STMicroelectronics VNL5050S5-E

Overview

VNL5050S5-E from STMicroelectronics is an automotive-qualified, monolithic OMNIFET III fully protected low-side driver IC built with VIPower® Technology, designed to switch resistive or inductive loads connected to battery voltage. It delivers 19 A DC drain current, features 41 V overvoltage clamp, 50 mΩ R_DS(on) at 25 °C, and includes open-drain status output for real-time fault reporting in engine control modules.

For engineers reviewing the VNL5050S5-E datasheet, VNL5050S5-E pinout, VNL5050S5-E application, or VNL5050S5-E equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability 12 V automotive load switching where thermal shutdown, current limiting, open-load detection, and ESD-hardened diagnostics are mandatory design requirements.

Technical Context

The VNL5050S5-E integrates a power MOSFET with embedded protection logic including active power limitation during overload, thermal shutdown with automatic restart at 150 °C (±7 °C hysteresis), and fast demagnetization control for inductive loads. Its input section supports CMOS-compatible logic with 0.13 V hysteresis and operates from 4.5–5.5 V supply.

Unlike the N3-E variant, the S5-E implements separate INPUT and SUPPLY pins, enabling independent biasing and robust MCU interface isolation. The STATUS pin provides open-drain diagnostic feedback with defined thresholds for overtemperature (pull-low), open-load (delayed pull-low), and undervoltage conditions per its truth table.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO-8 (small outline integrated circuit, 8-pin, surface-mount). Thermal performance optimized for standard FR4 PCBs with ≥0.5 cm² copper pour connected to DRAIN pins.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STSPIN250 and TPS27082L, the VNL5050S5-E uniquely combines 19 A capability, 41 V clamp, autonomous thermal recovery, and integrated open-load diagnostics in a single SO-8 package-making it irreplaceable for safety-critical automotive load switching where fault visibility and self-protection are non-negotiable.

Availability

VNL5050S5-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, body control modules, transmission control units, and ADAS subsystems requiring stable component supply across extended automotive product lifecycles.

Supply support for VNL5050S5-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 and AEC-Q100 validation infrastructure.

The OMNIFET III product line delivers fully protected, high-current low-side drivers for 12 V/24 V automotive systems-designed specifically to replace discrete MOSFET + protection IC solutions with higher integration, smaller footprint, and guaranteed fault behavior.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous drain current for VNL5050S5-E?

The VNL5050S5-E supports 19 A DC drain current under specified thermal conditions: mounted on a standard FR4 PCB with ≥0.5 cm² copper connected to DRAIN pins, ambient temperature ≤ 85 °C, and supply voltage 4.5–5.5 V. Derating applies above 85 °C ambient per the R_thj-amb = 87 °C/W SO-8 thermal data.

How does the STATUS pin indicate overtemperature condition?

When junction temperature reaches 150 °C, the STATUS pin pulls low (V_STAT ≤ 0.5 V at I_STAT = 1 mA) and remains low until temperature drops to ~135 °C, at which point it releases and returns high via external pull-up. This behavior is confirmed in Table 15 (Truth Table) and Section 14 of the datasheet.

Can VNL5050S5-E drive inductive loads without external flyback components?

Yes-the internal 41 V overvoltage clamp actively limits drain-source voltage during inductive turn-off, enabling direct connection to solenoids, relays, and motors without external diodes or RC snubbers in 12 V systems. Maximum demagnetization energy is 93 mJ (single-pulse, 1.1 mH, 150 °C), verified in Table 4 and Figure 18.

What is the recommended external pull-up resistor value for the STATUS pin?

A 4.7 kΩ resistor to 5 V is recommended for the STATUS pin pull-up, balancing fast rise time (<1 µs), low static current (<1 mA), and noise immunity. This value aligns with the 10 µA leakage limit (Table 9) and ensures reliable logic-high detection by 3.3 V/5 V MCUs even with PCB trace capacitance up to 100 pF.