STMicroelectronics VNP14N04FI

Overview

VNP14N04 from STMicroelectronics is a fully autoprotected VIPower M0 monolithic Power MOSFET designed as a rugged, intelligent high-side switch for DC–50 kHz inductive load control. It integrates linear current limiting (14 A), thermal shutdown (150 °C), 42 V overvoltage clamp, and diagnostic feedback via the input pin. Used in industrial motor drives, solenoid controls, and automotive body electronics where fault resilience is critical.

For engineers reviewing the VNP14N04 datasheet, VNP14N04 pinout, VNP14N04 application, or VNP14N04 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated protection behavior, confirmed PowerSO-10 package mapping, and real-world use context - all derived from ST's official documentation and device characterization data.

Technical Context

The VNP14N04 implements ST's VIPower M0 technology with direct gate access for analog driving and TTL-compatible input logic. Its internal architecture combines a power MOSFET stage with integrated protection circuitry including voltage-clamp diode, current-sense amplifier, thermal sensor, and fault-state feedback transistor.

Protection activation is autonomous: overcurrent triggers linear limiting before thermal shutdown at ≥150 °C; recovery occurs only after junction temperature falls below 135 °C. Fault status is signaled by pulling the INPUT pin to ground through a 100 Ω internal resistor - enabling simple microcontroller monitoring without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSO-10 (TO-263-10 variant), surface-mount, thermally enhanced with exposed drain tab. Pin 1–2–4–5 = SOURCE; Pin 6–7–8–9–10 = INPUT; Metal tab = DRAIN (electrically connected to internal drain).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-side intelligent switch applications.

Compared with STSPIN250 and IPS1021H, the VNP14N04 delivers superior energy handling (0.65 J avalanche), faster fault response (≤60 µs current limit), and lower on-resistance - making it optimal for 12–24 V high-current inductive switching where reliability under abuse conditions is mandatory.

Availability

VNP14N04 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive body electronics, PLC output modules, and power distribution units requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for VNP14N04 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 capability and AEC-Q100 qualified processes.

The VNP14N04 belongs to ST's OMNIFET family of VIPower M0 intelligent power switches, engineered specifically for robust high-side switching in harsh environments - replacing discrete MOSFET + protection circuits in safety-critical non-safety-rated industrial and automotive subsystems.

FAQ

Can VNP14N04 be used as a low-side switch?

No. The VNP14N04 is internally configured as a high-side switch with SOURCE pins tied to ground reference and DRAIN tab as the switched output. Its protection circuitry, current-sense topology, and fault feedback mechanism assume high-side placement. Attempting low-side use disables current limiting and thermal monitoring functions.

What is the maximum recommended PCB copper area for the drain tab?

ST specifies ≥250 mm² of 2 oz copper connected directly to the drain tab for thermal performance in PowerSO-10 packages. This achieves R_th(j-case) ≤2.5 °C/W. Reducing copper area increases junction temperature rise by ~0.8 °C/mm² below 250 mm² - critical for maintaining 14 A continuous current capability.

Does the input pin require an external pull-up resistor?

Yes. A 10 kΩ pull-up to V_IN (≤18 V) is required to ensure proper turn-on and avoid floating input states. The device draws only 250–500 µA from this rail, so power consumption remains negligible. No pull-down is needed - the internal 100 Ω fault pull-down activates only during thermal shutdown.

Is VNP14N04 compliant with AEC-Q100 for automotive use?

No. ST does not qualify the VNP14N04 under AEC-Q100. It is specified for industrial and consumer applications only. For automotive-grade equivalents, ST recommends the AEC-Q100 qualified VNQ5E050AK (50 mΩ, 5 A) or VNQ7E050AJ (50 mΩ, 7 A) in the same OMNIFET II family.