STMicroelectronics VN5012AKTR-E

Overview

VN5012AKTR-E from STMicroelectronics is a single-channel automotive high-side driver with integrated analog current sense, designed for driving resistive, inductive, or capacitive loads connected to ground. It features 12 mΩ typical on-state resistance, 65 A typical current limitation, 4.5–36 V operating supply range, and CMOS-compatible 3.0 V input logic - enabling direct MCU interfacing in engine control, body electronics, and lighting modules.

For engineers reviewing the VN5012AKTR-E datasheet, VN5012AKTR-E pinout, VN5012AKTR-E application, or VN5012AKTR-E equivalent, key selection criteria include its proportional current sense accuracy across –40°C to 150°C, reverse battery protection capability, thermal shutdown with auto-restart, and ISO7637 transient compliance for 12 V/24 V vehicle systems.

Technical Context

This device implements ST's VIPower® M0-5 technology to integrate power MOSFET, protection circuitry, and analog current sensing in a single monolithic chip. Its active VCC clamp (41–52 V) handles low-energy transients per ISO7637, while self-limiting thermal response prevents destructive power dissipation during sustained overload.

The current sense function delivers ISENSE = IOUT / K (K = 3090–7070 depending on load and temperature), with CS_DIS enabling high-impedance disable mode. Diagnostic outputs include thermal shutdown indication and undervoltage lockout at 4.5 V with 0.5 V hysteresis - supporting robust fault detection in safety-critical automotive subsystems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Delivered in PowerSSO-24 package - thermally enhanced exposed-tab SO-24 variant with integrated heatsink pad tied to VCC. Optimized for PCB copper area ≥ 400 mm² to achieve R_thj-amb ≤ 25°C/W in free-air conditions.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with VN5012AKTR-E, BTS50080-1TAD trades current sensing for lower unit cost, while MC33883 replaces analog sense with digital configurability - making VN5012AKTR-E optimal for cost-constrained, analog-centric automotive designs requiring precision load monitoring without added components.

Availability

VN5012AKTR-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, body control modules, lighting systems, and start-stop actuators requiring stable component supply across automotive production lifecycles.

Supply support for VN5012AKTR-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 specializing in automotive-grade power ICs, microcontrollers, and sensors - with vertical manufacturing and AEC-Q100 qualified product lines.

VN5012AKTR-E belongs to ST's VIPower® high-side driver family, engineered specifically for automotive power distribution and load control where reliability, thermal resilience, and integrated diagnostics are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current rating for VN5012AKTR-E?

The device does not specify a fixed continuous current rating due to thermal dependence on PCB layout and ambient conditions. At T_j = 150°C with 400 mm² copper area, it sustains ~12 A continuously. Its 65 A current limit is for short-circuit protection, not steady-state operation - actual usable current must be determined using R_thj-amb curves from Figure 29 and power dissipation calculations.

How does the current sense function behave when CS_DIS is high?

When CS_DIS is driven high (≥2.1 V), the CURRENT SENSE pin enters high-impedance state with leakage ≤2 µA over temperature. No current flows into or out of the pin, effectively disconnecting the internal sense amplifier. This eliminates measurement errors and power loss in applications where diagnostics are disabled during normal operation.

Can VN5012AKTR-E drive inductive loads without external flyback diodes?

No - an external freewheeling diode must be placed across the inductive load (cathode to VCC, anode to OUTPUT). The device's internal clamp only handles low-energy transients (e.g., ISO7637 Pulse 1); it cannot absorb full demagnetization energy from solenoids or relays. Figure 27 specifies maximum allowable L × I² based on VCC and temperature.

Is VN5012AKTR-E compliant with AEC-Q100 qualification standards?

Yes - it is qualified per AEC-Q100 Grade 0 (–40°C to +150°C junction temperature), with test reports covering HTOL, TC, UHAST, ESD, and mechanical stress. Full qualification data is documented in ST's official release package for VN5012AK-E, applicable to the TR-E tape-and-reel variant.