STMicroelectronics VNH5180A-E

Overview

VNH5180A-E from STMicroelectronics is an automotive-grade fully integrated H-bridge motor driver with dual monolithic high-side drivers and two low-side switches fabricated in VIPower® M0 technology. It delivers 8 A continuous output current, supports 20 kHz PWM speed control, and integrates undervoltage shutdown, thermal shutdown, cross-conduction protection, and current sense output proportional to motor current. It is used in automotive seat/mirror adjustment, HVAC actuators, and power window modules.

For engineers reviewing the VNH5180A-E datasheet, VNH5180A-E pinout, VNH5180A-E application, or VNH5180A-E equivalent, key selection criteria include R_DS(on) per leg (max 180 mΩ), 41 V absolute max V_CC, PowerSSO-36 TP package thermal performance, and diagnostic feedback via ENA/DIAGA and ENB/DIAGB open-drain pins.

Technical Context

The device implements a true full-bridge topology with independent control of two half-bridges (A and B), each comprising one high-side driver and one low-side switch. Logic inputs INA/INB select direction or brake mode, while PWM modulates low-side FETs during ON-phase for precise speed regulation up to 20 kHz.

Protection architecture includes dedicated undervoltage lockout (3–5 V threshold), high- and low-side overtemperature shutdown (150–200 °C), short-to-ground/short-to-V_CC detection, and dynamic cross-conduction current limiting (0.6 A typical). Current sensing is analog, with CS output delivering I_SENSE = I_MOTOR/K (K = 645–1140 depending on load), disabled by active-high CS_DIS.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSSO-36 TP - thermally enhanced exposed-pad leadframe package with electrically isolated die pads for superior heat dissipation in automotive under-hood environments. Features symmetrical mechanical design for high-yield SMT assembly.

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 VNH5180A-E provides higher voltage resilience (41 V), integrated diagnostics (CS, fault flags), and automotive-qualified thermal protection-making it uniquely suitable for production automotive body electronics where functional safety and reliability are mandatory.

Availability

VNH5180A-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive seat adjustment, HVAC actuation, and power window systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for VNH5180A-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 AEC-Q100-qualified portfolios.

The VNH5180A-E belongs to ST's VIPower® family of intelligent power switches, designed specifically for demanding automotive body electronics applications requiring high integration, robust protection, and long-term reliability in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the CS_DIS pin?

The CS_DIS pin is an active-high CMOS-compatible control that disables the current sense output (CS pin) by placing it in high-impedance state. When driven high, it disconnects the internal current mirror, allowing shared use of an ADC input channel across multiple devices or reducing system power consumption during idle periods. Leaving CS_DIS floating or low enables proportional current sensing.

How does the VNH5180A-E handle thermal overload?

The device implements independent high-side and low-side thermal shutdown at 150–200 °C junction temperature, with 7 °C hysteresis for automatic recovery. Upon trip, the affected half-bridge is latched off and its ENx/DIAGx pin is pulled low to signal fault condition. The device remains disabled until the fault clears and ENx is cycled or V_CC is reset, preventing thermal runaway during sustained overload.

Can the VNH5180A-E drive a single motor in full-bridge mode only?

Yes-the VNH5180A-E is configured exclusively as a dual-half-bridge, supporting full-bridge motor drive (one motor) or independent half-bridge operation (two separate loads). It does not support three-phase or stepper configurations. Each half-bridge (A and B) has dedicated control inputs (INA/ENB, INB/ENB), diagnostics, and current sense capability, enabling flexible system partitioning.

What PCB layout considerations are critical for PowerSSO-36 TP?

Optimal thermal performance requires soldering all three exposed thermal slugs (Slug1–3) to large copper planes connected to internal ground or power layers via ≥10 thermal vias per slug. GNDA/GNDB pins must route directly to their respective ground planes without shared traces. VCC and OUT traces should be wide (>1 mm) and short to minimize inductance and voltage spikes during switching transitions.