STMicroelectronics VNP20N07FI

Overview

VNP20N07FI from STMicroelectronics is a fully autoprotected monolithic power MOSFET in PowerSO-10 package, designed as a rugged replacement for standard N-channel MOSFETs in DC–50 kHz switching applications. It features 70 V drain-source clamp voltage, 0.05 Ω R_DS(on) at 10 V_IN, 20 A current limit, integrated thermal shutdown at 150 °C, and diagnostic feedback via the input pin. It is used in industrial motor control, solenoid drivers, and automotive body electronics where fault resilience is critical.

For engineers reviewing the VNP20N07FI datasheet, VNP20N07FI pinout, VNP20N07FI application, or VNP20N07FI equivalent, this device offers verified linear current limiting, overvoltage clamping, and real-time fault signaling-key selection criteria for high-reliability load switch designs requiring self-protection without external circuitry.

Technical Context

The VNP20N07FI integrates gate driver, protection logic, and power MOSFET on a single die using ST's VIPower M0 technology. Its input pin directly controls the internal gate but also serves dual roles: enabling analog driving (via variable V_IN) and delivering fault status through 100 Ω pull-down during thermal/short-circuit events.

Protection functions operate independently of input voltage: current limiting activates at I_lim = 20 A (V_IN = 10 V), thermal shutdown triggers at T_jsh ≥ 150 °C, and overvoltage clamp holds V_DS ≤ 70 V with E_AS = 0.95 J (20 V, 10 mH inductive load). Diagnostics are implemented without auxiliary pins-only the input pin is required for both control and status.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSO-10 (surface-mount, exposed drain tab for thermal dissipation). Dimensions per ST mechanical drawing P011P6/C: 9.4 × 10.3 mm footprint, 1.8 mm height, 10-pin configuration with integrated heatsink tab.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STSPIN220 and IPS1021H, the VNP20N07FI uniquely combines 20 A current capability, 70 V clamping, and single-pin fault signaling-making it the only option among the three for high-power, self-diagnosing industrial load switching.

Availability

VNP20N07FI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive body electronics, programmable power supplies, and PLC output modules requiring stable component supply and long-term design-in support.

Supply support for VNP20N07FI 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 capabilities.

The VNP20N07FI belongs to ST's OMNIFET™ family of protected power switches, engineered specifically for replacing discrete MOSFETs in harsh-environment DC load control-emphasizing ruggedness, integration, and diagnostic transparency.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous drain current for VNP20N07FI?

The device features an internally limited 20 A drain current (I_lim) at V_IN = 10 V and V_DS = 13 V. This is a hard current limit enforced by on-chip sensing-not a pulsed rating. Sustained operation at I_lim requires careful thermal design due to linear-mode power dissipation.

Can VNP20N07FI be driven directly by a microcontroller GPIO?

Yes-its input threshold voltage (V_IN(th)) ranges from 0.8 V to 3 V, making it compatible with 3.3 V and 5 V logic outputs. However, the input draws up to 500 µA (typical) and sinks up to 50 mA during fault, so ensure the MCU pin can source/sink these currents without violating its absolute maximum ratings.

How does the diagnostic feedback work during overtemperature fault?

When junction temperature reaches 150 °C, the internal protection circuit disconnects the input pin from the gate and connects it to ground through a 100 Ω resistor. This pulls the input voltage near 0 V, which can be detected by a microcontroller ADC or comparator to trigger system-level fault response.

Is external freewheeling diode required when driving inductive loads?

No-the device integrates a source-drain diode with V_SD = 1.6 V at 10 A, sufficient for freewheeling in most 12–24 V inductive applications. The 70 V internal clamp further protects against voltage spikes exceeding the diode's reverse breakdown, reducing or eliminating need for external components.