STMicroelectronics VNL5090S5TR-E

Overview

VNL5090S5TR-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 built-in thermal shutdown, active power limitation, and ESD protection.

For engineers reviewing the VNL5090S5TR-E datasheet, VNL5090S5TR-E pinout, VNL5090S5TR-E application, or VNL5090S5TR-E equivalent, key selection criteria include diagnostic capability via STATUS pin, SO-8 package thermal performance on 2-/4-layer PCBs, short-circuit current limiting (13–25 A), and automotive-grade fault recovery behavior including automatic thermal restart.

Technical Context

The VNL5090S5TR-E integrates a VIPower® MOSFET with embedded protection logic: overtemperature shutdown triggers at 150–200°C with 7°C hysteresis and automatic reset at ≥135°C; active power limitation engages during prolonged overload to cap dissipation before thermal intervention. Its input stage accepts CMOS-compatible logic (V_IL ≤ 0.9 V, V_IH ≥ 2.1 V) with 0.13 V hysteresis, while the STATUS pin provides open-drain digital feedback for open-load detection (0.6–1.7 V threshold) and overtemperature flagging.

Switching is optimized for inductive load demagnetization: turn-off delay is 3.4 µs (typ.), fall time 2.7 µs (typ.), and single-pulse avalanche energy rated at 50 mJ. Protection coordination includes fast current limiting (44 µs response), overvoltage clamping (41–52 V), and supply voltage monitoring (undervoltage lockout implied by truth table behavior).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO-8 (small outline integrated circuit, 8-pin, surface-mount). Thermal performance validated on 2-layer (R_thj-amb ≈ 47 °C/W) and 4-layer (R_thj-amb ≈ 24.6 °C/W) FR4 PCBs with specified copper heatsink area and thermal vias.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STSPIN250TR and TPS27082LDR, the VNL5090S5TR-E uniquely combines AEC-Q100 Grade 0 qualification, 13 A drive capability, integrated overvoltage clamping, and diagnostic STATUS output-making it the only option qualified for high-reliability automotive exterior lighting control.

Availability

VNL5090S5TR-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive signal lamp control, body control module outputs, and engine bay actuator driving requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for VNL5090S5TR-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, designing and manufacturing silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1987.

The VNL5090S5TR-E belongs to ST's OMNIFET III family of VIPower® protected drivers, engineered specifically for automotive load switching where reliability, diagnostics, and AEC-Q100 compliance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum inductive load energy the VNL5090S5TR-E can safely demagnetize?

The device supports up to 50 mJ single-pulse avalanche energy (E_AS) at T_j = 150°C with L = 1.1 mH and R_L = 0 Ω. Measured demagnetization current peaks exceed 10 A for inductances ≤10 mH at V_CC = 16 V, enabling robust relay and solenoid control without external snubbers.

How does the STATUS pin indicate open-load versus overtemperature faults?

The STATUS pin goes low for both conditions, but timing distinguishes them: open-load detection occurs within 45–1100 µs after INPUT deactivation, while overtemperature forces STATUS low only after thermal shutdown activation (≥150°C). The truth table confirms STATUS = L during overtemperature and open-load, requiring MCU timing analysis for differentiation.

Can the VNL5090S5TR-E drive loads directly from a 12 V battery without level-shifting?

No - the SUPPLY pin requires a regulated 4.5–5.5 V rail, not direct 12 V connection. The INPUT pin is CMOS-compatible (V_IL ≤ 0.9 V, V_IH ≥ 2.1 V), so 12 V MCU outputs require a resistor divider or level shifter; DRAIN connects directly to 12 V loads, but logic interface must be isolated from battery voltage.

What PCB layout practices maximize thermal performance in SO-8 configuration?

Use ≥8 cm² copper heatsink area on inner layers, 25 µm plating on ≥300 µm thermal vias spaced ≤1.2 mm apart under the exposed pad (Pin 8), and connect SOURCE to this copper plane. Thermal resistance drops from 47 °C/W (2-layer) to 24.6 °C/W (4-layer) with this implementation, enabling full 13 A current at T_amb = 85°C.