Solid-State Relay from STMicroelectronics Saves Energy by Cutting On Resistance by 50%

The dramatic reduction in on-resistance and quiescent current saves energy through lower losses, with device power consumption lower than any competitive product, and achieved at lower cost. Power consumption is cut by 40% compared to earlier generation VIPower devices. Additionally, optimizing the trade-off between Rds(on) and die size allows the VNI4140K to be produced in a compact PowerSSO24 package, saving space in the application compared to competitive four-channel devices.

IPS devices integrate a logic interface, drivers and protection circuits on the same chip as a power stage, to simplify system design and save space in high-power industrial applications such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), NC (numerical control) machines, robotics and building automation systems.

ST’s intelligent power switches include a broad range of current and thermal protection features, with per-channel diagnostic bits and double thermal protection being new additions in the VNI4140K. In addition to over-temperature protection for safe operation when current draw is too high, the switch’s case over-temperature protection independently limits the PCB temperature. Channels restart independently after a case thermal shut-down, to limit the peak current.

The VNI4140K provides short-circuit and over-current protection, under-voltage shut-down, fast demagnetization for safe operation with large inductive loads, and protection against loss of ground. Diagnostic outputs are open drain to enable wired-OR configuration with other devices, and the logic inputs are 3.3V CMOS/TTL compatible. The switch conforms fully to the IEC 61131-2 standard for programmable logic devices.