STMicroelectronics VN920SO

Overview

VN920SO from STMicroelectronics is a single-channel high-side solid-state relay (HSD) designed for automotive and industrial load switching with ground-referenced loads. 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), and reverse battery tolerance. It is used in engine control modules, body electronics, and smart fuse replacements.

For engineers reviewing the VN920SO datasheet, VN920SO pinout, VN920SO application, or VN920SO equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, SO-16L package layout, real-world protection behavior, current-sense accuracy across temperature, and validated alternative parts for automotive power distribution design.

Technical Context

The VN920SO implements a monolithic VIPower M0-3 process high-side switch with active V_CC clamp, analog current sense output referenced to GND, and loss-of-ground detection logic. Its thermal shutdown triggers at 150–200 °C with 15 °C hysteresis, and it sustains ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2/3a/3b/4/5 transients up to Level IV without functional degradation.

It integrates a CMOS-compatible input stage with 0.5 V hysteresis, 1 µA low-level input current, and internal current limiting set to 30–75 A depending on V_CC and junction temperature. The device automatically disables output during V_CC undervoltage (<4 V) or overvoltage (>36 V), and clamps inductive kickback to V_CC − 41 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO-16L (16-pin small outline package, 1.27 mm pitch, 10.1 × 10.65 mm body, 2.65 mm height). Thermal resistance R_thj-amb = 65 °C/W on 0.5 cm² Cu (FR-4).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with VN920SO, STSPIN250 offers higher integration for motor control but lacks the 30 A capability and diagnostic current sense; TPS27081A provides lower R_DS(on) at reduced current rating and requires external protection components for automotive use.

Availability

VN920SO is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC outputs, and smart power distribution systems requiring stable component supply, long lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100-aligned reliability.

Supply support for VN920SO 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 automotive qualification expertise.

VN920SO belongs to ST's VIPower family of high-voltage intelligent power switches, engineered specifically for robust, protected high-side load control in harsh automotive environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum safe operating temperature for VN920SO?

The VN920SO features thermal shutdown that activates between 150 °C and 200 °C junction temperature, with automatic restart after cooling to ≤135 °C. Its absolute maximum junction temperature is internally limited, and R_thj-amb = 65 °C/W on 0.5 cm² copper allows 30 A operation at T_amb ≤ 85 °C with proper PCB layout.

How does the current sense output (CSENSE) interface with a microcontroller?

CSENSE delivers a current proportional to load current (I_SENSE = I_OUT/K). A standard 3.9 kΩ pull-up resistor to V_CC converts it to 0–4 V analog voltage for ADC input. The output impedance is ≤400 Ω in overtemperature, ensuring minimal loading error, and response delay is 500 µs to 90% of final value.

Does VN920SO require an external flyback diode for inductive loads?

No. VN920SO integrates an active output clamp that limits demagnetization voltage to V_CC − 41 V, eliminating the need for external flyback diodes in most automotive inductive load applications. This is confirmed by ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 compatibility and specified V_demag test conditions.

Can VN920SO be used in reverse-battery configurations?

VN920SO itself is not reverse-battery tolerant, but ST recommends two proven external networks: (1) a 1 kΩ resistor in series with GND, or (2) a small-signal diode in series with GND plus parallel 1 kΩ resistor for inductive loads. Both methods limit reverse current to safe levels per absolute maximum ratings.