STMicroelectronics VNQ860SP

Overview

VNQ860SP from STMicroelectronics is a quad-channel high-side power switch IC designed for industrial load control with ground-referenced loads. It features 270 mΩ R_DS(on) per channel, 0.25 A continuous output current, 36 V max supply voltage, and integrated protections including thermal shutdown (150–200 °C), undervoltage (4 V typ) and overvoltage (42 V typ) detection, and short-circuit current limiting (0.7 A typ). It is used in programmable logic controller (PLC) output modules compliant with IEC 61131-2.

For engineers reviewing the VNQ860SP datasheet, VNQ860SP pinout, VNQ860SP application, or VNQ860SP equivalent, key selection criteria include per-channel R_DS(on), fault reporting via STATUS pin, thermal hysteresis (7–15 °C), SO-20 vs PowerSO-10 package trade-offs, and compatibility with 3.3 V/5 V CMOS logic inputs.

Technical Context

The VNQ860SP integrates four independent high-side switches using ST's VIPower M0-3 technology, each with active current limiting, thermal sensing, and automatic restart after fault clearance. Each channel includes dedicated input (I/O1–I/O4), output (OUTPUT1–OUTPUT4), and status feedback via a shared open-drain STATUS pin.

Protection logic is fully autonomous per channel: undervoltage lockout disables all outputs below ~4 V; overvoltage shutdown triggers above ~42 V; thermal shutdown activates at junction temperatures between 150 °C and 200 °C with 135 °C reset threshold; loss-of-ground detection forces shutdown if GND pin disconnects.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSO-10™ (exposed thermal pad, surface-mount, 10-pin). Thermal resistance junction-to-case is 1.4 °C/W, enabling higher power dissipation than SO-20 when mounted on ≥6 cm² copper area.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with IPS2050H and TPS27082L, the VNQ860SP delivers optimal balance of integrated protection (loss-of-ground, UV/OV, thermal), compact quad-channel integration in PowerSO-10, and IEC 61131-2 compliance-making it ideal for space-constrained, safety-aware industrial output stages where minimal external components are critical.

Availability

VNQ860SP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for programmable logic controllers, industrial motor starters, automated test equipment, and factory automation I/O expansion requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for VNQ860SP 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 and broad IP portfolio.

The VNQ860SP belongs to ST's VIPower high-side switch product line, engineered specifically for ruggedized industrial control applications demanding integrated protection, high reliability, and compliance with IEC 61131-2 programmable controller standards.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per channel?

The VNQ860SP supports 0.25 A continuous output current per channel at T_c = 25 °C with adequate PCB copper heatsinking (≥6 cm²). Derating applies above 25 °C case temperature-full 0.25 A is maintained up to T_c ≈ 85 °C with recommended layout. Peak pulsed current is limited to 1.1 A by internal current limiting.

Does the STATUS pin indicate faults for individual channels?

No-the STATUS pin is a shared open-drain output that goes low whenever any one of the four channels experiences a fault (overcurrent, overtemperature, undervoltage, overvoltage, or loss of ground). To identify the failing channel, external logic or MCU software must correlate STATUS assertion with recent input activity and timing.

Can VNQ860SP drive inductive loads like relays or solenoids?

Yes-it is explicitly qualified for inductive loads. Internal clamp diodes (V_demag = V_CC − 52 V typical) suppress flyback voltage during turn-off. For highly inductive loads, external RC snubbers or TVS diodes may still be recommended depending on energy levels and system-level EMC requirements.

Is the PowerSO-10 package RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes-the VNQ860SP PowerSO-10 package is RoHS-compliant and lead-free, with matte tin (Sn) termination finish. Reflow profile follows JEDEC J-STD-020D for MSL3, peak temperature 260 °C. The exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a minimum 6 cm² copper pour for thermal performance and mechanical reliability.