STMicroelectronics VN920

Overview

VN920 from STMicroelectronics is a single-channel high-side solid-state relay (HSD) designed for driving ground-referenced loads in automotive and industrial power distribution systems. It features 16 mΩ R_DS(on), 30 A continuous output current, 36 V maximum supply voltage, integrated proportional current sense (K ≈ 4400), and comprehensive protection including thermal shutdown, overvoltage clamp (41 V), undervoltage lockout (4 V typ), and reverse battery tolerance. It is used in body control modules for controlling lamps, solenoids, and actuators.

For engineers reviewing the VN920 datasheet, VN920 pinout, VN920 application, or VN920 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, package-specific thermal data, real-world protection behavior under ISO 7637 transients, analog current sense accuracy across temperature, and validated alternatives for load switch replacement in 12 V/24 V DC systems.

Technical Context

The VN920 implements a monolithic VIPower M0-3 process high-side switch with active V_CC clamp, internal current limiting, and junction temperature–based thermal shutdown at 150 °C (with 15 °C hysteresis). Its analog current sense output delivers I_SENSE = I_OUT/K where K ranges from 3300 to 6000 depending on I_OUT and temperature.

It supports CMOS-compatible logic input (V_IL = 1.25 V, V_IH = 3.25 V), provides short-circuit protection with automatic restart after thermal recovery, and detects loss of ground or V_CC. The device meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1–5 immunity requirements with Class C performance across all test levels.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VN920 is available in three packages: PENTAWATT (vertical through-hole), P2PAK (surface-mount), and SO-16L (wide-body SOIC). Thermal performance varies significantly: P2PAK offers 1.3 °C/W R_thj-case, while SO-16L is limited to 65 °C/W R_thj-amb on 0.5 cm² copper.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with VN920, STSPIN840 serves a different architecture (motor driver vs. power switch), while TPS27081A omits critical automotive protections and current monitoring-making VN920 uniquely suited for safety-critical, high-current, diagnostic-capable load control.

Availability

VN920 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC output stages, truck power distribution units, and off-highway equipment motor starters requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for VN920 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 broad IP portfolio.

VN920 belongs to ST's VIPower family of intelligent power switches, engineered specifically for robust, protected high-side load control in 12 V/24 V automotive and industrial systems with integrated diagnostics and fault resilience.

FAQ

What is the maximum safe continuous output current for VN920 in SO-16L package?

The VN920 in SO-16L is rated for 30 A continuous output current only when mounted on ≥6 cm² of 35 µm copper; on standard 0.5 cm² PCB copper, thermal limits reduce practical continuous current to ≤8 A at 25 °C ambient. Derating curves in the datasheet show 4 A max at 85 °C ambient with minimal copper.

How does the VN920 detect and respond to a short-to-ground fault?

VN920 detects short-to-ground via internal current limiting: when I_OUT exceeds ~45 A (at V_CC = 13 V), it enters constant-current mode, then triggers thermal shutdown at 150 °C. After cooling below 135 °C, it automatically restarts - visible as pulsing output and elevated CSENSE current during fault.

Can VN920 be used without external current sense resistor?

Yes - VN920 provides true analog current sense on the CSENSE pin (I_SENSE = I_OUT/K) and requires only a simple RC filter (e.g., 10 kΩ + 100 nF) before an MCU ADC. No external shunt or op-amp is needed, unlike discrete MOSFET solutions.

Does VN920 support PWM switching, and what are the timing limitations?

VN920 supports PWM with typical t_d(on)/t_d(off) = 50 µs each, but its dV_OUT/dt is not specified for fast switching. For >1 kHz PWM, output slew rate must be limited externally (e.g., gate resistor) to avoid EMI and ensure reliable current sense fidelity.