STMicroelectronics Introduces Complete Automotive H Bridge in a Single Package

Package integrates three dice built with ST's leading power processes

GENEVA, May 21 -- STMicroelectronics has introduced a complete H bridge in a single package for high-power automotive applications such as driving window lifts, seat positioners and for DC motor control.

The VNH3SP30 is a full-bridge motor driver intended for a wide range of automotive applications and packaged to save customers board space, weight and costs.

Its features include an output current of 30A and a maximum operating voltage of 40V. The part also features a maximum R((DS)(on)) of 45mOhm per leg, for low operating losses. The control inputs are compatible with 5V logic levels and the part will support pulse width-modulated operation at up to 10KHz.

The motor driver has been extensively protected against a variety of mishaps, including under- and over-voltages, and the loss of ground or VCC potentials. Other protection mechanisms include an over-voltage clamp, a thermal shutdown circuit, cross-conduction protection and a linear current limiter.

The VNH3SP30 is built around a dual monolithic high-side driver (HSD) and two low-side switches. The HSD switch is designed using ST's VIPower(TM) M0 technology that allows the efficient integration on one die of a power MOSFET with intelligent signal/protection circuitry. The low-side switches are vertical MOSFETs manufactured using ST's proprietary EHD (STripFET(TM)) process.

The three dice are assembled in a surface-mount MultiPowerSO-30 package on electrically isolated leadframes. This package, designed for the harsh automotive environment, has excellent current and thermal capabilities despite its reduced dimensions. Its fully symmetrical mechanical design allows for superior manufacturability at board level.

Two input signals, In(A) and In(B), can interface directly to a microcontroller to select the motor direction or a brake condition. Two diagnostic/enable pins allow the user to select one leg of the bridge and also to feed back a digital diagnostic signal.

US pricing is $2.50 in quantities of 1K units. Further information on this product is available at www.st.com/vipower

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2003, the Company's net revenues were $7.24 billion and net earnings were $253 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.