STMicroelectronics VN380SP-E

Overview

VN380SP-E from STMicroelectronics is a monolithic smart solenoid driver and solid-state relay built with VIPower™ technology, designed to control inductive loads such as automotive valves, fuel injectors, and industrial actuators. It delivers up to 7 A load current, features CMOS-compatible inputs, integrated clamps, thermal shutdown, and diagnostic output for open-coil detection. Its dual power rails (Vpwr1/Vpwr2 up to 60 V) and recirculation-mode operation support robust solenoid demagnetization.

For engineers reviewing the VN380SP-E datasheet, VN380SP-E pinout, VN380SP-E application, or VN380SP-E equivalent, key selection criteria include on-resistance (0.11 Ω), overvoltage threshold (27 V), thermal shutdown temperature (160–200 °C), diagnostic propagation delay (70 µs), and PowerSO-10 package compatibility with high-power PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The VN380SP-E integrates two independent N-channel DMOS power switches (S1 for excitation, S2 for recirculation) with logic-controlled mode sequencing per its truth table: excitation (A=H, B=H), recirculation (A=H, B=L), and demagnetization (fast turn-off triggered by Vcl1/Vcl2 comparison). Each switch includes dedicated overcurrent, overvoltage, and thermal protection circuits that force automatic mode transition without external intervention.

Its diagnostic output provides latched low-level indication of open-load conditions (Iload < 5–700 mA), activated on the falling edge of INPUT B, and remains asserted until INPUT A toggles. The internal clamping network limits inductive flyback energy to ≤100 mJ at 40 Hz, with clamp voltages specified at 60–80 V (Vcl1) and 24–33 V (Vcl2), enabling safe energy dissipation during coil de-energization.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The VN380SP-E is housed in a PowerSO-10 surface-mount package with exposed thermal pad, optimized for high-current conduction and thermal dissipation (Rthj-case = 1.67 °C/W max). Pin numbering follows top-view configuration per ST's mechanical drawing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar solenoid driver applications.

Compared with VN380SP-E, VN5E050AJTR-E reduces conduction loss but sacrifices programmable demagnetization and dual-rail flexibility, while STVN380SPTR-E offers identical performance in automated manufacturing format-making VN380SP-E optimal for prototyping and low-volume board builds requiring tube packaging.

Availability

VN380SP-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive fuel injection systems, industrial pneumatic valve control, HVAC actuator modules, and medical infusion pump designs requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for VN380SP-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 analog, digital, and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The VN380SP-E belongs to ST's VIPower™ smart-power family, engineered specifically for high-reliability solenoid and inductive load control in harsh environments where integrated protection, diagnostics, and thermal resilience are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the function of the two power supply pins (Vpwr1 and Vpwr2)?

Vpwr1 supplies the excitation path (S1 switch) and powers internal logic, while Vpwr2 supplies the recirculation path (S2 switch) independently. This separation isolates flyback energy from the main control rail, reduces noise coupling, and enables precise demagnetization timing via Vcl1/Vcl2 comparison-critical for solenoids requiring fast, repeatable release.

How does the open-load detection work, and what triggers the DIAG output?

Open-load detection activates when load current falls below 5–700 mA (Iol range). The DIAG output goes low on the falling edge of INPUT B and remains latched until INPUT A toggles low-then-high. This behavior ensures fault persistence across control cycles and eliminates need for continuous microcontroller polling-ideal for intermittent fault scenarios like connector vibration or partial coil burnout.

Can VN380SP-E drive AC solenoids or only DC types?

VN380SP-E is designed exclusively for DC inductive loads. Its internal architecture-dual N-channel DMOS switches, unidirectional clamps, and DC-rated absolute maximums (e.g., -0.3 V reverse voltage)-does not support AC waveform reversal or zero-crossing control. Using it with AC solenoids would cause immediate failure due to reverse-bias stress on S1/S2 and undefined DIAG behavior.

What PCB layout considerations are critical for thermal performance?

Maximize copper area under the exposed thermal pad (pins 6/7 GND and underside metal) using ≥4 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter, spaced ≤1.2 mm apart) connected to an internal ground plane. Keep Vpwr1/Vpwr2 traces wide (>1.5 mm) and short, isolate DIAG signal routing from power loops, and avoid placing components directly above the die area to ensure Rthj-case stays near 1.67 °C/W under 7 A load.