STMicroelectronics VND5012AK-E

Overview

VND5012AK-E from STMicroelectronics is a double-channel high-side driver IC with integrated analog current sense, designed for automotive resistive/inductive load control. It features 12 mΩ max on-state resistance per channel, 60 A typical current limitation, 4.5–36 V operating supply range, and CMOS-compatible 3.0 V logic inputs. Used in body control modules for headlight or fan actuation where precise load monitoring and robust fault protection are required.

For engineers reviewing the VND5012AK-E datasheet, VND5012AK-E pinout, VND5012AK-E application, or VND5012AK-E equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-channel high-side topology, proportional current sense ratio (K₀ = 2780–8390), thermal shutdown with auto-restart, reverse battery protection support, and PowerSSO-24 package thermal performance.

Technical Context

The device implements two independent VIPower M0-5 high-side switches with active power limitation during inrush, enabling safe driving of inductive loads without external snubbers. Each channel integrates a temperature-compensated analog current sense with programmable enable via CS_DIS, delivering I_SENSE = I_OUT/K where K varies from 2780 to 8390 depending on load and junction temperature.

Protections include undervoltage shutdown (V_USD = 4.5 V), overvoltage clamp (41–52 V), output stuck-to-V_CC detection, self-limiting fast thermal transients, and loss-of-ground/V_CC immunity. Diagnostic outputs provide thermal shutdown indication and high-precision current feedback across –40 °C to 150 °C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSSO-24 - thermally enhanced exposed-tab SO-24 package with R_thj-case = 0.4 °C/W (one channel active), optimized for PCB copper area cooling in automotive under-hood environments.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS4H160-Q1 and VND7050AJTR-E, the VND5012AK-E uniquely combines dual-channel 60 A current limiting, 12 mΩ conduction resistance, and factory-trimmed analog current sense in a thermally robust PowerSSO-24 package-making it optimal for high-power automotive actuators requiring precision load monitoring and transient resilience.

Availability

VND5012AK-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control units, engine cooling systems, and lighting control modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for VND5012AK-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 qualified processes.

The VND5012AK-E belongs to ST's VIPower family of intelligent power switches, engineered specifically for automotive high-side load driving with integrated diagnostics, protection, and current feedback-targeting next-generation E/E architectures demanding functional safety and energy efficiency.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per channel?

The VND5012AK-E does not specify a maximum continuous current rating; instead, it uses thermal management and current limitation. Its 60 A typical short-circuit current limit and 0.4 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance allow sustained 35 A operation with ≥100 cm² of 2 oz copper on the PCB, assuming ambient ≤85 °C and forced airflow.

How does the current sense disable (CS_DIS) function affect system diagnostics?

When CS_DIS is driven high, both CURRENT SENSE pins enter high-impedance state (<1 µA leakage), eliminating measurement error from external pull-up networks during open-load or overtemperature diagnostics. This enables clean isolation of fault signatures without interference from sense circuit bias currents.

Can VND5012AK-E drive inductive loads without external flyback diodes?

Yes-the device integrates active V_CC clamping and output voltage drop limitation (V_ON ≤25 mV at 0.4 A) to safely dissipate demagnetization energy. For L = 6 mH loads at 13.5 V, it handles up to 508 mJ per switching event, eliminating need for external freewheeling diodes in most automotive solenoid and motor applications.

What PCB layout practices maximize thermal performance in PowerSSO-24?

Maximize thermal performance by connecting the exposed VCC tab to ≥100 cm² of inner-layer 2 oz copper with ≥6 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter, 0.8 mm pitch) to internal ground planes. Avoid solder mask over the tab area and use stencil-defined 125 µm thick solder paste for optimal thermal interface resistance (<0.5 °C/W).