STMicroelectronics VNH7070BASTR

Overview

VNH7070BASTR from STMicroelectronics is an AEC-Q100 qualified automotive fully integrated H-bridge motor driver with dual high-side and dual low-side VIPower® M0-7 switches in SO-16N package, delivering 15 A continuous output current, 70 mΩ typical R_DS(on) per leg, and PWM operation up to 20 kHz. It enables bidirectional DC motor control in power seats, HVAC actuators, and electronic throttle bodies.

For engineers reviewing the VNH7070BASTR datasheet, VNH7070BASTR pinout, VNH7070BASTR application, or VNH7070BASTR equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated cross-conduction protection, analog current-sense (CS) diagnostic feedback, thermal shutdown at 150–200 °C, and robust short-to-VCC/ground detection during OFF-state open-load conditions.

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® M0-7 technology co-integrates Power MOSFETs with intelligent protection logic, enabling standalone fault management without external supervision.

Logic inputs (INA/INB) are CMOS-compatible (0.9 V/2.1 V thresholds), while SEL0 selects CS channel multiplexing between legs A and B. The CS pin delivers a proportional current (K = 1/200 typical) for real-time motor current monitoring, with dedicated diagnostics including thermal shutdown indication, short-to-ground/VCC detection, and OFF-state open-load sensing.

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 DRV887x-Q1, VNH7070BASTR offers superior analog diagnostic fidelity, lower conduction loss, and complete transient protection in a single SO-16N package - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained automotive body electronics where analog feedback and minimal external components are prioritized.

Availability

VNH7070BASTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power seat actuators, HVAC blend door control, and electronic throttle systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for VNH7070BASTR 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 broad AEC-Q100 product portfolios.

VNH7070BASTR belongs to ST's VIPower® family of intelligent power switches, designed specifically for robust, high-current automotive motor control applications demanding integrated protection, diagnostics, and packaging efficiency.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable PCB copper area for thermal management of VNH7070BASTR?

The datasheet specifies thermal resistance values for two-layer (2s0p) and four-layer (2s2p) PCBs. For 2s0p layouts, a minimum 2+2+2 cm² copper pour per GND/VCC plane is recommended (Figure 21); for 2s2p, use 8+8+8 cm². Exceeding these areas improves R_thj-amb by up to 30%, but mechanical constraints and EMI shielding must be balanced against thermal gain.

How does the CS pin deliver motor current information, and what external components are required?

The CS pin outputs a current proportional to motor current (I_CS = I_OUT/200 typ). To convert to voltage, a 10 kΩ pull-up resistor to VCC is required, yielding ~50 mV/A. A 100 nF ceramic capacitor from CS to GNDA filters high-frequency noise. No op-amp buffering is needed for direct MCU ADC sampling at ≤20 kHz PWM rates.

Can VNH7070BASTR operate in half-bridge mode, and how is it configured?

Yes - per Figures 18 and 19, half-bridge operation uses only one leg (e.g., OUTA/GNDA) with the other leg disabled. INA/INB set direction, PWM controls speed, and CS reports current for that active leg. SEL0 selects which leg's current appears on CS. This configuration supports unidirectional motors or braking-only functions without hardware modification.

What happens during undervoltage shutdown, and how is recovery managed?

When VCC drops below 4 V, the device enters shutdown with all outputs disabled and IS supply current reduced to 1 μA. Recovery occurs when VCC rises above 5 V (0.4 V hysteresis). To avoid stress during restart, the datasheet recommends toggling INA/INB or SEL0 first to exit standby, then applying PWM after a 20 μs delay - ensuring safe turn-on even if output is shorted to battery.