STMicroelectronics VN751STR

Overview

VN751STR from STMicroelectronics is a high-side power switch IC designed for industrial load control with ground-referenced loads. It delivers 2.5 A DC output current, features 60 mΩ R_DS(on), operates up to 36 V supply voltage, and integrates open-drain status reporting, thermal shutdown, short-circuit protection, and fast demagnetization for inductive loads - ideal for PLC output modules compliant with IEC 61131-2.

For engineers reviewing the VN751STR datasheet, VN751STR pinout, VN751STR application, or VN751STR equivalent, this device supports robust industrial switching where loss-of-ground detection, ±4 kV ESD immunity (IEC 61000-4-4), and active V_DS clamping are critical design requirements.

Technical Context

The VN751STR implements VIPower M0-3 technology to integrate a vertical power MOSFET with CMOS-compatible input logic, thermal sensing, current limiting, and active clamp circuitry. Its internal protection architecture responds to undervoltage (3–5.5 V), overvoltage (36 V), junction temperature >150 °C, and ground disconnection via dedicated sensing paths.

It provides fast demagnetization by actively clamping the output to V_demag ≈ V_CC − 55 V during inductive turn-off, dissipating energy both internally and across the load. The status pin outputs an open-drain signal indicating ON/OFF state, overtemperature, or current-limit conditions per the truth table in Section 6 of the datasheet.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO-8 (Small Outline, 8-pin, ECOPACK® compliant). Dimensions per Table 10: D = 4.90 mm, E = 6.00 mm, e = 1.27 mm pitch. Recommended footprint in Figure 14 includes thermal pad connection to V_CC pins for optimal R_th(JC) ≤ 15 °C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STVN7008ASTR and BTS716G, the VN751STR uniquely combines loss-of-ground protection, active demagnetization, and IEC 61000-4-4 compliance in a single SO-8 package - making it optimal for certified industrial PLC outputs where functional safety and EMC robustness are non-negotiable.

Availability

VN751STR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC modules, automated test equipment, smart lighting controllers, and factory automation systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for VN751STR 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, mixed-signal, power, and microcontroller solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The VN751STR belongs to ST's VIPower high-side driver family, engineered specifically for rugged industrial control applications demanding integrated protection, diagnostic capability, and compliance with IEC 61131-2 and IEC 61000-4-4 standards.

FAQ

What is the maximum inductive load energy the VN751STR can safely demagnetize?

The VN751STR supports up to 650 mJ of single-pulse avalanche energy at V_CC = 24 V and T_AMB = 125 °C, as specified in Table 2. This value assumes proper PCB thermal design (2 cm² copper pour) and accounts for internal power dissipation during active clamp operation. Exceeding this requires an external Schottky diode, which disables fast demagnetization.

Does the VN751STR require an external pull-up resistor on the STATUS pin?

Yes - the STATUS pin is open-drain and must be pulled up to a logic-compatible voltage (e.g., 3.3 V or 5 V) with a resistor typically between 4.7 kΩ and 10 kΩ. This enables clear high/low signaling for fault detection and avoids floating states that could misreport device status during startup or fault conditions.

Can the VN751STR drive loads with supply voltages above 36 V?

No - the absolute maximum V_CC rating is 45 V, but the functional operating range is strictly 5.5 V to 36 V per Table 4. Operation above 36 V risks triggering overvoltage shutdown (V_OV = 36 V threshold) and may cause premature device failure. Transient spikes up to 45 V are tolerated briefly due to the active clamp, but sustained operation is not permitted.

How does the VN751STR detect loss of ground, and what happens when it occurs?

The device continuously monitors current flow through the GND pin using internal sensing circuitry. If reverse ground current exceeds −200 mA (indicating disconnection), the IC immediately disables the output and pulls STATUS low. This behavior is hardware-based, requires no configuration, and ensures fail-safe shutdown within microseconds - critical for preventing hazardous floating-load conditions in safety-rated systems.