STMicroelectronics VNL5050S5TR-E

Overview

VNL5050S5TR-E from STMicroelectronics is an automotive-qualified, fully protected low-side driver IC built with VIPower® technology, designed to switch resistive or inductive loads (e.g., solenoids, relays, lamps) connected between battery and drain. It delivers 19 A DC drain current, features 41 V overvoltage clamp, thermal shutdown with auto-restart, and open-drain status output for real-time fault diagnostics in 12 V automotive power distribution systems.

For engineers reviewing the VNL5050S5TR-E datasheet, VNL5050S5TR-E pinout, VNL5050S5TR-E application, or VNL5050S5TR-E equivalent, this device supports robust load control with integrated current limitation, ESD protection (4 kV HBM), fast demagnetization, and precise open-load detection - critical for engine control units, body electronics, and chassis modules requiring functional safety-aware switching.

Technical Context

The VNL5050S5TR-E implements a monolithic VIPower® MOSFET + smart logic architecture with active power limitation during overload, enabling safe sustained operation up to thermal shutdown at 150 °C. Its input section includes CMOS-compatible logic with 0.13 V hysteresis and clamping to ±0.7 V/5.5 V, while the status pin provides open-drain digital feedback for overtemperature, short-circuit, and open-load conditions.

Protection functions operate autonomously: overvoltage clamp activates at 36 V threshold (41 V typical clamp), current limit triggers at 19 A (typical), and thermal reset occurs at 135 °C with 7 °C hysteresis. The device supports fast switching (6 µs turn-on, 20 µs turn-off delay) and dissipates ≤0.06 mJ per turn-off cycle into a 6.5 Ω load at 13 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO-8 (small outline, surface-mount, 8-pin). Thermal resistance R_thj-amb = 87 °C/W when mounted on FR4 with 0.5 cm² copper pour.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STSPIN32F0B and TPS4H160-Q1, the VNL5050S5TR-E uniquely combines high-current single-channel switching, integrated diagnostics via STATUS pin, and automotive-grade protection - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, high-reliability discrete load control where autonomous fault reporting is mandatory.

Availability

VNL5050S5TR-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, engine management, body electronics, and chassis control systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for VNL5050S5TR-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 product lines.

The VNL5050S5TR-E belongs to ST's OMNIFET III family of fully protected low-side drivers, engineered specifically for automotive power distribution and load control applications demanding functional safety, robustness, and diagnostic transparency.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous drain current rating for VNL5050S5TR-E?

The VNL5050S5TR-E is rated for 19 A DC drain current under specified thermal conditions: mounted on a standard FR4 PCB with 0.5 cm² copper area, ambient temperature ≤85 °C, and junction temperature ≤150 °C. Derating applies above 85 °C ambient or with reduced copper area.

Does VNL5050S5TR-E require an external pull-up resistor on the STATUS pin?

Yes - the STATUS pin is open-drain and requires an external pull-up resistor (typically 4.7 kΩ to 10 kΩ) to the MCU's I/O supply rail (3.3 V or 5 V). This ensures valid high-level logic when no fault is present and allows the IC to actively pull low during overtemperature, short-circuit, or open-load events.

How does the VNL5050S5TR-E handle inductive load demagnetization?

The device enables fast demagnetization by sustaining a controlled 41 V clamp during turn-off, limiting peak flyback voltage and dissipating stored energy safely. Figure 18 in the datasheet confirms ≥93 mJ single-pulse avalanche energy handling, supporting reliable operation with solenoids and relays up to 1.1 mH inductance.

Can VNL5050S5TR-E be used in 24 V commercial vehicle systems?

No - its absolute maximum drain-source voltage is internally clamped at 41 V, and recommended operating supply is 3.5–5.5 V for logic. While it can switch 24 V loads on the DRAIN side, the clamp voltage remains fixed at ~41 V; sustained 24 V transients exceeding this may trigger repeated clamping and thermal stress. It is validated only for 12 V automotive systems per AEC-Q100 test profile.