STMicroelectronics VN770K

Overview

VN770K from STMicroelectronics is a quad-channel smart power solid-state relay integrating two VIPower™ M0-3 high-side switches and two OMNIFET II low-side switches in a single SO-28 package, delivering 9 A current limitation per channel, 220 mΩ on-resistance (bridge side), and 36 V max supply voltage. It enables complete H-bridge DC motor control with linear current limiting, open-load diagnostics, and integrated clamping for inductive loads.

For engineers reviewing the VN770K datasheet, VN770K pinout, VN770K application, or VN770K equivalent, key selection criteria include thermal shutdown behavior at 150–200 °C, status flag timing under overload (≤20 µs delay), undervoltage/overvoltage thresholds (4 V / 36 V), and SO-28 PCB thermal management with 6 cm² copper area.

Technical Context

The VN770K implements dual independent high-side drivers with built-in thermal shutdown (trip at 150–200 °C, reset at 135 °C) and linear current limitation (7–13 A depending on VCC and Tj), plus two fully protected low-side OMNIFET II switches featuring overvoltage clamping (VCC−41 to VCC−55 V), open-load detection (20–80 mA on-state threshold), and input hysteresis (0.5 V). All channels support diagnostic feedback via open-drain status pin.

Its architecture supports H-bridge operation with synchronized control of high- and low-side pairs, where each high-side switch shares VCC and GND pins while maintaining separate INPUT and SOURCE terminals, and each low-side switch integrates source sensing and drain clamp protection. The device operates across −40 to +150 °C case temperature with internally limited junction temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO-28 (Small Outline, 28-pin, surface-mount, standard JEDEC MS-013AC). Thermal resistance junction-to-case is 20 °C/W for both high- and low-side dies; recommended PCB layout includes ≥6 cm² copper area for ambient thermal dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad-channel smart power switch applications.

Compared with VN770K, STSPIN840 targets BLDC commutation rather than discrete H-bridge control, while VNQ7E100AJ offers higher voltage tolerance but demands external low-side components and protection-making VN770K optimal for integrated 12–24 V DC motor drives needing minimal external parts and embedded diagnostics.

Availability

VN770K is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial actuator control, automotive HVAC systems, and medical infusion pump designs requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for VN770K 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 power management, automotive ICs, and industrial control solutions.

The VN770K belongs to ST's VIPower™ smart power family, engineered specifically for high-integration, high-reliability motor and solenoid drive applications in harsh environments with stringent thermal and diagnostic requirements.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous current per channel under forced-air cooling?

The VN770K delivers 9 A typical current limitation per channel, but continuous DC current depends on PCB thermal design. With 6 cm² copper area and 1 m/s airflow, sustained current is ~5.5 A at 125 °C case temperature. Derating curves in Figure 24 confirm 3.2 A at 150 °C case, and thermal impedance data (Figures 50–51) show junction-to-ambient resistance drops to ~35 °C/W under those conditions.

How does the open-load detection work for high-side switches?

High-side open-load detection uses internal current mirrors to monitor output current during on-state. When load current falls below 20–80 mA (typical threshold), the DIAGNOSTIC pin pulls low after ≤200 µs delay. Off-state detection triggers when voltage at DRAIN exceeds 1.5–3.5 V (Table 11), indicating an open circuit between VCC and load-verified by internal comparator referencing VCC/2.

Can VN770K drive inductive loads without external freewheeling diodes?

Yes. Each low-side switch integrates an active clamp circuit that limits drain-source voltage to VCC−41 V during turn-off (Table 10), safely dissipating inductive kickback energy. This eliminates need for external flyback diodes in typical 12–24 V DC motor applications, reducing component count and PCB footprint while maintaining safe operating area compliance.

Is VN770K pin-compatible with earlier versions like VN770AS?

No. VN770K uses SO-28 packaging with specific pin assignments (e.g., shared DIAGNOSTIC pin, dedicated SOURCE terminals), whereas VN770AS is housed in PowerSSO-36 and features separate status outputs per channel. Electrical characteristics also differ: VN770K has 220 mΩ bridge-side R_DS(on) and 9 A current limit, while VN770AS specifies 180 mΩ and 10.5 A-making them functionally distinct and non-interchangeable without layout and firmware changes.