STMicroelectronics VNH3ASP30TR-E

Overview

VNH3ASP30TR-E from STMicroelectronics is an AEC-Q100 qualified automotive H-bridge motor driver integrating dual high-side VIPower™ M0 drivers and two vertical EHD low-side MOSFETs in a MultiPowerSO-30 package. It delivers 30 A continuous output current, supports PWM speed control up to 20 kHz, and provides real-time current sensing via CS pin with 4.7 kA/A typical gain (R_SENSE = 700 Ω). It is used in power seat actuators, HVAC blower control, and electronic throttle modules.

For engineers reviewing the VNH3ASP30TR-E datasheet, VNH3ASP30TR-E pinout, VNH3ASP30TR-E application, or VNH3ASP30TR-E equivalent, key selection criteria include its 42 mΩ max R_DS(on) per leg, integrated cross-conduction protection, thermal shutdown at 150°C, and diagnostic open-drain ENA/DIAGA & ENB/DIAGB pins with fault pull-down behavior.

Technical Context

The device implements a fully integrated half-bridge pair (A and B) with independent logic-controlled inputs (INA/INB), shared PWM modulation, and bidirectional diagnostic/enable pins (ENA/DIAGA and ENB/DIAGB). Each half-bridge features linear current limiting triggered by high-side overcurrent or low-side saturation detection, with automatic shutdown on undervoltage (5.5 V) or overvoltage (16 V).

Its VIPower™ M0 high-side drivers and STripFET™ EHD low-side switches are mounted on electrically isolated lead frames within the MultiPowerSO-30 package, enabling symmetrical thermal dissipation and robust operation under automotive transients including reverse battery and load dump. The CS pin delivers a proportional analog current (not voltage) with ±8% drift over –40°C to 150°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: MultiPowerSO-30™ - thermally enhanced power package with three exposed heat slugs (VCC, OUTA, OUTB) and electrically isolated lead frames for superior thermal resistance (R_thJA down to 1.8°C/W with 100 cm² copper pour) and mechanical reliability in vibration-prone automotive mounting.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar H-bridge motor driver applications.

Compared with DRV8876PWP and MPQ6532-AEC1, VNH3ASP30TR-E uniquely combines AEC-Q100 qualification, 30 A continuous drive, true proportional current sense, and dual independent diagnostic pins - making it the only option for high-power automotive body electronics requiring functional safety and field-proven reliability.

Availability

VNH3ASP30TR-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, HVAC subsystems, and electronic powertrain actuators requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for VNH3ASP30TR-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 over 40 years of automotive qualification expertise.

The VNH3ASP30TR-E belongs to ST's VIPower™ automotive motor driver product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability 12 V/24 V brushed DC motor control in harsh environments - emphasizing integrated protection, diagnostic visibility, and thermal robustness.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable PCB copper area for optimal thermal performance?

The MultiPowerSO-30 package achieves R_thJA = 1.8°C/W with ≥100 cm² of 2 oz copper on both top and bottom layers connected via ≥12 thermal vias per slug. Performance degrades to 4.2°C/W with only 25 cm², risking thermal shutdown above 15 A continuous load. ST recommends following Figure 39 and Table 16 in DocID10833 Rev 7 for layout validation.

How does the linear current limiter behave during motor stall?

During stall, the limiter reduces the high-side gate voltage to maintain I_OUT near 50 A (typical), preventing immediate thermal shutdown while allowing controlled energy dissipation. This differs from foldback limiting: output voltage drops proportionally, but current remains regulated - enabling safe hold-torque operation for up to 30 seconds before thermal protection activates.

Can ENA/DIAGA and ENB/DIAGB be used simultaneously as inputs and outputs?

Yes - each pin operates as an input when externally pulled high (enabling the respective half-bridge), and automatically switches to open-drain output mode during fault conditions (e.g., thermal event), pulling low to signal failure. No external direction control is needed; internal logic handles mode switching based on voltage level and internal status.

Is reverse battery protection integrated, or does it require external components?

Reverse battery protection is not integrated - the device lacks internal reverse-polarity blocking. External protection (e.g., series MOSFET or ideal diode controller) is mandatory per Section 3.1 of the datasheet. However, the overvoltage clamp (48 V typical) and undervoltage lockout (5.5 V) do protect against battery reversal-induced transients when combined with proper front-end design.