STMicroelectronics VN5050J-E

Overview

VN5050J-E from STMicroelectronics is a single-channel automotive high-side driver IC designed for controlling resistive, inductive, and capacitive loads connected to ground. It features 50 mΩ on-state resistance (R_ON), 19 A typical current limitation (I_LIMH), 4.5–36 V operating supply range, and integrated open-load detection in both ON/OFF states - enabling robust load monitoring in engine control units and body electronics.

For engineers reviewing the VN5050J-E datasheet, VN5050J-E pinout, VN5050J-E application, or VN5050J-E equivalent, key selection criteria include its PowerSSO-12 package thermal performance (R_thj-case = 2.7 °C/W), ISO 7637-2 pulse-compliant transient immunity, reverse battery protection capability, and CMOS-compatible 3.0 V logic input with hysteresis.

Technical Context

The VN5050J-E integrates VIPower M0-3 technology to combine power MOSFET switching with intelligent diagnostics and protection logic in a monolithic high-side configuration. Its architecture includes active power limitation during inrush, thermal shutdown with automatic restart, and dual-mode open-load detection using internal voltage/current thresholds.

Diagnostic functions are implemented via an open-drain STATUS pin and an active-high STAT_DIS pin that places STATUS in high-impedance when asserted. Protection mechanisms include undervoltage shutdown (V_USD = 4.5 V), overvoltage clamp (up to 52 V), output stuck-to-VCC detection, and self-limiting response to fast thermal transients.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The VN5050J-E is housed in a PowerSSO-12 surface-mount package with exposed thermal pad (TAB = V_CC). The package supports high-power dissipation (R_thj-case = 2.7 °C/W) and is qualified for automotive under-hood environments (T_j = –40°C to +150°C).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with the VN5050J-E, the BTS7040-1EPP trades off thermal efficiency and diagnostic flexibility for ruggedized packaging, while the MC33883 sacrifices automotive-grade transient immunity for programmability and compactness - making VN5050J-E optimal for cost-sensitive, thermally constrained, and ISO 7637-2–compliant high-reliability applications.

Availability

VN5050J-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, body control modules, ADAS cooling systems, and commercial vehicle lighting requiring stable component supply across automotive production lifecycles.

Supply support for VN5050J-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 manufacturing certified to IATF 16949 and AEC-Q100 standards.

The VN5050J-E belongs to ST's VIPower high-side driver family, engineered specifically for automotive load driving with integrated diagnostics, protection, and EMC resilience - targeting replacement of discrete MOSFET+driver solutions in ECUs and body electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current the VN5050J-E can deliver without thermal shutdown?

The VN5050J-E delivers up to 10 A continuously at T_case = 85°C with 100 mm² copper pour (2 oz), based on its R_thj-amb = 35 °C/W (Figure 31) and 150°C thermal shutdown threshold. At ambient 25°C with adequate PCB copper, it sustains 15 A before entering power-limited mode. Derating curves in Figure 20 confirm I_LIML = 7 A under thermal cycling.

How does the VN5050J-E handle reverse battery conditions?

The VN5050J-E itself is not reverse-battery tolerant on GND; instead, it requires an external protection network (diode or resistor) on the GND line per Figure 27. This design prevents latch-up and damage when battery polarity is inverted, and is validated for 200 mA reverse GND current (Table 4). The V_CC clamp remains active during reverse events to protect internal circuitry.

Can the STATUS pin be used without an external pull-up resistor?

No - the STATUS pin is open-drain and requires an external pull-up (typically 4.7 kΩ to V_CC) to generate valid logic-high levels. Without it, STATUS remains floating during normal operation and fails to assert high during open-load or overtemperature faults, as shown in Figure 4 waveforms and Table 12 truth table (STATUS = X when V_SD = 0 V and no pull-up).

Is the VN5050J-E compliant with AEC-Q100 Grade 0 or Grade 1?

The VN5050J-E is qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (–40°C to +125°C ambient), with extended junction temperature operation up to +150°C. Its thermal shutdown (T_TSD = 150°C) and reset (T_R = 135°C) thresholds, plus characterization across –40°C to +150°C (Table 6), align with Grade 1 stress testing and lifetime reliability requirements for under-hood automotive use.