STMicroelectronics VNQ5050K-E

Overview

VNQ5050K-E from STMicroelectronics is a quad-channel automotive high-side driver IC designed for controlling resistive, inductive, and capacitive loads connected to ground. It features 50 mΩ typical on-state resistance per channel, 19 A current limitation (typ), 4.5–36 V operating supply range, and integrated open-load detection in both on- and off-states - enabling robust load monitoring in body control modules and lighting systems.

For engineers reviewing the VNQ5050K-E datasheet, VNQ5050K-E pinout, VNQ5050K-E application, or VNQ5050K-E equivalent, key selection criteria include its PowerSSO-24 package thermal performance, CMOS-compatible 3.0 V logic inputs, diagnostic status pin behavior with STAT_DIS control, and compliance with ISO 7637-2 transient immunity requirements for automotive environments.

Technical Context

The VNQ5050K-E integrates four independent VIPower M0-5 high-side switches with active power limitation during inrush and overload, enabling safe driving of diverse automotive loads without external current-sensing circuitry. Each channel includes dedicated protection against undervoltage, overvoltage, reverse battery, thermal runaway, and loss-of-ground/VCC conditions.

Diagnostic functionality centers on an open-drain STATUS pin per channel, configurable via STAT_DIS to enable/disable reporting of on-state open-load, off-state open-load, output short-to-VCC, and thermal shutdown events - all with defined timing delays (e.g., tDOL(on) = 200 μs, tSDL = 20 μs) and voltage thresholds (VOL = 2–4 V, IOL = 10–70 mA).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSSO-24 (exposed thermal pad tied to VCC), surface-mount, RoHS-compliant ECOPACK® package with 2.8 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance (one channel active).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad-channel automotive high-side driver applications.

Compared with VNQ5050K-E, BTS724G trades diagnostic precision for lower unit cost and simpler interface, while MC33883 lacks both channel count and voltage margin needed for modern 12 V/42 V dual-battery architectures - making VNQ5050K-E the only option meeting full ISO 7637-2 Class C immunity with per-channel diagnostics in PowerSSO-24.

Availability

VNQ5050K-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, body control modules, engine bay solenoid management, and commercial vehicle trailer interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for VNQ5050K-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, specializing in automotive-grade power ICs, microcontrollers, and sensors with AEC-Q100 qualification expertise.

The VNQ5050K-E belongs to ST's VIPower family of intelligent power switches, engineered specifically for automotive body electronics demanding high integration, diagnostic capability, and transient resilience in space-constrained modules.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per channel under 105°C ambient conditions?

At T_amb = 105°C with standard PCB copper (≥200 cm²), the VNQ5050K-E delivers 5.2 A continuous per channel before thermal limiting activates. This is derived from R_thj-amb ≈ 25 °C/W (Figure 32), 150°C max T_j, and 50 mΩ R_ON: P_loss = I² × 0.05 ≤ (150−105) × (1/25) → I ≤ √(45 × 0.04) ≈ 5.2 A. Derating curves in Figure 17 confirm this value.

How does the device detect open-load in the off-state without external components?

The VNQ5050K-E applies a 10 µA test current through the output MOSFET's body diode during off-state and measures resulting voltage (VOL). If VOUT exceeds 2–4 V (Table 10), it indicates no return path to ground - confirming open-load. This occurs within 200 µs (tDOL(on)) and triggers STATUS low, requiring no external resistors or comparators.

Can STAT_DIS be left floating, and what is the default STATUS behavior?

No - STAT_DIS must not be left floating. Table 3 specifies "N.R." (Not Recommended) for floating connection. Default behavior is STATUS enabled: if STAT_DIS is unconnected or pulled low, all four STATUS pins actively report faults. Only when driven high (≥2.1 V) do they enter high-impedance state - ensuring fail-safe diagnostics unless explicitly disabled.

Is reverse battery protection fully integrated, or does it require external components?

Reverse battery protection requires external components: the VNQ5050K-E includes internal protection against reverse current flow but mandates an external diode (DGND) or resistor (RGND) in the GND line per Figure 27 and Section 3.1. Without this network, reverse polarity can damage the IC even though V_CC clamp and ESD structures are present.