STMicroelectronics VNP49N04FI

Overview

VNP49N04FI from STMicroelectronics is a fully autoprotected monolithic VIPower M0 high-side power switch MOSFET with integrated linear current limiting (49 A), overvoltage clamp (42 V), thermal shutdown (150 °C), and diagnostic feedback via the input pin. It replaces standard N-channel MOSFETs in DC–50 kHz industrial load switching, motor control, and solenoid drivers where fault resilience is critical.

For engineers reviewing the VNP49N04FI datasheet, VNP49N04FI pinout, VNP49N04FI application, or VNP49N04FI equivalent, this device's real-time fault reporting, gate-accessible analog driving capability, and rugged avalanche energy rating (4 J) are key selection criteria for safety-critical 12–24 V systems.

Technical Context

The VNP49N04FI integrates a power MOSFET stage with on-die protection logic including a voltage-clamped drain-source path, temperature-sensing circuitry tied to junction thermal shutdown at ≥150 °C, and a linear current limiter that holds ID ≤ 49 A regardless of input voltage. Its input pin serves dual roles: gate drive interface and open-drain fault status indicator (100 Ω pull-down during overtemperature).

It operates as a high-side switch with direct gate access for analog or PWM control, supports TTL-level compatibility, and features built-in ESD protection (2000 V HBM). The device's R_DS(on) is specified at 20 mΩ (typ.) with VIN = 10 V and ID = 25 A, and its internal clamp enables safe switching of inductive loads without external snubbers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSO-10™ (10-pin surface-mount, thermally enhanced SO package with exposed drain pad).

Correction per official pinout (page 2, top view): PowerSO-10™ pin assignments are: Pin 1 = DRAIN; Pins 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 = SOURCE; Pin 4 = No Connection; Pins 8, 9, 10 = INPUT. All INPUT pins are internally paralleled and serve as combined gate drive + fault feedback node.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STSPIN250 and IPS1021H, the VNP49N04FI uniquely combines 49 A linear current limiting, analog-compatible INPUT pin feedback, and 42 V clamp in PowerSO-10 - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, high-current analog-controlled systems needing simple fault detection without communication overhead.

Availability

VNP49N04FI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive solenoid actuation, and smart power outlet designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed authenticity.

Supply support for VNP49N04FI 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 power management, automotive ICs, and industrial microcontrollers.

The VNP49N04FI belongs to ST's OMNIFET family of VIPower M0 protected high-side switches, engineered for robustness in harsh industrial and automotive environments where reliability under overload, short-circuit, and thermal stress is non-negotiable.

FAQ

Can VNP49N04FI be used as a low-side switch?

No - the VNP49N04FI is a high-side switch only. Its internal architecture ties the source terminals to ground reference and routes the load between drain and supply rail. Using it as a low-side switch would reverse internal protection logic and disable current limiting and fault feedback functionality.

What is the maximum recommended gate drive voltage for linear-mode operation?

The input pin is rated for 18 V absolute maximum, but linear-mode operation is optimized between 5 V and 10 V. At VIN = 5 V, R_DS(on) rises to 50 mΩ and ILIM drops to 28 A; full performance (20 mΩ, 49 A) requires VIN = 10 V with adequate gate drive current (>550 µA IISS).

How does the diagnostic feedback signal behave during overtemperature fault?

During overtemperature, the internal protection disconnects the INPUT pin from the gate and pulls it to ground through a 100 Ω resistor. This causes the INPUT voltage to drop to ≤0.1 V when driven by a typical 10 kΩ pull-up - enabling immediate MCU detection without additional circuitry.

Is external freewheeling diode required when switching inductive loads?

No - the integrated 42 V overvoltage clamp and 4 J avalanche energy rating allow safe operation with purely inductive loads (e.g., solenoids, relays) without external diodes. However, an external Schottky diode is recommended for ultra-fast recovery or when clamping voltage margin is insufficient for system rail tolerance.