STMicroelectronics VN31(012Y)

Overview

VN31(012Y) from STMicroelectronics is a high-side smart power solid-state relay in PENTAWATT in-line package, designed for automotive ISO-compliant load switching. It delivers 31 A continuous output current at Tc = 85 °C, features 5 V logic-compatible input, open-drain diagnostic output, thermal shutdown, and –18 V inductive demagnetization voltage-enabling robust control of grounded resistive or inductive loads such as headlights, solenoids, and fuel pumps.

For engineers reviewing the VN31(012Y) datasheet, VN31(012Y) pinout, VN31(012Y) application, or VN31(012Y) equivalent, key selection criteria include ISO-compliant nominal current (11.5 A), R_DS(on) ≤ 0.03 Ω at T_j = 25 °C, V_demag = –18 V, under-voltage lockout at 5 V, and diagnostic filtering times (t_1(on)/t_1(off) = 1–10 ms).

Technical Context

The VN31(012Y) integrates a VIPower MOSFET with embedded protection logic and diagnostics. Its high-side architecture places the switch between battery (V_CC) and load, with ground-referenced load return. The device implements fast inductive demagnetization via internal clamp to –18 V, reducing energy dissipation during turn-off by controlling (di/dt)_off up to 3 A/µs.

Protection functions operate autonomously: thermal shutdown triggers at T_j = 140 °C and resets at 125 °C; overcurrent detection activates at 140 A short-circuit peak; open-load detection operates in both ON and OFF states with 5 ms filtering; undervoltage lockout engages below 5 V supply.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VN31(012Y) uses the PENTAWATT in-line package: 5-pin, through-hole, vertical lead orientation with integrated heatsink tab (pin 3). Package dimensions per Figure 14: L2 ≈ 23.4 mm, L3 ≈ 25.65 mm, H3 ≈ 10.4 mm, mounting hole Ø ≈ 3.75 mm.

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, VN31(012Y) uniquely combines ISO-compliant 31 A high-side drive, autonomous –18 V demagnetization, and dual-state open-load reporting-making it irreplaceable for legacy automotive body control modules requiring drop-in reliability without firmware dependency.

Availability

VN31(012Y) is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, fuel system actuation, chassis solenoid management, and HVAC actuator applications requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for VN31(012Y) 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 vertical manufacturing and AEC-Q100 qualification expertise.

VN31(012Y) belongs to ST's VIPower® high-side switch product line, engineered specifically for ISO 7637-compliant automotive load driving with integrated protection, diagnostics, and thermal resilience.

FAQ

What is the maximum inductive load energy the VN31(012Y) can safely demagnetize?

The VN31(012Y) sustains –18 V clamp during turn-off, limiting peak demagnetization power per cycle to P_dem = 0.5 × L × I² × [(V_CC + 18)/18] × f. For example, with V_CC = 13 V, I = 11.5 A, f = 10 Hz, and L = 1 mH, dissipation remains <1.2 W-well within its 54 W thermal budget at T_c = 85 °C.

Does VN31(012Y) require an external Schottky diode for reverse-battery protection?

Yes-per ST's application guidance (Figure 10), a Schottky diode must be placed between pin 1 (GND) and chassis ground to withstand –26 V reverse battery. Without it, the device is not protected against continuous reverse polarity, though it tolerates transient negative spikes per ESD spec (–0.7 V clamp on STAT and IN pins).

Can VN31(012Y) drive loads directly from a 24 V truck battery system?

Yes-its V_CC range is 5.5–26 V, and it withstands ISO 7637-2 pulse 5 level III (46.5 V) when paired with a 150 Ω resistor and 1000 µF capacitor. At 24 V, R_DS(on) increases slightly with temperature but remains ≤0.045 Ω at T_j = 125 °C, supporting 25 A continuous output.

How does the open-load diagnostic behave during PWM operation?

The STAT pin reports open load only after a sustained disconnection ≥5 ms (t_1(on) min). During PWM, brief off-periods <5 ms do not trigger false faults. However, if load disconnects during an ON pulse and remains open for >5 ms, STAT asserts low immediately-enabling accurate fault logging without compromising switching performance.