STMicroelectronics VN5012SAKTR-E

Overview

VN5012SAKTR-E from STMicroelectronics is a single-channel automotive high-side driver with integrated analog current sense, designed for controlling resistive, inductive, or capacitive loads connected to ground. It features 12 mΩ typical on-state resistance, 65 A typical current limitation, ±8% current sense ratio drift over temperature and load, and operates across 4.5–36 V supply range in underhood environments.

For engineers reviewing the VN5012SAKTR-E datasheet, VN5012SAKTR-E pinout, VN5012SAKTR-E application, or VN5012SAKTR-E equivalent, key selection criteria include its ISO7637-compliant VCC clamp (41–52 V), thermal shutdown with auto-restart, reverse battery protection interface requirements, and CMOS-compatible 3.0 V logic input with hysteresis.

Technical Context

The device implements VIPower® M0-5 monolithic technology with active power limiting during inrush, self-limiting fast thermal transients, and dual-stage overload protection: immediate current limiting followed by thermal shutdown at 150–200 °C with 7 °C hysteresis. Its analog current sense delivers proportional output (K₀ = 3090–7070) with <2 µA leakage when disabled via CS_DIS.

Protections include undervoltage shutdown (4.5 V threshold), overvoltage clamp, loss-of-ground/loss-of-VCC detection, and ESD robustness (4 kV HBM on INPUT/CURRENT SENSE). The 24-pin PowerSSO-24 package integrates exposed VCC tab for thermal conduction and supports PCB copper area–dependent R_thj-amb down to ~20 °C/W.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Delivered in PowerSSO-24 package with exposed VCC tab for enhanced thermal dissipation. Pin count: 24. Package footprint compatible with standard SMT reflow profiles per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with VN5012SAKTR-E, BTS7004-1EPP trades integrated diagnostics for lower unit cost, while MC33883 sacrifices transient robustness and current capability for simpler interface-making VN5012SAKTR-E optimal for new 48 V–compatible, ASIL-B–targeted automotive designs requiring analog current visibility and fail-operational thermal behavior.

Availability

VN5012SAKTR-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, engine management actuation, and body control module applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for VN5012SAKTR-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.

VN5012SAKTR-E belongs to the VIPower® high-side driver family, engineered specifically for ISO7637-compliant automotive power distribution with integrated diagnostics and thermal resilience.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current rating for VN5012SAKTR-E?

The device does not specify a continuous DC current rating due to thermal dependence on PCB layout and ambient conditions. Its 65 A current limit is a short-circuit protection threshold; sustained current must be derated based on R_thj-amb, which ranges from ~20 to >50 °C/W depending on copper area. At 25 °C ambient with 200 cm² double-sided copper, continuous current is approximately 12 A.

How does the CS_DIS pin affect current sense functionality?

When CS_DIS is driven high (>2.1 V), the CURRENT SENSE pin enters high-impedance state with ≤2 µA leakage, effectively disabling analog feedback. When CS_DIS is low (<0.9 V) or floating, the pin delivers I_SENSE = I_OUT/K, where K varies from 3090 to 7070 depending on load and temperature. This enables software-controlled diagnostic activation to minimize system power during sleep modes.

Can VN5012SAKTR-E drive inductive loads without external flyback diodes?

Yes-the device integrates an internal VCC clamp that absorbs demagnetization energy up to 508 mJ (L = 1.25 mH, V_bat = 13.5 V). However, external RC snubbers or TVS devices are still recommended for high-energy inductive loads (e.g., starter solenoids) to extend lifetime and ensure robustness beyond datasheet test conditions.

What is the purpose of the exposed VCC tab in the PowerSSO-24 package?

The exposed VCC tab serves dual functions: it provides low-inductance, high-current connection to the battery rail and acts as the primary thermal conduction path from the die to the PCB. Mounting the tab directly to a large copper pour reduces R_thj-amb by up to 60%, enabling higher sustained current capability and improved reliability in underhood environments up to 125 °C ambient.