STMicroelectronics VN16B-11-E

Overview

VN16B-11-E from STMicroelectronics is a high-side smart power solid-state relay IC designed for automotive ISO-compliant load switching, featuring 20 A continuous output current at Tc = 85 °C, 40 V drain-source breakdown voltage, 0.06 Ω on-state resistance, and integrated open-drain diagnostic output. It drives grounded resistive or inductive loads in engine control units, body electronics, and lighting modules.

For engineers reviewing the VN16B-11-E datasheet, VN16B-11-E pinout, VN16B-11-E application, or VN16B-11-E equivalent, key selection criteria include thermal shutdown behavior (140–180 °C), inductive demagnetization clamp (–18 V), under-voltage lockout (3.5–6 V), and ISO-defined nominal current (5.6 A at VCC = 13 V, VDS ≤ 0.5 V).

Technical Context

The VN16B-11-E integrates a VIPower MOSFET with embedded protection logic, operating as a single-channel high-side switch with logic-level (5 V compatible) input control and status feedback via open-drain STAT pin. Its internal architecture includes thermal sensing adjacent to the power die, fast demagnetization circuitry generating –18 V clamp during turn-off, and hysteresis-based under-voltage detection.

Functional diagnostics distinguish fault types: open load (off-state or on-state) triggers STAT low with tpol delay (50–2500 µs), while overtemperature causes STAT low with shorter tpovl delay (5–10 µs). The device disables output when GND is disconnected and VCC ≤ 16 V, and supports reverse-battery protection via external Schottky diode placement per Figure 10.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The VN16B-11-E is supplied in PENTAWATT vertical package (Order Code suffix -11-E), a 5-pin through-hole power package with exposed metal tab for thermal dissipation. Pin 1 = GND, Pin 2 = IN, Pin 3 = STAT, Pin 4 = V_CC, Pin 5 = OUT.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STSPIN250 and TPS27081A, the VN16B-11-E uniquely combines ISO-defined high-side switching, –18 V inductive demagnetization, and time-discriminated fault diagnostics-making it irreplaceable for safety-critical automotive relay replacement where coil energy management and UDS-compliant diagnostics are mandatory.

Availability

VN16B-11-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control modules, body control units, headlamp drivers, and heated rear window systems requiring stable component supply across extended automotive temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for VN16B-11-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, specializing in automotive, industrial, and power management ICs with broad manufacturing and quality certification coverage.

The VN16B-11-E belongs to ST's VIPower M0-3 family of high-side smart power switches, engineered specifically for ISO 16750-compliant automotive load driving with integrated protection and diagnostics.

FAQ

What is the function of the STAT pin, and how is it used in system diagnostics?

The STAT pin is an open-drain diagnostic output that signals faults including open load (in on- or off-state), overtemperature, and short-to-V_CC. It requires an external pull-up resistor. Fault type is distinguished by timing: overtemperature pulls STAT low with tpovl delay (5–10 µs), while open load uses longer tpol delay (50–2500 µs), enabling microcontroller-based fault classification without additional sensors.

Does the VN16B-11-E require an external flyback diode when driving inductive loads?

No. The VN16B-11-E integrates active demagnetization circuitry that generates a –18 V clamp at turn-off, eliminating the need for external flyback diodes. This reduces board space, cost, and failure points while improving reliability in relay and solenoid applications where rapid current decay is critical.

How does the thermal shutdown mechanism respond to short-circuit conditions?

In short-circuit, the thermal shutdown reacts with virtually no delay because the temperature sensor is embedded directly in the power MOSFET die. Shutdown occurs at 140–180 °C junction temperature, and automatic recovery begins once junction temperature falls to TR = 125 °C, providing robust self-protection without external intervention.

Can the VN16B-11-E operate from a 24 V truck battery system?

Yes. The VN16B-11-E supports V_CC up to 26 V and is rated for 40 V drain-source breakdown, making it suitable for 24 V commercial vehicle systems. Its under-voltage lockout (3.5–6 V) and thermal protection remain fully functional across the extended supply range, and reverse-battery protection can be implemented using the Schottky diode configuration shown in Figure 10.