STMicroelectronics VNL5030S5-E

Overview

VNL5030S5-E from STMicroelectronics is an automotive-qualified, monolithic low-side driver IC built with VIPower® technology, designed to switch resistive or inductive loads (e.g., solenoids, relays, lamps) with one side connected to battery voltage. It delivers 25 A DC drain current, features 30 mΩ R_DS(on) at 25°C, integrated overvoltage clamp (41 V), thermal shutdown with automatic restart, and open-drain status output for diagnostics.

For engineers reviewing the VNL5030S5-E datasheet, VNL5030S5-E pinout, VNL5030S5-E application, or VNL5030S5-E equivalent, this device serves as a robust, protected load switch in automotive body electronics, industrial control I/O modules, and 12 V/24 V DC power distribution systems where fault resilience and diagnostic visibility are critical.

Technical Context

The VNL5030S5-E integrates a PowerMOS output stage with embedded protection circuitry including current limiting (25–49 A short-circuit threshold), thermal cycling management (shutdown at 150–200°C, reset at 135–140°C), and fast demagnetization for inductive loads. Its CMOS-compatible input includes 0.13 V hysteresis and operates from 3.5–5.5 V supply.

It implements dual-stage protection: instantaneous current limitation during overload and power-limited thermal regulation before shutdown. The STATUS pin provides real-time fault reporting (open-load, overtemperature, undervoltage) via open-drain logic, synchronized to INPUT transitions with defined delay timing (e.g., 45–1100 µs for open-load detection).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO-8 (small-outline integrated circuit, 8-pin, surface-mount). Exposed pad not present - thermal path relies on PCB copper area per SO-8 mechanical data (Figure 25, DocID022767 Rev 7).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-side driver applications.

Compared with VNL5030S5-E, STSPIN250 lacks overvoltage protection and current capability for automotive solenoids, while BTS716G matches form-factor and voltage specs but requires hardware-level redesign of status monitoring due to push-pull output architecture.

Availability

VNL5030S5-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC output stages, HVAC blower control, and off-road lighting systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for VNL5030S5-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 vertical manufacturing capabilities and AEC-Q100-compliant production lines.

The VNL5030S5-E belongs to ST's OMNIFET III family of fully protected VIPower® low-side drivers, engineered specifically for automotive and industrial load switching where functional safety, diagnostic coverage, and ruggedness in harsh environments are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum inductive load energy the VNL5030S5-E can safely demagnetize?

The device supports up to 184 mJ single-pulse avalanche energy (E_AS) and handles demagnetization currents up to 25 A with L ≤ 1.16 mH at V_CC = 13.5 V. Figure 15 confirms safe operation for repetitive pulses up to 100 mJ at T_j,start = 125°C, making it suitable for automotive solenoids and fuel injectors with typical inductance values below 1 mH.

Can the STATUS pin drive an LED directly without a current-limiting resistor?

No. The STATUS pin is open-drain with 0.5 V max low-level voltage at 1 mA sink current. Driving an LED requires an external pull-up resistor (e.g., 4.7 kΩ to 5 V) and series current-limiting resistor (e.g., 330 Ω) to limit forward current to ≤10 mA. Direct connection risks exceeding I_STAT absolute maximum rating and damaging the output stage.

Is the VNL5030S5-E compatible with 3.3 V microcontroller GPIOs?

Yes. Its INPUT pin accepts CMOS logic levels with V_IL ≤ 0.9 V and V_IH ≥ 2.1 V, fully compatible with 3.3 V MCUs. However, SUPPLY must be connected to a clean 5 V rail - it is not 3.3 V tolerant. The STATUS pin output is also 5 V referenced, so level-shifting is required if interfacing with 3.3 V MCU inputs.

How does the thermal shutdown behave during sustained overload?

Under prolonged overload, the device first limits output current to ~15 A (I_limL) to cap power dissipation. If junction temperature reaches TTSD (150–200°C), thermal shutdown activates, disabling the output. After cooling to TR (135–140°C), it automatically restarts - cycling continues until the fault is removed, providing fail-safe operation without latching off permanently.