-protected switching in harsh environments where thermal resilience, diagnostic transparency, and automotive-grade ruggedness are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current for VN02NSPTR-E, and how does it vary with temperature?

The VN02NSPTR-E supports 6 A continuous output current at case temperature (T_c) = 25°C. Current rating decreases with rising T_c: it drops to approximately 3.5 A at T_c = 85°C and reaches zero at T_c ≈ 115°C, per the derating curve in Figure 10 of the datasheet. This behavior results from thermal resistance (R_thj-case = 4.35 °C/W) and internal thermal shutdown activation at 140 °C junction temperature.

How does the STATUS pin indicate open-circuit and over-temperature faults?

The STATUS pin is an open-drain output that pulls low (<0.4 V) for both open-circuit (no load) and over-temperature (T_j ≥ 140°C) conditions, and remains high during normal operation. The truth table (Table 8) confirms identical low-state behavior for both faults; distinguishing them requires correlating STATUS state with system temperature monitoring or timed load-current validation.

Can VN02NSPTR-E drive inductive loads without external flyback protection?

Yes - the VN02NSPTR-E integrates internal clamp circuitry to safely dissipate inductive flyback energy. However, for highly inductive loads (e.g., large solenoids), adding an external freewheeling diode across the load improves reliability and reduces stress on the internal clamp. Figure 12 shows a Schottky diode configuration for reverse-battery protection, which also aids in managing flyback polarity.

Is VN02NSPTR-E qualified for automotive applications, and what qualification level does it meet?

VN02NSPTR-E is not explicitly AEC-Q100 qualified per its datasheet, but it is widely deployed in automotive body electronics due to its design compliance with ISO 7637-2 pulse test margins, -40°C to 150°C junction temperature range, and ECOPACK® lead-free packaging. For AEC-Q100 Grade 1 or 2 requirements, ST recommends the pin-compatible VN02N07TR-E variant, which carries formal qualification documentation.