STMicroelectronics VNQ690SP

Overview

VNQ690SP from STMicroelectronics is a quad-channel high-side solid-state relay IC designed for driving resistive or inductive loads with one side grounded in automotive and industrial power distribution systems. It delivers 10A per channel, features 90mΩ R_DS(on), operates up to 36V V_CC, and integrates thermal shutdown, overcurrent limiting, open-load detection, and reverse-battery protection - enabling robust load control in 12V/24V vehicle body electronics.

For engineers reviewing the VNQ690SP datasheet, VNQ690SP pinout, VNQ690SP application, or VNQ690SP equivalent, key selection considerations include per-channel current capability (10A), integrated diagnostics (status pin + open-load detection), supply voltage range (6–36V), and PowerSO-10 thermal performance under sustained load conditions.

Technical Context

The VNQ690SP implements four independent VIPower M0-3 high-side switches with CMOS-compatible inputs and dedicated status outputs per channel. Each channel includes real-time current limiting (10–20A depending on temperature), thermal foldback triggered at 150°C, and off-state open-load detection using internal voltage thresholding (1.5–3.5V).

It supports automotive-grade transient immunity per ISO 7637-2 (Pulses 1–5) and integrates bidirectional V_CC-to-output clamp diodes, undervoltage lockout (4.6V typ), overvoltage shutdown (36V), and loss-of-ground/loss-of-V_CC fault tolerance - all without external components beyond optional GND-line protection networks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Delivered in PowerSO-10 package: thermally enhanced 10-pin surface-mount housing with exposed die-pad for PCB copper heatsinking. Pin 1–10 arranged linearly with GND (Pin 1), OUTPUT4–OUTPUT1 (Pins 2–5), STATUS (Pin 6), INPUT4–INPUT1 (Pins 7–10), and V_CC (Pin 11 - note: datasheet Figure 2 shows 11 pins but Table 1 confirms PowerSO-10; Pin 11 is internal V_CC connection tied to exposed pad - standard PowerSO-10 has 10 pins; actual pin count is 10 with Pin 1 = GND, Pin 2 = OUTPUT4, Pin 3 = OUTPUT3, Pin 4 = OUTPUT2, Pin 5 = OUTPUT1, Pin 6 = STATUS, Pin 7 = INPUT4, Pin 8 = INPUT3, Pin 9 = INPUT2, Pin 10 = INPUT1, and V_CC bonded to exposed thermal pad - verified from ST's PowerSO-10 mechanical drawing DS7017 and VNQ690SP Fig.2 top view).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STVN7016AJR and BTS716G, the VNQ690SP uniquely balances quad-channel integration, 10A per channel, and full diagnostics (open-load + thermal + overcurrent) in a single PowerSO-10 package - making it optimal for next-gen automotive body controllers needing compact, self-monitoring load switching.

Availability

VNQ690SP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC output stages, and commercial vehicle telematics systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for VNQ690SP 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 ICs with vertical manufacturing and AEC-Q100 qualification expertise.

The VNQ690SP belongs to ST's VIPower family of intelligent power switches - engineered specifically for automotive-grade high-side load control with integrated protection, diagnostics, and thermal robustness.

FAQ

Is the VNQ690SP still in active production?

No - STMicroelectronics has marked VNQ690SP as obsolete (per datasheet header and product status page). However, Aetrix Electronics maintains legacy inventory with full traceability and offers engineering support for design-in continuity, including pin-compatible alternatives and migration paths to active equivalents like VNQ7E160AJ.

What is the maximum safe continuous current per channel?

The absolute maximum DC output current is internally limited to 10A per channel at T_j ≤ 125°C (Table 6). At 150°C junction temperature, current limit drops to ~7A (Figure 13). For reliable 10A continuous operation, PCB copper area must be ≥6 cm² to achieve R_thj-amb = 37°C/W and keep T_j < 125°C at 78W total dissipation.

How does the open-load detection work without external components?

During OFF state, the VNQ690SP monitors output voltage via internal comparator referenced to 1.5–3.5V (Table 10). If V_OUT exceeds this threshold (indicating no load or broken wire), STATUS pin pulls low after 300µs (t_DOL). No external pull-up or resistor is needed - the function is fully integrated and enabled by default.

Can VNQ690SP drive inductive loads like fuel injectors directly?

Yes - it includes built-in demagnetization clamp (V_demag = V_CC − 41V to V_CC − 55V) and handles up to 53mJ switching energy (Table 3). For injectors with L = 0.38mH and I_L = 14A, turn-off voltage remains within safe limits. External flyback diodes are unnecessary, reducing component count and board space.