STMicroelectronics VNH7070ASTR

Overview

VNH7070ASTR from STMicroelectronics is an automotive-qualified, fully integrated H-bridge motor driver built with VIPower® M0-7 technology. It delivers 15 A continuous output current per leg, supports PWM speed control up to 20 kHz, and integrates dual high-side drivers and two low-side switches in a single SO-16N package. It is used in automotive seat/mirror actuators, HVAC damper control, and power window modules where robust fault diagnostics and short-circuit protection are critical.

For engineers reviewing the VNH7070ASTR datasheet, VNH7070ASTR pinout, VNH7070ASTR application, or VNH7070ASTR equivalent, key selection considerations include its 70 mΩ typical R_DS(on) per leg, analog current-sense (CS) feedback with channel multiplexing via SEL0, thermal shutdown at 150–200 °C, and integrated protections against loss of ground/VCC, overvoltage clamping (46 V), and cross-conduction.

Technical Context

The VNH7070ASTR implements a symmetrical full-bridge topology using three monolithic dies-two low-side switches and one dual high-side driver-mounted on electrically isolated leadframes within the SO-16N package. Its logic inputs (INA/INB) accept 3 V CMOS-compatible signals, while the PWM input modulates low-side gate drive during active phases for precise motor speed regulation.

Diagnostic functionality is centralized on the CS pin, which outputs a current proportional to motor current (K = 665 typ) and encodes fault states-including short-to-ground, short-to-VCC, OFF-state open-load, and thermal shutdown-via time-multiplexed analog pulses. SEL0 selects between Channel A and B diagnostics, enabling microcontroller-based interpretation without additional ADC channels.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO-16N (ECOPACK®), surface-mount, 16-pin, thermally enhanced with electrically isolated leadframes for improved power dissipation and manufacturability.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB9051FTG and BTS7012-1EPP, the VNH7070ASTR offers superior current-sense resolution, lower conduction loss, and native dual-channel coordination-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, safety-aware automotive body electronics where analog diagnostics and thermal resilience are prioritized over digital configurability.

Availability

VNH7070ASTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive seat control, HVAC damper actuation, and electric parking brake systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for VNH7070ASTR 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-grade power ICs, microcontrollers, and sensors with AEC-Q100 qualification expertise.

The VNH7070ASTR belongs to ST's VIPower® family of intelligent power switches, designed specifically for demanding automotive body electronics applications requiring high reliability, integrated protection, and minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable PCB copper area for thermal management of the VNH7070ASTR in SO-16N?

The datasheet specifies thermal resistance values for two-layer (2s0p) and four-layer (2s2p) PCBs. For optimal performance, ST recommends ≥8 cm² of 2-oz copper per side on inner layers, with thermal vias connecting GNDA/GNDB pads to internal ground planes. With this layout, R_thj-amb drops to 39.5 °C/W (HSD) and 55 °C/W (LSD), enabling 15 A continuous operation at T_amb ≤ 85 °C.

How does the CS pin encode multiple diagnostic conditions without external hardware?

The CS pin outputs time-multiplexed analog current pulses: pulse width indicates fault type (e.g., 10 µs = short-to-ground, 25 µs = thermal shutdown), while pulse amplitude reflects motor current magnitude (I_SENSE = I_MOTOR/665). SEL0 determines whether Channel A or B data is reported, allowing a single microcontroller ADC input to monitor both legs and all faults.

Can the VNH7070ASTR operate in half-bridge mode with only one channel active?

Yes. The device supports half-bridge configuration using OUTA/GNDA (or OUTB/GNDB) with VCC and PWM. In this mode, INA/INB control direction or braking, while CS reports current and faults for that channel only. The unused channel remains disabled, drawing <1 µA, and does not interfere with thermal or electrical behavior of the active leg.

What happens during simultaneous high states on INA and INB?

When both INA and INB are high, the device enters Standby Mode: all high-side and low-side switches turn off, CS goes high-impedance, and quiescent current drops to 1 µA. This state is safe and reversible-applying a low-to-high transition on either INA or INB exits standby and resumes normal operation after the 0.2–1.8 ms blanking period.