STMicroelectronics VNQ600-E

Overview

VNQ600 from STMicroelectronics is a quad-channel high-side driver (HSD) IC designed for automotive and industrial load switching, featuring four independent VIPower M0-3 channels, 35 mΩ typical on-state resistance per channel at 25°C, 25 A DC short-circuit current limit, and integrated proportional current sense outputs. It operates from 5.5 V to 36 V supply and delivers robust protection including thermal shutdown, overvoltage clamp (41–55 V), undervoltage lockout (4 V typ.), reverse battery tolerance, and loss-of-ground detection - used in body control modules for driving solenoids, lamps, and actuators.

For engineers reviewing the VNQ600 datasheet, VNQ600 pinout, VNQ600 application, or VNQ600 equivalent, key selection considerations include its SO-28 double-island package thermal performance, analog current sense ratio accuracy (±10% over temperature), channel independence under fault conditions, and compliance with ISO 7637-2 pulse test levels I–IV for automotive transients.

Technical Context

The VNQ600 integrates two VND600 dies in a single SO-28 package with electrically isolated "double island" layout - each island hosts two fully independent high-side switches with dedicated VCC/GND pairs (VCC1,2/GND1,2 and VCC3,4/GND3,4). Each channel implements active current limiting, thermal foldback, and demagnetization energy handling up to 126 mJ (L = 0.11 mH, V_BAT = 13.5 V).

Its CMOS-compatible inputs accept 1.25 V low / 3.25 V high logic thresholds with 0.5 V hysteresis; analog current sense outputs deliver I_SENSE = I_OUT/K where K ranges from 3300 to 6000 (A/A), calibrated across temperature and output current (0.5–15 A). Protection logic asserts V_SENSE = 5.5 V during overtemperature and forces output off during undervoltage (<4 V) or overvoltage (>36 V).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO-28 (double island), 300 mil width, exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected), RoHS-compliant ECOPACK®. Two isolated islands enable dual power domain operation and enhanced fault containment.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with VNQ600, STVN7040AJ offers higher voltage rating and digital configurability but increases component count and removes analog diagnostics; BTS724G reduces cost and R_ON but sacrifices island-level fault containment and ground-loss protection critical in safety-critical vehicle domains.

Availability

VNQ600 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC output stages, truck power distribution units, and off-highway equipment controllers requiring stable component supply amid long product lifecycles and obsolescence management.

Supply support for VNQ600 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, designing and manufacturing silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, and power applications since 1987.

VNQ600 belongs to ST's VIPower™ high-side driver family, engineered specifically for automotive-grade reliability, integrated protection, and simplified high-current load control in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per channel?

The VNQ600 supports 15 A continuous output current per channel (absolute maximum rating), with thermal derating above 25°C ambient. Its 25 A DC short-circuit current limit activates only during faults and is not rated for sustained operation. Actual usable current depends on PCB copper area, airflow, and junction temperature limits - e.g., 6 cm² of 35 µm Cu allows ~8 A per channel at 70°C ambient with two islands active.

How does the current sense output work, and what external components are needed?

Each channel provides an analog current sense output (ISENSE1–4) delivering I_SENSE = I_OUT/K, where K = 4400 ±10% at 5 A. A 3.9 kΩ pull-up resistor to V_CC is required to achieve 5.5 V saturation during overtemperature. The sense signal has 500 µs delay and 400 Ω output impedance, compatible with standard MCU ADC inputs without buffering.

Can VNQ600 operate with a 5 V microcontroller logic interface?

Yes - its CMOS-compatible inputs accept VIH ≥ 3.25 V and VIL ≤ 1.25 V, making it directly compatible with 5 V and 3.3 V MCUs. Input hysteresis is 0.5 V, and input current remains below 10 µA at 3.5 V, minimizing drive burden. No level-shifting circuitry is required for standard GPIO interfacing.

Is VNQ600 still in active production, and what is its obsolescence status?

VNQ600 is marked "Obsolete Product(s)" in ST's official documentation (Rev 10, Nov 2008), but Aetrix Electronics maintains legacy inventory with full traceability and extended lifecycle support. For new designs, ST recommends VNQ7050AJ (SPI-controlled) or VNQ860ESP (enhanced analog sense), though VNQ600 remains viable for repair, replacement, and legacy program continuity with documented thermal and electrical validation.