STMicroelectronics VNQ860-E

Overview

VNQ860-E from STMicroelectronics is a quad-channel high-side driver IC realized in VIPower M0-3 technology, designed to switch resistive, capacitive, and inductive loads with one side grounded. It delivers R_DS(on) ≤ 270 mΩ per channel at T_J = 25 °C, supports V_CC up to 41 V, and provides per-channel current limitation (0.35–1.1 A), thermal shutdown (T_TSD = 150–200 °C), and ground-loss detection - making it suitable for IEC 61131-compliant industrial PLC output stages.

For engineers reviewing the VNQ860-E datasheet, VNQ860-E pinout, VNQ860-E application, or VNQ860-E equivalent, key selection criteria include its high-side switching architecture, integrated diagnostics (status pin), fast demagnetization clamp (V_DEMAG = V_CC − 52 V), undervoltage/overvoltage protection thresholds (4 V / 42 V), and SO20 package compatibility with industrial PCB layouts requiring robust fault management.

Technical Context

The VNQ860-E integrates four independent high-side power switches with CMOS-compatible logic inputs and dedicated status reporting per channel. Each channel features active current limiting, thermal shutdown with hysteresis (7–15 °C), and automatic restart after fault clearance - enabling safe operation under sustained overload without external supervision.

Its internal protection architecture responds to ground disconnection by forcing output OFF and asserting status feedback, while the V_CC-to-output body diode (V_F = 1 V @ −0.3 A, T_J = 150 °C) supports reverse-current handling during inductive flyback. Switching performance is characterized at V_CC = 24 V with t_ON = 10 μs and t_OFF = 40 μs into 96 Ω load.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The VNQ860-E is housed in a 20-pin SOIC (SO20) package with exposed thermal pad (ECOPACK® compliant), optimized for surface-mount assembly and thermal dissipation on standard FR4 PCBs. Pin numbering follows JEDEC MS-013AC standard with pins 1–10 on top row (left to right), 11–20 on bottom row (right to left).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with IPS2050H and TPS27082L, the VNQ860-E uniquely combines quad-channel integration, V_CC−52 V demagnetization, and loss-of-ground detection - delivering superior functional safety and reduced system-level component count for industrial PLC output stages.

Availability

VNQ860-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PC peripheral I/O, CNC machine control, and programmable logic controller (PLC) output modules requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for VNQ860-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, industrial, and power management solutions with vertical manufacturing capabilities.

The VNQ860-E belongs to ST's VIPower high-side driver product line, engineered specifically for industrial automation applications demanding integrated protection, diagnostic feedback, and compliance with IEC 61131 standards.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per channel of the VNQ860-E?

The VNQ860-E guarantees a minimum current-limit threshold of 0.35 A per channel, with typical trip at 0.7 A and maximum at 1.1 A under specified test conditions. Continuous DC current capability depends on PCB thermal design: with adequate copper area (≥6 cm²), it supports sustained 0.35 A per channel without thermal shutdown.

Does the VNQ860-E require external components for basic operation?

Yes - a pull-up resistor on the STATUS pin (typically 10 kΩ to V_CC) is mandatory for fault reporting. For reverse-polarity protection, an external RGND resistor (calculated per DS4107 Equation 1) is recommended. No external flyback diodes are needed due to the integrated V_DEMAG clamp.

How does the VNQ860-E handle ground disconnection faults?

When the GND pin disconnects, the device detects loss of reference and forces all outputs OFF within microseconds while pulling the STATUS pin low. This behavior is hardware-enforced and independent of input logic states, ensuring fail-safe operation in wiring fault scenarios.

Can the VNQ860-E drive inductive loads without external protection?

Yes - its internal demagnetization clamp (V_DEMAG = V_CC − 52 V typ) actively limits flyback voltage during turn-off, eliminating the need for external freewheeling diodes in most 24 V solenoid and relay applications. External TVS devices may still be used for enhanced surge immunity.