STMicroelectronics VN820SP13TR

Overview

VN820SP13TR from STMicroelectronics is a monolithic high-side driver IC fabricated in VIPower M0-3 technology, designed to switch resistive, inductive, or capacitive loads connected to ground. It features 40 mΩ on-state resistance, 9 A continuous output current, 36 V supply voltage capability, and integrated open-load detection in both ON and OFF states. Used in automotive body control modules for driving lamps, solenoids, and relays.

For engineers reviewing the VN820SP13TR datasheet, VN820SP13TR pinout, VN820SP13TR application, or VN820SP13TR equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal behavior under load, protection logic timing, and real-world implementation guidance for ISO 7637-1 compliant 12 V systems.

Technical Context

The device integrates active VCC clamping for low-energy transient suppression per ISO 7637-1 Pulse 1/2/3a/3b, with internal current limiting (9–20 A), thermal shutdown at 150–200 °C, and automatic restart. Protection includes reverse battery tolerance via external ground network, loss-of-ground detection, and undervoltage (4 V) / overvoltage (36 V) lockout.

Open-load detection operates with external pull-up resistor in OFF state (VOL = 1.5–3.5 V threshold) and internally in ON state (IOL = 70–300 mA threshold). Status pin provides fault reporting with 0.5 V low-level output and 10 µA leakage, synchronized to input transitions with 200 µs ON-state and 1000 µs OFF-state detection delays.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSO-10™ - surface-mount, thermally enhanced 10-pin package with exposed die pad for direct PCB copper thermal coupling.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with VN820SP13TR, STVN800SP13TR offers superior thermal performance for high-duty-cycle loads, while TPS27081AQPWPRQ1 trades automotive robustness for ultra-low standby power-neither provides identical diagnostic completeness or transient immunity.

Availability

VN820SP13TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, engine management systems, commercial vehicle auxiliary switching, and industrial PLC output stages requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for VN820SP13TR 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 vertical manufacturing and AEC-Q100 qualification expertise.

VN820SP13TR belongs to the VIPower® high-side driver product line, engineered specifically for automotive-grade load switching with integrated diagnostics, protection, and ISO 7637-1 compliance in harsh electrical environments.

FAQ

What is the recommended external pull-up resistor value for OFF-state open-load detection?

For reliable OFF-state open-load detection, use an external pull-up resistor (R_PU) between OUTPUT and +5 V. To avoid false detection with load connected: R_PU < (5 V − 3.5 V) / |I_L(off2)| = 1.5 V / 75 µA ≈ 20 kΩ. To ensure detection when load is disconnected: R_PU > (5 V / R_L) × R_L / (3.5 V − 1.5 V) - typically 10–47 kΩ. ST recommends 22 kΩ for most 12 V automotive loads.

How does the VN820SP13TR handle inductive load turn-off energy?

During inductive turn-off, the VN820SP13TR clamps the OUTPUT voltage to V_CC − 41 V (min) to limit demagnetization energy. With V_CC = 13.5 V, this yields ~−27.5 V clamp, safely dissipating stored energy in the load coil. Maximum switching energy is 481 mJ (L = 4 mH, I_L = 13 A), validated for single-pulse operation at T_j = 150 °C.

Can the STATUS pin drive an MCU GPIO directly without a level shifter?

Yes - the STATUS pin is open-drain with 0.5 V max low-level voltage at I_STAT = 1.6 mA and 10 µA leakage when high. When pulled up to 3.3 V or 5 V, it delivers clean logic-low (≤0.5 V) and logic-high (>3 V) signals compatible with standard MCU GPIO inputs. No level shifter is required if the MCU's V_IO matches the pull-up voltage.

Is reverse battery protection built-in or external?

Reverse battery protection is not fully integrated - the VN820SP13TR tolerates −0.3 V on V_CC and −200 mA on GND, but sustained reverse polarity requires external protection. ST recommends either a series ground resistor (R_GND ≤ 600 mV / I_S(on)max) or a Schottky diode (D_GND) in the ground path, optionally paralleled with 1 kΩ for inductive loads.