STMicroelectronics VN820-E

Overview

VN820-E from STMicroelectronics is a monolithic high-side driver IC designed in VIPower® M0-3 technology for driving grounded loads in automotive and industrial power distribution systems. It features 40 mΩ R_DS(on), 9 A continuous output current, 36 V max V_CC, on/off-state open-load detection, thermal shutdown with automatic restart, and reverse battery protection. It is widely used in body control modules for lamp and solenoid control.

For engineers reviewing the VN820-E datasheet, VN820-E pinout, VN820-E application, or VN820-E equivalent, key selection considerations include its AEC-Q100 qualification, integrated diagnostics (status pin), active current limitation, load dump resilience per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 2a/5a, and compatibility with 3.3 V/5 V CMOS microcontrollers.

Technical Context

The VN820-E integrates a vertical power MOSFET with smart logic, protection circuitry, and diagnostic feedback in a single die. Its input stage accepts CMOS-compatible logic levels (V_IL ≤ 1.25 V, V_IH ≥ 3.25 V), while the status pin provides real-time fault reporting via open-drain output with clamp voltage of 6–8 V and leakage <10 µA.

Protection architecture includes undervoltage lockout (V_USD = 4 V typ.), overvoltage clamp (V_demag = V_CC − 48 V), thermal shutdown at 150 °C with 15 °C hysteresis, and dual-mode open-load detection: <300 mA load current threshold in on-state and >2.5 V output voltage threshold in off-state.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PENTAWATT package (5-pin, through-hole, thermally enhanced); pin 1 = Input, pin 2 = Ground, pin 3 = Output, pin 4 = Status, pin 5 = V_CC. Thermal resistance R_thj-case = 1.9 °C/W enables high-power operation with minimal heatsinking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS27082L, VN820-E delivers superior automotive robustness (reverse battery, ISO 7637-2 compliance) and richer diagnostics; compared with IPS1025H, it offers smaller footprint, lower cost, and simpler GPIO-based integration at the expense of configurability.

Availability

VN820-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC output stages, and commercial vehicle lighting systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and transient stress conditions.

Supply support for VN820-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, industrial, and power management ICs with broad manufacturing and quality certification infrastructure.

The VN820-E belongs to ST's VIPower® high-side driver product line, engineered specifically for automotive power distribution and load control applications demanding AEC-Q100 qualification, integrated diagnostics, and high transient immunity.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current rating for VN820-E?

The VN820-E is rated for 9 A continuous output current under specified thermal conditions (T_c ≤ 150 °C). Its internal current limiter activates at 13 A typical, protecting against short circuits. Actual achievable current depends on PCB copper area and ambient temperature - with 6 cm² of 35 µm Cu, R_thj-amb drops to 37 °C/W, supporting sustained 9 A operation at 85 °C ambient.

Does VN820-E require an external flyback diode for inductive loads?

No external flyback diode is required. The VN820-E integrates an active V_CC clamp that safely dissipates demagnetization energy during turn-off. For L = 6 mH and I_OUT = 3 A, the clamp limits V_OUT to V_CC − 48 V, eliminating voltage overshoot. This feature is validated per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a and reduces bill-of-materials cost and board space.

How does the status pin indicate thermal shutdown?

During thermal shutdown, the status pin pulls low (V_STAT ≤ 0.5 V) for ≥20 ms after junction temperature exceeds 150 °C. It remains low until T_j falls below 135 °C (15 °C hysteresis), then returns high after a brief stabilization delay. This behavior is defined in Table 12 (Truth Table) and Figure 4 (Status timings), enabling MCU firmware to log overtemperature events and initiate derating.

Can VN820-E be used with 3.3 V microcontrollers?

Yes. The VN820-E input is CMOS-compatible with V_IL ≤ 1.25 V and V_IH ≥ 3.25 V, making it fully compatible with standard 3.3 V logic outputs. Input current is only 1 µA at V_IN = 1.25 V, imposing negligible loading on MCU GPIO. No level-shifting circuitry is needed, simplifying interface design in mixed-voltage automotive ECUs.