High-side switches can safely drive high currents in resistive, inductive and capacitive grounded loads. Designed to work in the harsh automotive environment they requires both robust, low on-resistance power switch and accurate analogue circuitry for diagnostic, protection and control functions.

The STMicroelectronics VN50160S-E is a monolithic device made using VI Power M0-5 technology. It is intended for driving resistive or inductive loads with one side connected to ground. The active VCC pin voltage clamp protects the device against low energy spikes (see ISO7637 transient compatibility table). This device integrates an analog current sense which delivers a current proportional to the load current (according to a known ratio) when STAT_DIS is driven low or left open. The output current limitation protects the device in overload condition. In case of long overload duration, the device limits the dissipated power to safe level up to thermal shut-down intervention.

Very low standby current
Thermal shutdown indication
Self limiting of fast thermal transients
Very low electromagnetic susceptibility

Intelligent Power Switches, STMicroelectronics