STMicroelectronics VNL5030S5TR-E

Overview

VNL5030S5TR-E from STMicroelectronics is an automotive-qualified, monolithic low-side driver IC built with VIPower® technology, designed to switch resistive or inductive loads connected to battery voltage. It delivers 25 A DC drain current, features 30 mΩ R_DS(on) at 5 V supply and 25°C, integrated overvoltage clamp (41 V), thermal shutdown with automatic restart, and open-drain status output for diagnostics - used in engine control modules, body electronics, and lighting drivers.

For engineers reviewing the VNL5030S5TR-E datasheet, VNL5030S5TR-E pinout, VNL5030S5TR-E application, or VNL5030S5TR-E equivalent, key selection criteria include its SO-8 package thermal performance (R_thj-amb = 101 °C/W), fast switching (t_d(OFF) = 18.8 µs), current-limiting behavior under short-circuit (I_limH = 25–49 A), and diagnostic capability via STATUS pin logic states.

Technical Context

The device integrates a PowerMOS section with embedded protection circuitry including overcurrent detection, thermal cycling management, and demagnetization energy handling up to 184 mJ. Its input stage uses CMOS-compatible logic with 0.13 V hysteresis and defined VIH/VIL thresholds (2.1 V / 0.9 V) for robust MCU interfacing.

Protection operates hierarchically: current limitation engages first (I_limL = 15 A during thermal cycling), followed by power limiting and finally thermal shutdown at 150–200°C with 7°C hysteresis. The STATUS pin provides real-time fault reporting - pulled low during overtemperature or undervoltage, high during normal operation or current limit.

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 Figure 20 (FR4, 58 mm × 58 mm, 2 mm thickness, 35 µm Cu).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS27082LDR and VNS3NV04PTR-E, VNL5030S5TR-E uniquely combines 25 A capability, integrated 41 V clamp, thermal auto-restart, and diagnostic STATUS output in SO-8 - making it optimal for safety-critical, high-reliability automotive loads where protection and observability are mandatory.

Availability

VNL5030S5TR-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, HVAC blower systems, LED headlamp matrices, and body control module solenoid drivers requiring stable component supply across automotive production lifecycles.

Supply support for VNL5030S5TR-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 solutions with vertical manufacturing capabilities and AEC-Q100-compliant product lines.

VNL5030S5TR-E belongs to the OMNIFET III family of fully protected low-side drivers, engineered specifically for automotive power distribution and actuator control where integrated diagnostics, thermal resilience, and compact packaging are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous drain current rating for VNL5030S5TR-E?

The VNL5030S5TR-E is rated for 25 A DC drain current under specified thermal conditions (SO-8 package, 101 °C/W R_thj-amb, T_j ≤ 150°C). Actual achievable current depends on PCB copper area and ambient temperature - at 25°C ambient with 8 cm² copper, continuous current is ~12 A; derating applies above 85°C case temperature.

Does VNL5030S5TR-E require an external flyback diode when driving inductive loads?

No. The device integrates an internal overvoltage clamp with 41 V threshold, which safely dissipates demagnetization energy up to 184 mJ during turn-off. This eliminates the need for external flyback diodes in typical 12 V automotive inductive applications such as fuel injectors and solenoids.

How does the STATUS pin indicate thermal shutdown events?

During thermal shutdown, the STATUS pin is actively pulled low (V_STAT ≤ 0.5 V @ 1 mA). Once junction temperature falls below the reset threshold (~135°C), the pin returns high, signaling normal operation resumption. This behavior is distinct from current-limit mode, where STATUS remains high despite reduced output current.

Can VNL5030S5TR-E be used with 3.3 V microcontrollers?

Yes. Its INPUT pin accepts CMOS-compatible logic with V_IL = 0.9 V and V_IH = 2.1 V, ensuring reliable recognition of 3.3 V MCU outputs. However, SUPPLY must be connected to a stable 5 V rail - the IC does not accept 3.3 V for its internal logic supply, and STATUS output is referenced to this 5 V supply.