STMicroelectronics VNB14NV04

Overview

VNB14N04 from STMicroelectronics is a fully autoprotected monolithic Power MOSFET in the OMNIFET family, fabricated using VIPower M0 technology. It functions as a smart high-side switch with integrated linear current limiting (14 A), thermal shutdown (150 °C), 42 V overvoltage clamp, and diagnostic feedback via the input pin. Designed for DC–50 kHz switching in industrial motor control, solenoid drivers, and lighting ballasts.

For engineers reviewing the VNB14N04 datasheet, VNB14N04 pinout, VNB14N04 application, or VNB14N04 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 0.07 Ω R_DS(on), fault-sensing input pin behavior, thermal derating curve, and compatibility with TTL-level drive while maintaining analog gate access.

Technical Context

The VNB14N04 integrates gate driver, protection logic, and power MOSFET in a single die. Its linear current limiter activates at 14 A (typ.) and holds ID constant regardless of V_IN, enabling predictable fault energy dissipation. The internal clamp triggers at 42 V (V_CLAMP) to suppress inductive kickback during turn-off.

Thermal shutdown initiates at ≥150 °C (T_jsh) and resets automatically at ≤135 °C (T_jrs). Fault status is signaled by pulling the INPUT pin to ground through a 100 Ω internal resistor-detectable as a voltage drop below 0.3 V under active fault conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSO-10 (TO-263-10 variant), surface-mount, thermally enhanced with exposed drain tab for heatsinking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STVN7012F and IPS1021H, the VNB14N04 offers optimal balance of diagnostic simplicity, thermal robustness, and legacy compatibility-ideal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained designs where 14 A current limit and 42 V clamp meet system requirements without added complexity.

Availability

VNB14N04 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automated lighting ballasts, solenoid actuator drivers, and DC power distribution units requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for VNB14N04 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.

The OMNIFET product line delivers rugged, self-protected high-side switches for harsh-environment DC power control-designed specifically for industrial automation, building controls, and appliance applications demanding reliability without external protection circuitry.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency for VNB14N04?

The VNB14N04 is characterized for reliable operation up to 50 kHz in switching applications. This limit arises from combined effects of internal gate drive strength, 30 nC input charge, and thermal constraints under repetitive switching. At 50 kHz with 7 A load and 10 V drive, typical rise/fall times are 160 ns/100 ns (R_gen = 10 Ω), confirming suitability for high-speed industrial PWM control.

Can VNB14N04 be used as a low-side switch?

No-the VNB14N04 is designed exclusively as a high-side switch with SOURCE pins internally referenced to ground. Its architecture ties the source terminals to substrate potential and lacks isolated source bonding. Attempting low-side configuration would violate absolute maximum ratings and disable protection features, risking immediate device failure.

How does the diagnostic feedback signal behave during normal operation?

During normal operation, the INPUT pin behaves as a standard MOSFET gate input drawing only 250–500 µA (I_ISS). No fault signaling occurs. Voltage at the pin follows applied drive level (0.8–3 V threshold). Only during overtemperature or short-circuit faults does the internal 100 Ω pull-down activate, dropping the pin voltage to <0.3 V-distinct from normal bias conditions.

Is external heat sinking required for continuous 14 A operation?

Yes-continuous 14 A operation at ambient >50 °C requires external heatsinking. With R_thj-case = 2.5 °C/W (PowerSO-10), 14 A at 0.07 Ω yields ~13.7 W conduction loss. Junction temperature rise exceeds 150 °C without thermal interface to a heatsink. Derating curves in the datasheet specify 7 A max at 70 °C ambient with no heatsink.