Summary of ST replaces car relays with tiny switch IC
The VND7020AJ-E is a dual-channel high-side automotive driver in a PowerSSO-16 package using ST VIPower M0-7 technology. It drives 12 V grounded loads from 3 V/5 V CMOS inputs, offering advanced protections, configurable latch-off, a FaultRST pin, and a multiplexed MultiSense analog diagnostics pin for current, VCC, and temperature monitoring, plus open-load and short detection. Sense-enable and low standby current support module sharing and low-power modes.
Parts used in the VND7020AJ-E project:
- VND7020AJ-E dual-channel high-side driver (PowerSSO-16)
- External sense resistor (for current sensing and sharing)
- Supply voltage 12 V automotive source (VCC)
- 3 V or 5 V CMOS-compatible logic inputs
- FaultRST pin connection (wiring or control signal)
- Sense enable pin connection (wiring or control signal)
- Ground connection (vehicle chassis ground)
- Load devices (12 V grounded loads such as lamps or actuators)
- Optional reverse battery protection external components
The VND7020AJ-E is a double channel high-side driver manufactured using ST proprietary VIPower®M0-7 technology and housed in PowerSSO-16 package. The device is designed to drive 12 V automotive grounded loads through a 3 V and 5 V CMOS-compatible interface, providing protection and diagnostics.
The device integrates advanced protective functions such as load current limitation, overload active management by power limitation and overtemperature shutdown with configurable latch-off.
A FaultRST pin unlatches the output in case of fault or disables the latch-off functionality.
A dedicated multifunction multiplexed analog output pin delivers sophisticated diagnostic functions including high precision proportional load current sense, supply voltage feedback and chip temperature sense, in addition to the detection of overload and short circuit to ground, short to VCCand OFF-state open-load.
A sense enable pin allows OFF-state diagnosis to be disabled during the module low-power mode as well as external sense resistor sharing among similar devices.
Key Features
- GeneralDouble channel smart high side driver with MultiSense analog feedbackVery low standby currentCompatible with 3 V and 5 V CMOS outputs
- MultiSense diagnostic functionsMultiplexed analog feedback of: load current with high precision proportional current mirror, VCCsupply voltage and TCHIPdevice temperatureOverload and short to ground (power limitation) indicationThermal shutdown indicationOFF-state open-load detectionOutput short to VCCdetectionSense enable/disable
- ProtectionsUndervoltage shutdownOvervoltage clampLoad current limitationSelf limiting of fast thermal transientsConfigurable latch-off on overtemperature or power limitation with dedicated fault reset pinLoss of ground and loss of VCCReverse battery with external componentsElectrostatic discharge protection
STMicroelectronics has introduced high-side switch ICs which can be use to replace conventional relays for vehicle electronics such as lights and body modules.
The switches are available in a common package style so that modules suppliers can build several variants using the same basic hardware and software so car makers can address differing requirements in international markets and offer various model specifications.
The latest VIPower switch products, the M0-7 series are available in a 5 x 4mm package.
Changes to the internal design increase precision, improve diagnostic feedback and reliability.
Specifically, there is greater protection against short circuits, more accurate voltage and temperature feedback, increased current-sense precision, and best-in-class electromagnetic emission (EMI) performance.
Samples of all family members are available now
For more read: ST replaces car relays with tiny switch IC
- What package is the VND7020AJ-E supplied in?
The device is housed in a PowerSSO-16 package. - Can the VND7020AJ-E be driven by 3 V logic?
Yes, it is compatible with 3 V and 5 V CMOS inputs. - Does the device provide current sensing?
Yes, it offers high precision proportional load current sense via the MultiSense analog output. - How does the device handle overtemperature events?
It provides overtemperature shutdown with configurable latch-off and an overload active management by power limitation. - Is there a way to unlatch outputs after a fault?
Yes, a FaultRST pin unlatches the output in case of fault or can disable latch-off functionality. - Can the device detect open-load conditions?
Yes, the MultiSense diagnostics include OFF-state open-load detection. - Does the VND7020AJ-E support low-power mode diagnostics?
Yes, a sense enable pin allows OFF-state diagnosis to be disabled during the module low-power mode. - What protections are integrated in the device?
Protections include undervoltage shutdown, overvoltage clamp, load current limitation, thermal shutdown, loss of ground and VCC handling, reverse battery with external components, and ESD protection. - Can multiple devices share a single sense resistor?
Yes, the sense enable pin supports external sense resistor sharing among similar devices.
