STMicroelectronics VNP28N04FI

Overview

VNP28N04FI from STMicroelectronics is a fully autoprotected monolithic power MOSFET in PowerSO-10 package, designed as a rugged high-side switch for DC–50 kHz inductive load control. It features 42 V clamp voltage, 0.035 Ω R_DS(on) at 10 V_IN, 28 A current limit, integrated thermal shutdown, and diagnostic feedback via the input pin - used in automotive body control modules and industrial solenoid drivers.

For engineers reviewing the VNP28N04FI datasheet, VNP28N04FI pinout, VNP28N04FI application, or VNP28N04FI equivalent, key selection criteria include linear current limiting behavior, fault-sensing capability through the input pin, junction temperature-dependent protection thresholds (T_jsh = 150 °C), and compatibility with TTL-level drive without external gate resistors.

Technical Context

This device implements ST's VIPower M0 technology to integrate a vertical power MOSFET with analog protection circuitry on a single die. Protection includes overvoltage clamping (V_CLAMP = 42 V), linear current limiting (I_LIM = 28 A), and thermal shutdown triggered at T_j ≥ 150 °C with automatic restart at 135 °C.

The input pin serves dual roles: gate control during normal operation and fault indicator (sinking 50 mA at ~0 V during overtemperature) - eliminating need for external sense circuitry. Diagnostics are implemented via voltage monitoring at the input pin, not dedicated fault pins.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSO-10 (surface-mount, exposed drain tab, 10-pin leadframe). Thermal resistance R_thj-case = 1.5 °C/W enables high-power dissipation with minimal heatsink area.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with VNB28N04 and VNV28N04, the VNP28N04FI offers superior thermal efficiency in surface-mount applications due to its PowerSO-10 package (R_thj-case = 1.5 °C/W), enabling higher continuous current in compact layouts without compromising protection integrity.

Availability

VNP28N04FI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial solenoid drivers, and smart lighting ballasts requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for VNP28N04FI 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 solutions with vertical manufacturing capabilities.

The VNP28N04FI belongs to ST's OMNIFET family of VIPower M0-based protected switches, engineered specifically for replacing unprotected power MOSFETs in harsh-environment DC–50 kHz load switching applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous drain current for VNP28N04FI under typical PCB cooling?

At T_c = 25 °C with adequate copper pour (≥ 10 cm²), the device supports 28 A continuous drain current limited by its internal linear current limiter - not by package thermal resistance. Derating begins above T_c = 60 °C per the R_thj-case = 1.5 °C/W spec.

How does fault feedback work on the input pin?

During overtemperature or short-circuit fault, the internal protection circuit disconnects the input from the gate and connects it to ground via a 100 Ω internal resistor. This pulls the input pin to ~0 V, allowing simple voltage monitoring (e.g., MCU ADC or comparator) to detect faults without additional components.

Can VNP28N04FI be used in low-side switching configurations?

No - the device is optimized for high-side switching only. Its source terminals are internally tied to ground reference, and the drain is the high-current output node. Low-side use would reverse internal protection logic and invalidate fault detection functionality.

What is the recommended gate drive voltage range?

The input pin accepts 5–18 V drive, with guaranteed turn-on at V_IN ≥ 3 V (typical V_IN(th) = 0.8–3 V). For lowest R_DS(on) (0.035 Ω), apply V_IN = 10 V; TTL logic (3.3 V) yields R_DS(on) ≈ 0.07 Ω - acceptable for many medium-duty applications.