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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Power Management (PMIC) > Power Distribution Switches, Load Drivers

STMicroelectronics VNL5160N3TR-E

Name: VNL5160N3TR-E
Brand: STMicroelectronics
SKU: VNL5160N3TR-E
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: VNL5160N3TR-E

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Category:: Power Distribution Switches, Load Drivers

Package:: TO-261-4, TO-261AA

Datasheet:: VNL5160N3TR-E.pdf

Description:: IC PWR SWITCH N-CHAN 1:1 SOT223

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:7,028

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Product details

Overview

VNL5160N3TR-E from STMicroelectronics is an automotive-qualified, monolithic low-side driver IC built with VIPower® technology, designed to switch resistive or inductive loads (e.g., R10W/2×R5W signal lamps) with one side connected to battery voltage. It delivers 3.5 A DC drain current, features 160 mΩ on-state resistance at 25 °C, integrated overvoltage clamp (41 V), thermal shutdown with automatic restart, and very low standby current (<25 µA).

For engineers reviewing the VNL5160N3TR-E datasheet, VNL5160N3TR-E pinout, VNL5160N3TR-E application, or VNL5160N3TR-E equivalent, this device is selected for robust load control in harsh automotive environments where short-circuit resilience, fast demagnetization, ESD immunity (4 kV HBM), and diagnostic-free simplicity are required.

Technical Context

The VNL5160N3TR-E implements a protected PowerMOS output stage with active current limiting and power limitation during sustained overload. Its input section uses CMOS-compatible logic with hysteresis (0.13 V), and the supply and input pins are internally connected-eliminating external biasing.

Protection architecture includes overtemperature shutdown at 150–200 °C with 7 °C hysteresis, overvoltage clamping at 41 V (typ.), and open-drain status reporting only on the S5 variant-confirming the N3-E's simplified, no-status-pin design optimized for cost-sensitive lamp drivers.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Drain Current (ID)	3.5 A DC - supports automotive signal lamps up to R10W rating without external heatsinking under typical PCB copper area
R_DS(on)	160 mΩ @ 25 °C - enables <1.2 W conduction loss at 3 A, reducing thermal stress in compact SOT-223 package
V_CLAMP	41 V typ. - clamps inductive kickback from 12 V automotive systems, eliminating need for external TVS diodes
Thermal Shutdown Threshold	150 °C min. - triggers automatic power cycling to protect against sustained overload or poor heatsinking
ESD Rating	4000 V HBM on INPUT, SUPPLY, STATUS, DRAIN - meets ISO 10605 requirements for automotive module assembly
Standby Supply Current	10–25 µA @ 25 °C - minimizes battery drain in always-on vehicle circuits (e.g., parking lights)
Switching Energy	34.3 µJ per edge (ON/OFF) - ensures fast, controlled turn-off for reliable demagnetization of inductive loads

Pinout & Package

SOT-223 package with exposed drain pad for thermal conduction; 4-pin configuration (INPUT, DRAIN, SOURCE, SUPPLY) - all pins electrically functional, no NC terminals.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
INPUT	CMOS-compatible control input with hysteresis	Accepts 3.5–5.5 V logic; internal connection to SUPPLY eliminates need for external pull-up or level-shifting
DRAIN	PowerMOS drain terminal	High-current output node; connects to load cathode (lamp/anode grounded); serves as thermal path via exposed pad
SOURCE	PowerMOS source and control ground reference	Common return for load and internal logic; must be tied to system ground with low-inductance path
SUPPLY	5 V logic supply input	Internally bonded to INPUT; supplies gate driver and protection circuitry; not isolated from control input

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Automotive qualification	AEC-Q100 Grade 0 (−40 to +150 °C junction), enabling use in exterior lighting modules without derating
Active power limitation	Reduces dissipated power during overload to safe level before thermal shutdown, extending fault tolerance time
Fast demagnetization	Optimized switching energy (34.3 µJ) and internal clamp enable sub-100 µs inductive flyback recovery
Very low electromagnetic susceptibility	Immunity to conducted transients per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/3a/5a - reduces need for external filtering in lamp harnesses
ECOPACK® RoHS-compliant packaging	SOT-223 with lead-free matte tin finish and halogen-free molding compound per EU Directive 2002/95/EC

Applications

Front Fog Lamps

Rear Combination Lamps

Use Scenario: Driving in low-visibility conditions requiring high-intensity, thermally stable illumination.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch controlling dual-filament R10W bulb (brake/tail), handling 3.5 A peak current with fast turn-off for sequential brake activation.

Use Value: Integrated overvoltage clamp absorbs 12 V system transients; thermal shutdown prevents filament burnout during connector corrosion-induced partial shorts.

Use Scenario: Integrated tail/brake/turn signal functions in rear lamp housing with shared ground and space-constrained PCB layout.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Independent channel driver for 2×R5W LED arrays or incandescent bulbs, enabling independent brightness control and fault isolation.

Use Value: 160 mΩ R_DS(on) minimizes voltage drop across traces; low standby current (<25 µA) preserves battery during vehicle sleep mode.

Side Marker Lights

License Plate Illumination

Use Scenario: Compact, weather-sealed side-mounted lamps subject to vibration, moisture, and thermal cycling.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust low-side driver replacing mechanical relays; handles inrush current of cold tungsten filaments and PWM dimming.

Use Value: ESD protection (4 kV HBM) withstands assembly handling; SOT-223 exposed drain pad provides direct thermal path to chassis ground plane.

Use Scenario: Always-on auxiliary lighting activated with ignition or door opening, requiring ultra-low quiescent current.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current switch for white LEDs or miniature incandescent bulbs, operating continuously for >10 years in parked vehicle state.

Use Value: 10 µA typical off-state supply current prevents parasitic drain; overtemperature cycling allows safe operation even under sealed enclosure conditions.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
STSPIN250	Integrated current sense, 2.8 A max, SO-8 package, requires external V_REF for current setting	Targeted at closed-loop motor control, not lamp driving; lacks overvoltage clamp and automotive thermal robustness	Select only if precise current regulation and feedback are required; not drop-in for lamp loads
TPS27081A	3.6 A, 120 mΩ, 6-pin SOT-23, no thermal shutdown or overvoltage clamp	General-purpose industrial load switch; lacks automotive qualification and inductive load protection features	Use only in benign environments with external protection; unsuitable for unclamped automotive inductive loads

Compared with STSPIN250 and TPS27081A, the VNL5160N3TR-E uniquely combines automotive-grade thermal shutdown, integrated 41 V clamp, and 3.5 A capability in SOT-223-making it the only option qualified for direct replacement of electromechanical relays in R10W lamp circuits without supplemental protection.

Availability

VNL5160N3TR-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for front fog lamps, rear combination lamps, side marker lights, and license plate illumination requiring stable component supply across automotive production lifecycles.

Supply support for VNL5160N3TR-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 analog, microcontroller, power, and automotive ICs since 1987.

The VNL5160N3TR-E belongs to ST's OMNIFET III family of fully protected VIPower® low-side drivers, engineered specifically for automotive lighting and body electronics where reliability under load faults and thermal stress is non-negotiable.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous drain current rating for VNL5160N3TR-E?

The VNL5160N3TR-E is rated for 3.5 A DC drain current under standard thermal conditions (T_j ≤ 150 °C, mounted on 0.5 cm² Cu FR4). At elevated ambient temperatures or reduced copper area, current must be derated per the thermal resistance (R_thj-amb = 146.8 °C/W) and power dissipation limits defined in Table 14.

Does VNL5160N3TR-E include diagnostic feedback such as open-load detection?

No. The VNL5160N3TR-E does not feature a STATUS pin or open-load detection capability. That function is exclusive to the VNL5160S5-E variant. The N3-E is a simplified, cost-optimized version intended for applications where basic on/off control and fault protection (thermal, overcurrent, overvoltage) suffice without diagnostics.

Can VNL5160N3TR-E drive inductive loads like solenoids or fuel injectors?

Yes-it is explicitly designed for inductive loads, including automotive signal lamps with tungsten filaments. Its integrated 41 V overvoltage clamp and fast demagnetization characteristics (34.3 µJ switching energy) safely absorb flyback energy. However, it is not rated for high-frequency PWM (>1 kHz) or high-energy solenoids exceeding its 37 mJ single-pulse avalanche energy rating.

Is the SOT-223 package of VNL5160N3TR-E lead-free and RoHS compliant?

Yes. The VNL5160N3TR-E uses an ECOPACK®-compliant SOT-223 package with matte tin plating and halogen-free molding compound, meeting RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC and REACH requirements. Full compliance documentation is available in ST's ECOPACK® database at www.st.com.

VNL5160N3TR-E Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Package/Case:: TO-261-4, TO-261AA

Series:: OMNIFET III™, VIPower™

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Active

Switch Type:: General Purpose

Number of Outputs:: 1

Ratio - Input:Output:: 1:1

Output Configuration:: Low Side

Output Type:: N-Channel

Interface:: On/Off

Voltage - Load:: 36V (Max)

Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):: 3.5V ~ 5.5V

Current - Output (Max):: 3.5A

Rds On (Typ):: 160mOhm

Input Type:: Non-Inverting

Features:: Auto Restart

Fault Protection:: Current Limiting (Fixed), Open Load Detect, Over Temperature, Over Voltage

Operating Temperature:: -40°C ~ 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: SOT-223

VNL5160N3TR-E FAQ

1.How can I place an order for VNL5160N3TR-E through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for VNL5160N3TR-E on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.

2.Are the price and stock information for VNL5160N3TR-E reliable?

The price and inventory of VNL5160N3TR-E are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for VNL5160N3TR-E is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for VNL5160N3TR-E?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for VNL5160N3TR-E transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for VNL5160N3TR-E?

VNL5160N3TR-E orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your VNL5160N3TR-E order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.

Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.

5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for VNL5160N3TR-E?

For technical support, including VNL5160N3TR-E datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your VNL5160N3TR-E requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that VNL5160N3TR-E is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All VNL5160N3TR-E products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that VNL5160N3TR-E meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of VNL5160N3TR-E?

All VNL5160N3TR-E units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with VNL5160N3TR-E, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:

1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.

2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.

3.The VNL5160N3TR-E part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for VNL5160N3TR-E:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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