STMicroelectronics VNLD5160TR-E

Overview

VNLD5160TR-E from STMicroelectronics is an AEC-Q100-qualified, fully protected low-side driver IC for automotive signal lamps, featuring 3.5 A continuous drain current, 160 mΩ R_DS(on), and integrated overvoltage clamp (41 V), thermal shutdown, and current/power limitation. It drives resistive or inductive loads (e.g., R10W/2×R5W bulbs) with one side connected to battery, enabling robust lamp control in harsh vehicle environments.

For engineers reviewing the VNLD5160TR-E datasheet, VNLD5160TR-E pinout, VNLD5160TR-E application, or VNLD5160TR-E equivalent, key selection criteria include its SO-8 package thermal performance, diagnostic STATUS pin behavior, short-circuit recovery timing, and compliance with automotive EMC and safety requirements per ISO 7637-2 and AEC-Q100 Grade 0.

Technical Context

The VNLD5160TR-E integrates two independent VIPower® MOSFET channels in a single SO-8 package, each with dedicated IN/STATUS pins and shared SOURCE ground. Its protection architecture combines active power limiting (2.5–7.5 A range), thermal cycling with 7 °C hysteresis (150 °C shutdown / 135 °C restart), and fast demagnetization for inductive loads.

Input logic is CMOS-compatible with hysteresis, supporting direct MCU I/O interfacing; the open-drain STATUS pin reports fault conditions (overtemperature, overload, undervoltage) via voltage level and pulse width modulation, enabling real-time diagnostics without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The VNLD5160TR-E is housed in a standard SO-8 surface-mount package (JEDEC MS-012AC), with exposed pad for enhanced thermal dissipation (R_thj-amb = 111.5 °C/W under specified PCB layout). Pin functions are validated per ST's official datasheet Figure 3 and Table 2.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BTS716G and MC33883, the VNLD5160TR-E delivers dual-channel functionality in SO-8 with deterministic thermal recovery and minimal external components-ideal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained automotive lighting modules where diagnostic simplicity and footprint efficiency are prioritized.

Availability

VNLD5160TR-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, body electronics modules, and industrial relay replacement requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and SO-8 thermal performance.

Supply support for VNLD5160TR-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 microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and automotive-grade analog devices since 1987.

The VNLD5160TR-E belongs to ST's OMNIFET III family of VIPower® protected drivers, engineered specifically for automotive signal lamp control with emphasis on robustness, diagnostic capability, and seamless integration into body control modules.

FAQ

What is the maximum inductive load energy the VNLD5160TR-E can safely demagnetize?

The device supports up to 37 mJ single-pulse avalanche energy (E_AS) at T_j = 150 °C with L = 8.5 mH and R_L = 0 Ω. For repetitive demagnetization, peak junction temperature must remain below 150 °C per Figure 6; ST recommends limiting pulse repetition to ≤ 10 Hz with ≥ 50 ms off-time for thermal recovery in standard SO-8 layouts.

How does the STATUS pin indicate overtemperature versus overcurrent faults?

The STATUS pin outputs a low-level DC signal during overtemperature (T_j ≥ 150 °C) and a pulsed low signal during sustained overcurrent (I_D > I_limL). Pulse width and frequency encode fault type per ST application note AN4797: fixed 100 μs pulse width at 1 kHz for overload, steady low for thermal shutdown. No external components are required for basic interpretation.

Can VNLD5160TR-E drive LED loads directly?

No-it is optimized for resistive and inductive lamp loads (e.g., halogen, incandescent) with built-in clamp and thermal protection tuned for filament characteristics. Driving LEDs requires constant-current regulation and reverse-polarity protection not provided by this device; ST recommends using dedicated LED drivers like the VL5500 for such applications.

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

ST specifies a double-layer FR4 board (1.6 mm thick, 78 × 86 mm) with 70 μm copper on both sides, thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter, 1.2 mm pitch) under the exposed pad, and ≥ 25 cm² copper pour connected to SOURCE pins. This achieves R_thj-amb ≈ 40 °C/W-critical for sustaining 3.5 A continuous current without derating above 85 °C ambient.