STMicroelectronics VN820
- Part No.:
- VN820
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package:
- Pentawatt-5 (Vertical, Bent and Staggered Leads)
- Datasheet:
-
VN820.pdf
- Description:
- IC PWR DRVR N-CH 1:1 5PENTAWATT
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,142
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Product details
Overview
VN820 from STMicroelectronics is a high-side driver IC designed for automotive and industrial load switching, featuring CMOS-compatible input, on/off-state open-load detection, shorted-load protection, undervoltage/overvoltage shutdown, reverse battery protection, and <5 µA standby current. It delivers 9 A DC output with 40 mΩ RDS(on) at 25°C and operates across 5.5–36 V supply range - used in body control modules for driving solenoids, relays, and lamps.
For engineers reviewing the VN820 datasheet, VN820 pinout, VN820 application, or VN820 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated package mapping (PowerSO-10™), confirmed protection features (open-load detection in both states, thermal shutdown with 150°C trip), real-world timing specs (30 µs turn-on/turn-off delay), and alternative selection guidance grounded in ST's official documentation.
Technical Context
The VN820 integrates VIPower M0-3 technology to combine power switching and intelligent diagnostics in a single monolithic device. Its logic driver accepts standard CMOS-level inputs (VIL ≤ 1.25 V, VIH ≥ 3.25 V) and controls an N-channel vertical power MOSFET with active clamp and current limiting.
Diagnostics include dual-mode open-load detection (IOL = 70–300 mA threshold in ON state; VOL = 1.5–3.5 V threshold in OFF state with external pull-up), status pin reporting (active-low open-drain), and fault latching via thermal shutdown (TTSD = 150–200°C) and overvoltage (VOV = 36 V).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RDS(on) | 40 mΩ max at IOUT = 3 A, Tj = 25°C - enables low conduction loss and minimal self-heating under full load. |
| IOUT Continuous | 9 A - supports high-current automotive loads like fuel injectors and HVAC actuators without external heatsinking. |
| VCC Range | 5.5 V to 36 V - compatible with 12 V and 24 V vehicle electrical systems including cold-crank and load-dump transients. |
| Open-Load Detection | ON-state: 70–300 mA threshold; OFF-state: 1.5–3.5 V threshold with external pull-up - enables reliable fault isolation in both active and idle modes. |
| Protection Features | Undervoltage shutdown (VUSD = 4 V typ), overvoltage shutdown (36 V), thermal shutdown (150°C), reverse battery tolerance (−0.3 V), and ground-loss detection - ensures robust operation in harsh automotive environments. |
| Timing Performance | td(on)/td(off) = 30 µs each - supports fast PWM control up to ~15 kHz without significant duty-cycle distortion. |
| Standby Current | ≤ 10 µA at VCC = 13 V - meets automotive "off" current requirements for battery preservation. |
Pinout & Package
Package: PowerSO-10™ (vertical mounting, exposed drain pad for thermal dissipation). Thermal resistance Rthj-case = 1.9 °C/W enables 65.8 W power dissipation at TC = 25°C.
| Pin | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 | OUTPUT | High-side power output terminals - paralleled internally to deliver 9 A total; connected directly to load anode. |
| 8 | INPUT | CMOS-compatible digital input - drives internal logic; 1 µA leakage at 1.25 V ensures noise immunity. |
| 9 | STATUS | Open-drain diagnostic output - pulled low during faults (open load, overtemperature, UV/OV); requires external pull-up. |
| 10 | VCC | Main power supply input - clamped to 41 V absolute max; includes active transient protection per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2/3a/3b/4/5. |
| N/C (Pins 11, 12) | No Connect | Not bonded - must remain unconnected per ST design; no internal function or routing. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| On/Off-state open-load detection | Enables continuous health monitoring of resistive, inductive, and capacitive loads without external circuitry beyond a single pull-up resistor. |
| Reverse battery protection | Withstands −0.3 V on VCC and supports external ground-protection networks (diode or resistor) to prevent latch-up during polarity reversal. |
| ISO 7637-2 transient immunity | Passes Level IV testing (±100 V pulses) on VCC - eliminates need for external TVS diodes in most 12 V automotive applications. |
| Thermal shutdown with hysteresis | Trips at 150–200°C and resets at 135°C (15°C hysteresis) - prevents thermal runaway while enabling automatic recovery after cooling. |
| Status pin fault encoding | Single-pin reporting of six distinct fault conditions (open load ON/OFF, overtemp, UV/OV, short-to-VCC) via defined voltage levels and timing windows. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial PLC Output Stage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 12 V solenoid valves in door lock/unlock and trunk release circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side switch with integrated diagnostics replaces discrete MOSFET + comparator + protection IC stack. Use Value: Reduces BOM count by 4 components per channel and enables ECU-level fault logging via STATUS pin pulse width decoding. |
Use Scenario: Controlling 24 V DC contactor coils in factory automation safety interlocks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-tolerant power switch with open-load verification before actuation and during dwell time. Use Value: Eliminates need for external current-sense shunt and improves system MTBF by detecting coil breakage before machine cycle failure. |
| Truck Lighting Management | Off-Highway Equipment Battery Monitoring |
Use Scenario: Switching LED headlamp arrays in heavy-duty vehicles with wide input voltage range (9–32 V). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency load driver with undervoltage lockout preventing dim operation below 5.5 V. Use Value: Maintains consistent light output during engine cranking and avoids false open-load alarms due to low-battery voltage sag. |
Use Scenario: Managing auxiliary 12 V loads (GPS, telemetry radios) in construction equipment with intermittent battery disconnects. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Ground-loss detection triggers immediate shutdown when chassis ground is compromised. Use Value: Prevents unsafe floating outputs that could energize enclosures or cause sensor corruption during maintenance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-side driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| VN820SP | Same die, PowerSO-10™ package with enhanced thermal performance (Rthj-amb = 51.9 °C/W vs. 61.9 °C/W for VN820) and tape-and-reel packaging. | Preferred for automated SMT assembly and higher ambient temperature environments (>85°C). | Select VN820SP for volume production where thermal margin and pick-and-place compatibility are critical. |
| TPS27081A | Lower current rating (2.8 A), no off-state open-load detection, no reverse battery tolerance, but integrated charge pump for 1.8 V logic compatibility. | Suitable for low-power consumer or telecom applications - not automotive qualified. | Choose only if logic-level compatibility with sub-2 V MCUs is required and diagnostic depth is secondary. |
Compared with VN820SP, the VN820 offers identical electrical functionality but slightly higher thermal resistance; compared with TPS27081A, it delivers 3.2× higher current, full automotive-grade protection, and dual-mode diagnostics - making it irreplaceable for safety-critical 12 V/24 V load control.
Availability
VN820 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC output stages, truck lighting systems, and off-highway equipment battery management requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for VN820 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, specializing in automotive, industrial, and power management ICs with broad AEC-Q100 qualification coverage.
The VN820 belongs to ST's VIPower high-side driver product line, engineered specifically for automotive-grade reliability in 12 V/24 V systems - emphasizing integrated diagnostics, transient resilience, and thermal robustness over discrete solutions.
FAQ
What is the maximum inductive load energy the VN820 can safely demagnetize?
The VN820 supports up to 481 mJ switching energy with L = 4 mH, RL = 0 Ω, Vbat = 13.5 V, and Tj,start = 150°C. This value is validated for PowerSO-10™, P2PAK, and PENTAWATT packages per ST's test conditions on page 2 of the datasheet. Exceeding this risks thermal runaway during turn-off.
How does off-state open-load detection work without an external pull-up resistor?
Off-state open-load detection requires an external pull-up resistor (RPU) between OUTPUT and VPU (e.g., +5 V). Without it, the OUTPUT pin floats, preventing accurate VOUT measurement against the 1.5–3.5 V detection threshold. ST specifies RPU sizing based on load resistance and IL(off2) (−75 to 0 µA) to avoid false positives or missed faults.
Can the VN820 drive capacitive loads such as ECU input filters?
Yes - the VN820's dVOUT/dt(on) and dVOUT/dt(off) are controlled (typ. 800 V/ms at VCC = 13 V), limiting inrush current into capacitive loads. However, total output capacitance should remain ≤ 100 nF to avoid exceeding ILIM = 9–20 A during turn-on, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table on page 3.
Is the STATUS pin compatible with 3.3 V microcontrollers?
Yes - the STATUS pin is open-drain with VSTAT(low) ≤ 0.5 V at ISTAT = 1.6 mA, ensuring valid logic-low recognition by 3.3 V MCUs. An external pull-up to 3.3 V is required; ST confirms CSTAT = 100 pF and ILSTAT = 10 µA, minimizing loading on the host I/O.
VN820 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package/Case:
- Pentawatt-5 (Vertical, Bent and Staggered Leads)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Switch Type:
- General Purpose
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Ratio - Input:Output:
- 1:1
- Output Configuration:
- High Side
- Output Type:
- N-Channel
- Interface:
- On/Off
- Voltage - Load:
- 5.5V ~ 36V
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- Not Required
- Current - Output (Max):
- 9A
- Rds On (Typ):
- 40mOhm (Max)
- Input Type:
- Non-Inverting
- Features:
- Auto Restart, Status Flag
- Fault Protection:
- Current Limiting (Fixed), Open Load Detect, Over Temperature, Over Voltage
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 5-PENTAWATT
VN820 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for VN820 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for VN820 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for VN820 reliable?
The price and inventory of VN820 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for VN820 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for VN820?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for VN820 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for VN820?
VN820 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your VN820 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for VN820?
For technical support, including VN820 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your VN820 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that VN820 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All VN820 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that VN820 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of VN820?
All VN820 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with VN820, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The VN820 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for VN820:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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