STMicroelectronics VNL5090S5-E

Overview

VNL5090S5-E from STMicroelectronics is an AEC-Q100-qualified, fully protected low-side driver IC for automotive signal lamp control, featuring 13 A continuous drain current, 90 mΩ R_DS(on) at 25°C, 41 V overvoltage clamp, and open-drain status output for diagnostics. It drives resistive or inductive loads (e.g., 2×R10W or 4×R5W lamps) with one side connected to battery voltage.

For engineers reviewing the VNL5090S5-E datasheet, VNL5090S5-E pinout, VNL5090S5-E application, or VNL5090S5-E equivalent, this device delivers integrated thermal shutdown, active power limitation, open-load detection, fast demagnetization, and ultra-low standby current - critical for reliable automotive body electronics design.

Technical Context

The VNL5090S5-E integrates a VIPower® MOSFET with embedded protection logic, including current-sensing-based overload detection, temperature-triggered thermal cycling (shutdown at 150–200°C, restart at 135°C), and clamped energy dissipation during inductive turn-off. Its status pin provides real-time fault reporting via open-drain digital output with programmable hysteresis.

It operates with 4.5–5.5 V supply voltage for logic and diagnostic sections, supports CMOS-compatible input with 0.13 V hysteresis, and features dedicated supply rail (SUPPLY) decoupled from the power drain path. The SO-8 package enables high-current capability while maintaining PCB-level thermal management via exposed leadframe and optimized copper heatsinking.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO-8 (exposed leadframe, thermally enhanced). Pin assignments are validated per STMicroelectronics DS8791 Rev 10, Figure 5 and Table 2.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with IPS1032H and TPS27082L, the VNL5090S5-E uniquely combines AEC-Q100 qualification, 13 A drive capability, integrated open-load detection, and 41 V clamp - making it the only drop-in solution for front/rear lamp modules requiring full diagnostic compliance.

Availability

VNL5090S5-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, exterior lighting systems, and chassis domain controllers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for VNL5090S5-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 specializing in automotive-grade power ICs, microcontrollers, and sensors, with manufacturing certified to IATF 16949 and AEC-Q100 component standards.

The VNL5090S5-E belongs to ST's OMNIFET III family of fully protected low-side drivers, engineered specifically for automotive lighting and resistive/inductive load switching with zero external protection components required.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous drain current rating for VNL5090S5-E?

The VNL5090S5-E is rated for 13 A continuous drain current at T_j = 25°C with adequate PCB copper heatsinking (e.g., 8 cm² on 4-layer board). Derating applies above 25°C ambient per SO-8 thermal data in DS8791 Table 19; at 100°C case temperature, usable current drops to ~8 A due to thermal cycling limits.

How does the STATUS pin indicate open-load conditions?

The STATUS pin pulls low (≤0.5 V at 1 mA sink) within 45–1100 µs after INPUT deactivation when no load current flows - confirming open-circuit condition. This behavior is defined in Table 11 and Truth Table 15, and requires no external pull-up beyond standard 4.7 kΩ to SUPPLY.

Can VNL5090S5-E drive inductive loads like solenoids or relays?

Yes - its integrated overvoltage clamp (41 V) and fast demagnetization circuitry safely handle inductive kickback from solenoids and relays up to 1.1 mH (per EAS = 50 mJ rating). However, for loads exceeding 13 A peak or requiring >100 ms demagnetization time, external flyback diodes remain recommended per Figure 9 guidance.

Is the SUPPLY pin internally regulated or externally powered?

The SUPPLY pin must be externally supplied with a clean, decoupled 4.5–5.5 V source - it is not internally regulated. This rail powers the logic, diagnostics, and status circuitry independently from the DRAIN path, ensuring stable operation even during battery transients affecting the load side.