Eight high-side switches in one package — the BOM consolidation play
The VN808CM-E is an STMicroelectronics VIPower™ octal high-side driver that packs eight N-channel power MOSFETs with integrated drive, protection, and diagnostics into a single PowerSO-36 package. Each channel delivers up to 700 mA continuous with a maximum on-resistance of 160 mOhm, covering the typical per-load budget for solenoid valves, incandescent lamps, LED arrays, and small DC motors in 12V or 24V systems. The input side needs no Vcc supply — the logic interface is a simple On/Off control per channel, non-inverting, so a logic high on the input turns the corresponding output on. This keeps the MCU-side bill of materials lean: no level shifters, no external gate drivers, no bootstrap diodes.
With a maximum Rds(on) of 160 mOhm, each channel at 700 mA drops about 112 mV and dissipates roughly 78 mW. Multiply by eight channels and the package must shed about 625 mW worst-case. Without that, junction temperature climbs quickly at high duty cycles, especially at the 125°C end of the operating range. The 10.5V to 45V load supply range means the same part can switch 12V automotive loads, 24V industrial actuators, or 48V telecom auxiliary rails. The voltage headroom matters for inductive kickback — the built-in clamp handles the flyback, but the buyer should confirm the energy per pulse stays within the device's rated SOA.
Fault protection — why you can skip the external sense resistors
Fixed current limiting and over-temperature protection are integrated per channel. If a load shorts, the current limiter holds the output at the threshold until the die temperature trips the thermal shutdown. The auto-restart feature then cycles the output back on once the junction cools, which is useful for intermittent faults like a stalled motor or a lamp inrush. A status flag output per channel tells the system controller which channel faulted — no external current-sense amplifier or ADC needed. The protection circuitry is active across the full range, so a channel that survives a short at 25°C will also protect at 105°C ambient — though the current limit threshold may shift slightly with temperature.
Package and mounting — the PowerSO-36 bottom-pad reality
The PowerSO-36 (0.433" wide, 11.00 mm body) is a surface-mount package with an exposed bottom pad that must be soldered to the PCB for both thermal and electrical connection. The supplier device package name PowerSO-36, Bottom Pad confirms this. No separate heatsink is needed if the board copper is adequate.
Sourcing and lifecycle — active part, no LTB risk
STMicroelectronics continues to manufacture the VIPower™ series, and the part is widely available through independent distribution. For volume production or long-term program commitments, we source and quote to order against an RFQ, confirming current availability and pricing at the time of quotation. No last-time-buy window to chase, no forced redesign.