STMicroelectronics VN05N-E

Overview

VN05N from STMicroelectronics is a high-side smart power solid-state relay IC designed for driving resistive or inductive loads with one side grounded. It delivers 13 A continuous output current at Tc = 25°C, features 5 V logic-level compatible input control, integrated thermal and under-voltage shutdown, open-drain diagnostic output, and 0.18 Ω RDS(on) at 25°C. Used in automotive body control modules for headlight or fan switching.

For engineers reviewing the VN05N datasheet, VN05N pinout, VN05N application, or VN05N equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, validated pin functions, application-specific implementation guidance, and confirmed alternative parts with documented functional differences.

Technical Context

The VN05N integrates a high-side Power MOSFET with VIPower technology, enabling direct 5 V microcontroller interface without level-shifting. Its internal protection logic monitors junction temperature (shutdown at 140°C, reset at 125°C), supply voltage (UVLO at 6.5 V), and load status (open-load detection via diagnostic pin).

It operates with VCC from 7 V to 26 V and supports fast switching (td(on) = 15 µs, tf = 10 µs at 6 A resistive load). The open-drain STATUS output signals fault conditions-low for over-temperature or open-circuit, high for normal operation-with internal clamping at −0.7 V / +6 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PENTAWATT package: 5-pin, single-in-line (SIL), through-hole, ECOPACK® lead-free, with exposed metal tab for thermal dissipation (R_thj-case = 2.2 °C/W). Mounting requires mechanical fixation and thermal interface to heatsink.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BTS716G and MC33883, the VN05N offers simpler 5 V logic interface and auto-recovering thermal protection ideal for cost-sensitive, non-safety-critical automotive lighting and fan control-without SPI overhead or latched fault handling complexity.

Availability

VN05N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, industrial blower actuation, trailer interface modules, and off-highway solenoid drive requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for VN05N 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 analog, digital, and mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The VN05N belongs to ST's VIPower M0-3 high-side switch product line, engineered specifically for robust, self-protected DC load control in automotive body electronics and industrial automation where reliability under electrical stress and thermal overload is critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current for VN05N, and under what thermal condition is it specified?

The VN05N delivers 13 A continuous output current at case temperature (T_c) = 25°C, as stated in Table 1 and Section 2.3. This rating assumes adequate heatsinking; current must be derated linearly above 25°C per Figure 10, reaching ~6 A at T_c = 85°C. Junction temperature must remain ≤150°C under all operating conditions.

How does the STATUS pin indicate open-load versus over-temperature conditions?

The STATUS pin is open-drain and pulled low for both open-load and over-temperature faults, as shown in Table 8's truth table. Distinguishing between them requires timing analysis: open-load causes immediate low state after turn-on, while over-temperature triggers low only after thermal buildup (typically >1.5 ms in short-circuit). External firmware must interpret sequence and duration-not voltage level-to differentiate.

Can VN05N be used with a 3.3 V microcontroller for the INPUT pin?

Yes-the INPUT pin accepts 5 V logic levels but is compatible with 3.3 V CMOS outputs because its VIH threshold is only 2 V (Table 6). A 3.3 V GPIO high signal exceeds this minimum, ensuring reliable turn-on. No level shifter is needed, though a series resistor (e.g., 1 kΩ) is recommended to limit input current during transient events.

Is external flyback protection required when driving inductive loads?

No external flyback diode is required for typical inductive loads-the VN05N integrates an internal clamp that safely dissipates inductive energy during turn-off, as confirmed in Figure 12 and Section 3.1. However, for highly energetic loads (e.g., large solenoids with >100 mJ stored energy), a parallel RC snubber or external TVS may still be advised to limit dV/dt stress on the die.