STMicroelectronics VNQ5E160KTR-E

Overview

VNQ5E160KTR-E from STMicroelectronics is a quad-channel automotive high-side driver in PowerSSO-24 package, delivering 160 mΩ on-resistance per channel, 10 A typical current limitation, and 4.5–28 V operating supply range. It integrates diagnostics (per-channel open-load detection, short-to-VCC/ground indication, thermal shutdown with auto-restart), protections (undervoltage lockout, overvoltage clamp, reverse-battery tolerance), and 3.0 V CMOS-compatible inputs for direct MCU interfacing in body control modules.

For engineers reviewing the VNQ5E160KTR-E datasheet, VNQ5E160KTR-E pinout, VNQ5E160KTR-E application, or VNQ5E160KTR-E equivalent, this device supports precise load monitoring in safety-critical 12 V/24 V automotive systems requiring fault-aware power switching, ESD-hardened interfaces, and diagnostic feedback via dedicated open-drain status pins.

Technical Context

The VNQ5E160KTR-E implements four independent VIPower M0-5 high-side switches with integrated current-sensing and thermal foldback. Each channel features active power limitation during overload, enabling controlled current limiting rather than hard cutoff, and supports both ON- and OFF-state open-load detection using internal voltage comparators referenced to VCC and GND.

Diagnostic functionality is implemented via four dedicated open-drain STATUSn pins and a shared STAT_DIS input. Status reporting includes real-time thermal shutdown (Tj ≥ 150 °C), output short-to-VCC (detected by voltage threshold at turn-off), and inrush management through slew-rate-controlled turn-on, all synchronized to input logic transitions without external timing components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSSO-24 (exposed thermal pad connected to VCC, 7.6 × 4.9 mm footprint, RoHS-compliant ECOPACK®).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with VNQ5E160KTR-E, TPS4H160-Q1 trades per-channel diagnostics for lower quiescent current (1 µA), while BTS716G offers higher peak current but lacks critical fault discrimination needed for ASIL-B compliance in modern BCMs.

Availability

VNQ5E160KTR-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, LED lighting systems, and seat/mirror actuator circuits requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for VNQ5E160KTR-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 analog, power, and microcontroller solutions with ISO/TS 16949-certified manufacturing.

VNQ5E160KTR-E belongs to ST's VIPower family of intelligent power switches, engineered specifically for ASIL-B–capable automotive load driving with integrated protection, diagnostics, and EMC-optimized layout.

FAQ

What is the maximum transient voltage the VNQ5E160KTR-E can withstand on VCC?

The device supports a maximum transient supply voltage of 41 V on VCC, verified per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump). Its internal overvoltage clamp activates above ~41 V, limiting output voltage to protect downstream loads. This rating assumes proper PCB layout with low-inductance paths and recommended input capacitance (≥100 µF ceramic + bulk electrolytic).

How does the device detect open-load conditions in the OFF state?

OFF-state open-load detection uses an internal current source to bias the OUTPUT pin toward VCC. If the load is disconnected, OUTPUT rises above 2–4 V (V_OL threshold); if connected to GND, it remains near 0 V. The STATUS pin asserts high after a 200–1200 µs delay (t_POL) when V_OUT exceeds V_OL, confirmed in Table 9 and Figure 33.

Can the STAT_DIS pin be left unconnected?

No - STAT_DIS must be actively driven. Per Table 2, floating STAT_DIS is not allowed. It must be pulled high via 10 kΩ resistor to enable normal status reporting, or pulled low to disable all STATUS pins. Leaving it floating may cause undefined diagnostic behavior and violate AEC-Q100 stress conditions.

Is reverse-battery protection built-in or external?

Reverse-battery protection is external: the GND pin requires an external diode or resistor network (Fig. 32, Section 3.1) to block –14 V reverse polarity. The device itself tolerates only –0.3 V on GND (Table 3), so external protection is mandatory for ISO 16750-2 compliance. VCC and OUTPUT pins include internal reverse-battery diodes rated to –0.3 V.