STMicroelectronics VNH5200ASTR-E

Overview

VNH5200ASTR-E from STMicroelectronics is a fully integrated automotive-grade H-bridge motor driver with dual high-side and dual low-side VIPower® M0 switches in SO-16N package. It delivers 8 A continuous output current, supports 41 V max supply voltage, features current sense (CS) output proportional to motor current, and provides cross-conduction protection, thermal shutdown, and undervoltage lockout - used in power seat actuators, HVAC damper control, and electronic throttle modules.

For engineers reviewing the VNH5200ASTR-E datasheet, VNH5200ASTR-E pinout, VNH5200ASTR-E application, or VNH5200ASTR-E equivalent, key selection criteria include its 200 mΩ typical R_DS(on) per leg, CMOS-compatible 3 V logic inputs, open-drain diagnostic/enable pins (ENA/DIAGA, ENB/DIAGB), and ISO 7637-2 transient immunity for 12 V automotive systems.

Technical Context

The device integrates three monolithic dies-two low-side switches and one dual high-side driver-on electrically isolated leadframes within a symmetrical SO-16N package. Its VIPower® M0 technology co-integrates Power MOSFETs with intelligent protection circuitry including high-side and low-side overtemperature detection, current limitation (8–16 A), and clamp-based overvoltage protection (41–52 V).

Logic control uses INA/INB with hysteresis to select full-bridge modes (CW/CCW/brake-to-VCC/brake-to-GND), while ENA/DIAGA and ENB/DIAGB serve as bidirectional open-drain pins: pulled high for enable, pulled low by internal fault logic during thermal shutdown, short-to-ground, or overcurrent events. The CS pin outputs analog current (I_SENSE = I_MOTOR/K) with K ranging from 890–2330 depending on load and temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO-16N (ECOPACK®), surface-mount, 16-pin narrow-body with exposed thermal pad (pin 4/5/12 are V_CC; pins 1/16 and 8/9 are GNDA/GNDB; pins 2/15 and 7/10 are OUTA/OUTB).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB9051FTG and DRV8876N, the VNH5200ASTR-E uniquely combines analog current sensing, dual high-side integration, and automotive-grade transient immunity in a single SO-16N package-making it optimal for space-constrained, safety-aware, analog-feedback motor control.

Availability

VNH5200ASTR-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, HVAC subsystems, and powertrain auxiliary actuation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and lifecycle demands.

Supply support for VNH5200ASTR-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 qualification infrastructure.

The VNH5200ASTR-E belongs to ST's VIPower® automotive H-bridge family, designed specifically for robust, integrated motor control in harsh automotive environments where reliability, diagnostics, and compact packaging are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous motor current supported by VNH5200ASTR-E?

The device supports 8 A continuous output current per channel under specified thermal conditions (T_j ≤ 150°C, adequate PCB copper area). This rating assumes use of the SO-16N package with recommended 8 cm² thermal pad copper pour and forced-air cooling. Peak currents up to 16 A are permitted for short durations under current-limiting protection.

How does the current sense (CS) pin function, and what external component is required?

The CS pin delivers an analog current I_SENSE = I_MOTOR/K, where K varies from 890 to 2330 depending on load and temperature. To convert this to a measurable voltage, a precision external resistor (e.g., 1 kΩ) must be placed between CS and ground. The resulting voltage (V_SENSE = I_SENSE × R_SENSE) is then read by an ADC.

Can VNH5200ASTR-E operate with a 3.3 V microcontroller without level shifters?

Yes. The INA, INB, ENA/DIAGA, and ENB/DIAGB pins are fully CMOS-compatible with V_IL ≤ 0.9 V and V_IH ≥ 2.1 V, allowing direct interfacing to 3.3 V MCUs. No level-shifting circuitry is needed, though external 10 kΩ pull-up resistors are required on ENA/DIAGA and ENB/DIAGB for proper enable functionality.

What protection features activate during a motor short-to-ground event?

During a short-to-ground, the low-side overload detector triggers within 10 µs, pulling the corresponding DIAGx/ENx pin low and disabling that half-bridge. Simultaneously, current limiting caps I_OUT at ~15 A, and thermal shutdown activates if junction temperature exceeds 150–200°C. The device remains latched until the fault clears and ENx is cycled.