STMicroelectronics VN5E160AS-E

Overview

VN5E160AS-E from STMicroelectronics is a single-channel automotive high-side driver in SO-8 package, designed to switch 12 V grounded resistive/inductive/capacitive loads with integrated diagnostics and protection. It features 160 mΩ typical R_ON, 10 A current limitation, 2 µA standby current, and CMOS-compatible 3.0 V logic inputs for direct microcontroller interfacing in body control modules.

For engineers reviewing the VN5E160AS-E datasheet, VN5E160AS-E pinout, VN5E160AS-E application, or VN5E160AS-E equivalent, key selection criteria include proportional analog current sense accuracy across -40 °C to 150 °C, OFF-state open-load detection capability, and thermal shutdown with autorestart behavior under sustained overload.

Technical Context

The device implements VIPower™ M0-5 technology to integrate power MOSFET, protection circuitry, and analog current sensing in one die. Its active power limitation manages inrush and short-circuit currents by dynamically clamping output voltage while maintaining precise current proportionality via the CS pin.

Diagnostics rely on dedicated pins: CS provides real-time load current feedback (K₀ = 490 typ. I_OUT/I_SENSE), while CS_DIS enables hardware disable of sensing. Protection functions include undervoltage shutdown at 4.5 V, overvoltage clamp up to 46 V, and overtemperature shutdown at 150 °C with 135 °C restart threshold.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO-8 (small-outline, surface-mount, 150 mil width), thermally enhanced for automotive under-hood operation with R_thj-pins = 30 °C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS4H160-Q1 and BD7F200GUL, the VN5E160AS-E uniquely delivers analog current sense with ±4% accuracy over full temperature range and hardware-enabled open-load detection-critical for functional safety compliance in ASIL-B body control systems.

Availability

VN5E160AS-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, LED lighting systems, engine bay fan control, and smart fuse replacement requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and lifetime requirements.

Supply support for VN5E160AS-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, specializing in automotive-grade power ICs, microcontrollers, and sensors with ISO/TS 16949-certified manufacturing.

VN5E160AS-E belongs to the VIPower™ high-side driver product line, engineered specifically for ASIL-B-compliant automotive load switching with integrated diagnostics and protection in compact packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current supported by VN5E160AS-E?

The VN5E160AS-E does not specify a fixed continuous current rating; instead, it uses active power limitation to sustain indefinite operation at up to 10 A under short-circuit conditions. Continuous current capability depends on PCB thermal design: with 10 cm² copper area, it supports ≥3.5 A at 85 °C ambient per Figure 36. Derating curves in Figure 23 and Table 4 define exact limits based on case temperature and layout.

How does the CS_DIS pin affect diagnostic functionality?

Pulling CS_DIS high disables the internal current sense amplifier, forcing CS pin into high-impedance state. This allows multiple VN5E160AS-E devices to share a single external sense resistor and ADC input, reducing system-level component count. When disabled, all analog current feedback and related diagnostics (e.g., overload indication) are suspended until CS_DIS returns low.

Can VN5E160AS-E drive inductive loads like fuel pumps or solenoids?

Yes-the device supports inductive loads with built-in demagnetization energy handling up to 36 mJ (L = 8 mH, V_bat = 13.5 V). Its V_DEMAG clamp (V_CC − 46 V) suppresses flyback voltage spikes, and turn-off voltage slope control prevents EMI issues. Application schematic Figure 32 shows recommended snubberless implementation for solenoid drivers.

Is reverse battery protection fully integrated or externally dependent?

Reverse battery protection is partially integrated: the device tolerates −0.3 V on VCC but requires external protection on the GND pin (via resistor or diode network per Section 3.1) to survive full −14 V reverse connection. Without this external network, reverse polarity will damage the IC. The internal architecture prevents latch-up but does not eliminate need for external GND-side protection.