STMicroelectronics VNB20N07-E

Overview

VNB20N07-E from STMicroelectronics is a fully autoprotected monolithic power MOSFET in the OMNIFET family, designed as a rugged replacement for standard N-channel MOSFETs in DC–50 kHz switching applications. It features 70 V drain-source clamping, 0.05 Ω R_DS(on) at V_IN = 10 V, 20 A current limiting, integrated thermal shutdown at 150 °C, and diagnostic feedback via the input pin. It is used in industrial motor control, solenoid drivers, and automotive body electronics where fault resilience is critical.

For engineers reviewing the VNB20N07-E datasheet, VNB20N07-E pinout, VNB20N07-E application, or VNB20N07-E equivalent, key selection criteria include its linear current limiting behavior, input-pin-based fault signaling, clamp voltage tolerance under inductive switching, and compatibility with TTL-level drive while maintaining low on-resistance.

Technical Context

This device integrates gate driver, protection logic, and power MOSFET in a single die using ST's VIPower M0 technology. Its input pin directly controls the internal gate but also serves dual roles: enabling analog driving and providing fault status through voltage collapse to ~0 V via 100 Ω sink during overtemperature or short-circuit events.

The protection architecture includes three independent, hardware-based mechanisms: (1) voltage-clamp-triggered avalanche energy handling up to 0.95 J, (2) linear current limiting active across 14–28 A depending on input voltage, and (3) junction-temperature-sensing shutdown with hysteresis (trip at ≥150 °C, reset at ≤135 °C), all operating independently of supply rail conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSO-10 (surface-mount, exposed drain tab). Thermal resistance R_thj-case = 3.75 °C/W, R_thj-amb = 62.5 °C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STSPIN250 and VND5E025AK, VNB20N07-E uniquely combines 70 V clamping, 20 A linear current limiting, and PowerSO-10 thermal performance in a single-channel protected switch-making it optimal for ruggedized 24 V industrial actuator interfaces where simplicity and fault autonomy are prioritized over multi-phase control or ultra-compact packaging.

Availability

VNB20N07-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive body electronics, solenoid valve drivers, and programmable logic controller (PLC) output modules requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for VNB20N07-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, designing and manufacturing silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1987.

VNB20N07-E belongs to the OMNIFET family within ST's VIPower product line, engineered specifically for replacing discrete MOSFETs in harsh-environment DC switching applications with integrated protection and diagnostic capability.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous drain current for VNB20N07-E under typical PCB heatsinking?

At T_c = 25 °C with adequate copper pour, the device supports 20 A continuous drain current limited by its internal linear current limiter-not package thermal limits. With 10 cm² 2-oz copper, practical sustained current is ~12 A before thermal shutdown activates due to junction heating under full load.

Can VNB20N07-E be driven directly from a 3.3 V microcontroller GPIO?

Yes-the input threshold voltage range is 0.8–3 V, and the device draws only 250–500 µA from the input pin. A 3.3 V GPIO can reliably turn it on, though R_DS(on) increases slightly (to 0.07 Ω) compared to 10 V drive, resulting in ~40% higher conduction loss at full load.

How does the diagnostic feedback signal behave during a short-circuit event?

During short-circuit or overtemperature, the internal protection disconnects the input from the gate and connects it to ground through a 100 Ω resistor. The input pin voltage drops to <0.3 V (measured with 10 kΩ pull-up), providing unambiguous fault detection without additional circuitry.

Is external freewheeling diode required when driving inductive loads?

No-the integrated source-drain diode has V_SD = 1.6 V at 10 A and t_rr = 165 ns, making it suitable for freewheeling in DC–50 kHz applications. However, for high-efficiency or high-frequency (>20 kHz) PWM, an external Schottky diode may reduce power loss and EMI.