STMicroelectronics VNQ860TR-E

Overview

VNQ860TR-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 features 0.270 Ω R_DS(on) per channel at T_J = 25 °C, 41 V V_CC rating, and integrated per-channel thermal shutdown, short-circuit protection, and ground-loss detection - enabling robust I/O control in industrial PLCs and CNC machines.

For engineers reviewing the VNQ860TR-E datasheet, VNQ860TR-E pinout, VNQ860TR-E application, or VNQ860TR-E equivalent, key selection considerations include its 0.35 A per-channel current limit, V_DEMAG = V_CC − 52 V fast demagnetization capability, CMOS-compatible inputs, and status-pin diagnostics for real-time fault reporting in safety-critical IEC 61131-compliant systems.

Technical Context

The VNQ860TR-E integrates four independent high-side power switches with active current limiting, thermal foldback, and automatic restart logic. Each channel includes dedicated diagnostic feedback via open-drain status pins and supports undervoltage (4 V) and overvoltage (42 V) shutdown thresholds.

Its VIPower M0-3 process enables monolithic integration of logic-level input stages, power DMOS output transistors, and protection circuitry on a single die. The device turns off automatically upon ground pin disconnection, ensuring fail-safe operation in harsh industrial environments where wiring faults are common.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO20 (Small Outline, 20-pin, 0.60 mm pitch), ECOPACK®-compliant, RoHS-compliant surface-mount package with exposed thermal pad for enhanced heat dissipation in high-power industrial layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with VNQ860TR-E, IPS2050H trades channel count and diagnostics for higher voltage tolerance and lower R_DS(on), while VNQ7E100TR-E increases current handling at the cost of slower turn-off and missing demagnetization clamping - making VNQ860TR-E optimal for time-critical, fault-aware industrial I/O where precision spike suppression and per-channel visibility are required.

Availability

VNQ860TR-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PC peripheral I/O, CNC machine axis control, and PLC digital output modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and full traceability through STMicroelectronics' qualified manufacturing chain.

Supply support for VNQ860TR-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 ICs with vertical manufacturing and rigorous AEC-Q100/IEC 61508 qualification processes.

VNQ860TR-E belongs to ST's VIPower high-side driver product line, engineered specifically for ruggedized industrial control applications demanding integrated protection, diagnostic visibility, and compliance with IEC 61131-2 and IEC 61000-4 immunity standards.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per channel?

The VNQ860TR-E guarantees a minimum per-channel current limit of 0.35 A under all operating conditions, with typical limitation at 0.7 A and absolute maximum of 1.1 A before thermal shutdown activates. This value is measured at T_J = 25 °C with proper PCB copper area (≥6 cm²) and accounts for internal sensing accuracy and process variation - not derated for ambient temperature or case heating.

Does VNQ860TR-E require external flyback diodes for inductive loads?

No. The device integrates an internal V_CC-to-output clamp with V_DEMAG = V_CC − 52 V (typical), which actively suppresses inductive kickback without external diodes. This feature is validated across temperature and load conditions per Table 6 in DS4107 Rev 9 and eliminates board space, cost, and reliability risks associated with discrete snubbers.

How does ground-loss detection operate, and what is its response time?

When the GND pin disconnects, the device draws 1 mA (ILGND) from V_CC through internal circuitry, pulling all STATUS pins low within <100 μs. This fault signal is latched until power cycle or reset, enabling immediate host MCU intervention. The behavior is specified in Table 4 (ILGND parameter) and verified in the truth table (Section 6) of DS4107.

Can VNQ860TR-E be used with 3.3 V microcontrollers?

Yes. Its logic inputs accept V_IL ≤ 1.25 V (low) and V_IH ≥ 3.25 V (high), with 0.5 V hysteresis - fully compatible with 3.3 V CMOS outputs. Input leakage remains ≤10 μA at V_IN = 3.25 V (Table 7), ensuring reliable drive without external buffers or level shifters in mixed-voltage industrial systems.