STMicroelectronics VNH3SP30-E

Overview

VNH3SP30-E from STMicroelectronics is an AEC-Q100 qualified automotive H-bridge motor driver integrating dual high-side VIPower™ M0-3 switches and two vertical EHD low-side MOSFETs in a MultiPowerSO-30 package. It delivers 30 A continuous output current, supports 5 V logic-level inputs, and enables PWM speed control up to 10 kHz for brushed DC motors in power seat, mirror, or HVAC actuators.

For engineers reviewing the VNH3SP30-E datasheet, VNH3SP30-E pinout, VNH3SP30-E application, or VNH3SP30-E equivalent, key selection criteria include its linear current limiter, cross-conduction protection, thermal shutdown at 150–170 °C, and diagnostic open-drain ENA/DIAGA & ENB/DIAGB pins with fault reporting capability.

Technical Context

The device implements a fully integrated half-bridge architecture per leg: each channel combines a monolithic high-side driver (VIPower™ M0-3) with independent low-side vertical MOSFETs (STripFET™ EHD), all mounted on electrically isolated lead frames within the MultiPowerSO-30 package. The high-side R_DS(on) is 23–60 mΩ and low-side R_DS(on) is 11–30 mΩ at T_j = 25 °C, enabling efficient bidirectional motor control under harsh automotive transients.

Logic interface uses CMOS-compatible inputs (INA, INB, PWM) with hysteresis (0.5 V), while ENA/DIAGA and ENB/DIAGB serve as bidirectional pins-configured as enable inputs with external pull-up or as open-drain fault indicators. Protection includes undervoltage lockout (5.5 V), overvoltage shutdown (36 V), overtemperature cutoff (150–170 °C), and short-circuit detection via voltage drop monitoring across low-side FETs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: MultiPowerSO-30™ - thermally enhanced power package with three exposed heat slugs (OUTA/Heat Slug3, VCC/Heat Slug1, OUTB/Heat Slug2) for direct PCB copper thermal coupling and improved junction-to-ambient thermal resistance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BTN7960B and DRV8872, the VNH3SP30-E uniquely combines AEC-Q100 qualification, 30 A continuous drive, integrated diagnostics, and automotive-grade transient protection - making it the only option qualified for safety-relevant body-control modules.

Availability

VNH3SP30-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power seat actuation, electric mirror control, HVAC blower regulation, and engine cooling fan drive requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and lifecycle demands.

Supply support for VNH3SP30-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 broad manufacturing and quality certification coverage.

The VNH3SP30-E belongs to ST's VIPower™ automotive motor driver product line, engineered specifically for robust, high-current DC motor control in harsh environments where reliability, diagnostics, and AEC-Q100 compliance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable PWM frequency for reliable operation?

The VNH3SP30-E supports PWM frequencies up to 10 kHz under normal operating conditions (V_CC = 13 V, R_LOAD = 1.1 Ω). At this frequency, switching times (t_r = 1.5–3 µs, t_f = 2–5 µs) and delay times (t_D(on) = 100–300 µs) ensure stable motor commutation without shoot-through risk. Operation above 10 kHz may degrade thermal performance and increase switching losses due to insufficient dead time margin.

How does the linear current limiter function differ from traditional foldback or latch-off protection?

The linear current limiter reduces the high-side gate-source voltage proportionally when output current exceeds threshold (30–45 A), maintaining controlled conduction instead of shutting down. This avoids abrupt motor stoppage during temporary overloads (e.g., seat jamming), preserves system responsiveness, and enables graceful recovery once load normalizes - unlike latch-off schemes requiring reset.

Can ENA/DIAGA and ENB/DIAGB be used simultaneously as both enable inputs and fault indicators?

Yes - each ENx/DIAGx pin operates bidirectionally: when externally pulled high via resistor, it enables its respective half-bridge; when internally pulled low (0.4 V max at I_EN = 1 mA), it signals fault conditions including thermal shutdown, overcurrent, or loss-of-ground. No external logic inversion is needed, simplifying MCU interface design and reducing component count.

What PCB layout practices are essential to achieve rated 30 A continuous current?

To sustain 30 A continuous current, the MultiPowerSO-30 package requires ≥200 mm² of 2-oz copper per heat slug (VCC/OUTA/OUTB), thermal vias under each slug (≥8 × 0.3 mm diameter), and minimized trace length between GNDA/GNDB and system ground plane. Per datasheet Figure 45, the recommended pad layout uses solder mask defined pads with 0.2 mm solder mask opening tolerance to ensure reliable thermal transfer and mechanical anchoring.