STMicroelectronics VNK5N07FM

Overview

VNK5N07FM from STMicroelectronics is a monolithic VIPower M0-based smart high-side power switch, functioning as an autoprotected N-channel MOSFET with integrated linear current limiting, thermal shutdown, short-circuit protection, and overvoltage clamp. It delivers 5 A typical current limit, 0.2 Ω R_DS(on), and 70 V drain-source clamp voltage, and is used in automotive body electronics, industrial PLC outputs, and DC motor control up to 50 kHz.

For engineers reviewing the VNK5N07FM datasheet, VNK5N07FM pinout, VNK5N07FM application, or VNK5N07FM equivalent, this device requires attention to its diagnostic feedback via input pin, gate-accessible analog driving capability, and thermal derating behavior under sustained current-limit conditions.

Technical Context

The VNK5N07FM integrates a power MOSFET stage with on-chip protection logic that monitors junction temperature (T_jsh = 150 °C shutdown, T_jrs = 135 °C restart), drain current (I_LIM = 3.5–7 A depending on V_IN), and drain-source voltage (V_CLAMP = 70 V). Its input pin serves dual roles: gate drive interface and fault status indicator via 100 Ω pull-down during overtemperature events.

It supports TTL-compatible input logic (V_IN(th) = 0.8–3 V), draws only 250–500 µA supply current from the input pin, and features direct gate access for analog driving - enabling precise linear-mode operation. The device's rugged avalanche energy rating (E_AS = 0.2 J) and fast switching (t_d(on) = 50–250 ns) support unclamped inductive load handling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-82FM package: 3-pin surface-mount, isolated tab, ECOPACK®-compliant, with exposed drain pad for thermal conduction. Dimensions: 10.5–10.9 mm × 7.45–7.75 mm × 2.85–3.05 mm (L × W × H).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-side smart switch applications.

Compared with VNK5N07FM, VND5N07TR-E offers superior thermal handling but larger footprint, while IPS1025H adds digital intelligence at the cost of analog flexibility and increased system complexity.

Availability

VNK5N07FM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC outputs, and DC motor control requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for VNK5N07FM 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, designing and manufacturing silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, and power applications.

VNK5N07FM belongs to the OMNIFET II family of VIPower smart power switches, engineered for robustness in harsh environments where protection, diagnostics, and reliability are critical in high-side load control.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous current VNK5N07FM can deliver without derating?

The VNK5N07FM is rated for 5 A typical current limit under standard conditions (T_c = 25 °C, V_IN = 10 V), but continuous operation depends on PCB thermal design. With the SOT-82FM package (R_thj-case = 14 °C/W), sustained 5 A requires ≥20 cm² of 2-oz copper with thermal vias to maintain T_j < 135 °C. Derating begins above 70 °C case temperature per Figure 12.

How does the diagnostic feedback via the IN pin work during a fault?

During overtemperature shutdown, the internal protection circuit disconnects the IN pin from the gate and connects it to GND through a ~100 Ω resistor. This pulls the IN pin voltage near 0 V when driven by a high-impedance source (e.g., MCU GPIO), enabling immediate fault detection without additional components. The pin returns to normal gate-drive function after thermal recovery.

Can VNK5N07FM be used in linear (analog) mode, and what limits its safe operating area?

Yes - direct gate access allows analog voltage control of R_DS(on). Safe linear operation is limited by power dissipation: P_D = I_D × V_DS. At 2.5 A and 5 V V_DS, power is 12.5 W - exceeding the SOT-82FM's 9 W P_tot rating. Linear use requires strict duty cycling or active cooling and must stay within the SOA curve defined in Figure 26.

Is VNK5N07FM pin-compatible with other OMNIFET devices like VND5N07?

No - VNK5N07FM uses the SOT-82FM package (3-pin, isolated tab), while VND5N07 uses DPAK/IPAK packages with different pinouts and thermal footprints. Though electrically similar, they are not mechanically interchangeable. Layout redesign and thermal validation are required when substituting between these variants.