Rugged High-Side Driver Protects Against Severe Voltage Transients in Auto Apps

STMicroelectronics has developed the VNQ9050LAJ 4-channel automotive high-side driver with a 4-V minimum operating voltage, capable of handling severe voltage transients down to 2.7 V during cold cranking operations. This driver offers high accuracy, wide operating range, and various current-sense diagnostic functions for automotive applications. It features protection mechanisms for resistive, capacitive, and inductive loads, along with current-sensing capabilities and thermal shutdown indication. The VNQ9050LAJ is designed for 12-V ground-connected loads, compatible with 3- and 5-V logic signals, and available in a thermally enhanced Power-SSO16 package for $1.09 per 1,000 pieces.