STMicroelectronics VNB28N04

Overview

VNB28N04 from STMicroelectronics is a fully autoprotected monolithic power MOSFET built on VIPower M0 technology, functioning as a rugged high-side switch with integrated linear current limiting, thermal shutdown, overvoltage clamp (42 V), and diagnostic feedback via the input pin. It delivers 28 A continuous drain current, 0.035 Ω R_DS(on) at 10 V_IN, and operates up to 50 kHz in DC–inductive load switching applications such as automotive body control modules.

For engineers reviewing the VNB28N04 datasheet, VNB28N04 pinout, VNB28N04 application, or VNB28N04 equivalent, key selection considerations include its integrated fault detection capability, clamped avalanche energy rating (2.5 J), junction-temperature-dependent current limit (19–41 A), and compatibility with TTL-level drive while maintaining low conduction loss.

Technical Context

The VNB28N04 integrates gate driver, protection logic, and power MOSFET in a single die using ST's VIPower M0 process. Its input pin directly controls the internal gate but also serves dual roles: enabling analog driving and providing open-drain fault feedback (100 Ω pull-down during overtemperature).

Protection functions operate independently of input voltage: thermal shutdown triggers at ≥150 °C and resets at ≤135 °C; linear current limiting activates at I_lim = 28 A (V_IN = 10 V), with step-response delay of 25–120 μs; overvoltage clamp is fixed at 42 V with robust unclamped inductive switching capability.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSO-10 (surface-mount, exposed drain tab), also available in D2PAK (TO-263) and ISOWATT220 variants. Thermal resistance R_thj-case = 1.5 °C/W (D2PAK/PowerSO-10), enabling high-power operation with minimal heatsinking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STSPIN840 and IPS1021H, the VNB28N04 uniquely balances 28 A current capacity, 42 V clamping, and diagnostic feedback in a single PowerSO-10 package-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, high-reliability 12–24 V automotive and industrial DC switching where both energy handling and fault visibility are critical.

Availability

VNB28N04 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial motor starters, and smart lighting ballasts requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for VNB28N04 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 power applications.

The VNB28N04 belongs to ST's OMNIFET family of VIPower-based protected switches, engineered specifically for replacing unprotected power MOSFETs in harsh-environment DC load control with integrated diagnostics and ruggedness.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended operating frequency for VNB28N04?

The VNB28N04 is characterized for reliable operation up to 50 kHz in resistive and inductive switching applications. Its typical turn-on delay (100 ns) and fall time (155 ns) at R_gen = 10 Ω support this frequency range, but thermal limits and avalanche energy absorption must be verified per application layout and load profile.

Can VNB28N04 be used in low-side switching configurations?

No-VNB28N04 is designed exclusively for high-side switching. Its SOURCE pins are internally tied to the substrate reference and cannot be floated; attempting low-side use violates internal biasing and disables protection features including current limiting and thermal shutdown.

How does the diagnostic feedback signal behave during normal operation versus fault condition?

During normal operation, the INPUT pin behaves as a high-impedance gate control node drawing 250–600 μA. During overtemperature or short-circuit fault, internal logic disconnects the gate and pulls INPUT to ground via a 100 Ω resistor, producing a stable <0.5 V signal detectable by any MCU GPIO with weak pull-up.

Is external gate resistor required for stable switching?

Yes-a series gate resistor (R_gen) is mandatory to control dV/dt and di/dt. The datasheet specifies R_gen = 10 Ω for fast switching (100 ns t_d(on)) and R_gen = 1 kΩ for slower, EMI-optimized transitions (450 ns t_d(on)). Omitting it risks oscillation and false triggering of protection circuits.