STMicroelectronics VN920SOTR-E

Overview

VN920SOTR-E from STMicroelectronics is a single-channel high-side solid-state relay (SSR) 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 max V_CC, integrated proportional current sense (K ≈ 4400), and comprehensive protection including thermal shutdown (T_TSD = 150°C), undervoltage/overvoltage shutdown, short-circuit current limiting (I_LIM = 30–75 A), and reverse battery protection. It is used in 12 V/24 V vehicle body control modules for driving lamps, solenoids, and motors.

For engineers reviewing the VN920SOTR-E datasheet, VN920SOTR-E pinout, VN920SOTR-E application, or VN920SOTR-E equivalent, key selection criteria include its SO-16L package thermal performance (R_thj-amb = 65°C/W on 0.5 cm² Cu), CMOS-compatible input logic, analog current sense accuracy (±10% ratio drift over –40°C to +150°C), and ISO 7637-2 pulse immunity (Class C up to Level IV).

Technical Context

The VN920SOTR-E integrates ST's VIPower M0-3 technology to combine power switching, protection logic, and analog current sensing in one monolithic high-side driver. Its active V_CC clamp (41–55 V) and demagnetization clamp (V_demag = V_CC − 41 V) suppress inductive kickback during turn-off. The device uses internal temperature sensing with 15°C hysteresis (T_R = 135°C) and automatic restart after thermal fault recovery.

Current sense functionality delivers I_SENSE proportional to I_OUT across three operating ranges (1 A, 10 A, 30 A), with K values of 4400 ±10%, 4400 ±8%, and 4400 ±6% respectively. Input logic thresholds include V_IL = 1.25 V, V_IH = 3.25 V, and 0.5 V hysteresis - ensuring robust noise immunity in automotive environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO-16L (16-pin small-outline package, 10.1 × 10.65 mm, 1.27 mm pitch, 1.4 g typical weight). Designed for surface-mount assembly and moderate-power thermal management on FR-4 PCBs with ≥0.5 cm² copper area.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with VN920SOTR-E, STSPIN250TR lacks load-switching capability and protection features, while TPS27081AQPWPRQ1 trades off current capacity and sensing for smaller footprint and AEC-Q100 compliance - neither matches the VN920SOTR-E's combination of 30 A rating, analog current sense, and full automotive protection suite in SO-16L.

Availability

VN920SOTR-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC output stages, and commercial vehicle HVAC systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and lifecycle demands.

Supply support for VN920SOTR-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 vertical manufacturing and AEC-Q100 validation infrastructure.

VN920SOTR-E belongs to ST's VIPower high-side driver product line, engineered specifically for robust, protected switching of ground-referenced resistive and inductive loads in harsh automotive environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current for VN920SOTR-E under standard PCB conditions?

The VN920SOTR-E supports 30 A continuous output current when mounted on a standard single-sided FR-4 board with 0.5 cm² of 35 µm-thick copper. This rating assumes T_c ≤ 150°C and accounts for R_thj-amb = 65°C/W. Derating is required above 100°C ambient or with reduced copper area.

Does VN920SOTR-E require an external current sense resistor?

No - VN920SOTR-E provides an analog current sense output (CSENSE pin) that delivers I_SENSE = I_OUT/K. An external pull-up resistor (e.g., 3.9 kΩ to V_CC) converts this current into a measurable voltage (0–4 V at 10 A). No shunt resistor is needed in the load path.

How does the device respond to loss of ground connection?

VN920SOTR-E detects disconnection of the GND pin and automatically disables the output within microseconds. This prevents uncontrolled load activation and potential damage to downstream circuitry - a critical safety feature for automotive applications where ground integrity cannot be assumed.

Can VN920SOTR-E drive inductive loads without external flyback protection?

Yes - the device integrates an active V_demag clamp (V_demag = V_CC − 41 V) and internal energy handling capability (E_MAX = 364 mJ at T_jstart = 150°C), enabling safe switching of inductive loads like solenoids and motors without external diodes or TVS devices in most automotive use cases.