VNH3SP30-E maximum current

[SouthernAtHeart]

I have used the VNH3SP30-E in numerous applications, but they all involved DC motors that used less than 10 amps.I have a project that needs a motor driver in which the 12VDC motor will use 28 to 30 amp when run at 100% PWM.
The VNH3SP30-E data sheet says it can handle up to 30A max continuous. I’m hoping I can use the VNH3SP30-E, as I’m very familiar with it.

My question is, for a 12VDC motor running 30A, will I need a heat sink, and what type? I will be making the traces on the board large, and as short as possible. I see there are heatsinks like this one heatsink with adhesive
I don’t know that it’s made for this type of chip, as it says BGA heatsink, but if it would work?
Any thoughts about this would be greatly appreciated. Whether I need one, what type, etc.

[Steve_Fellman]

Hello,
Welcome to the DigiKey TechForum. Not sure if you would need to heatsink this device and the condition you mention. This driver is made for harsh environments and has what ST is calling heat slugs already incorporated into the IC which may be all you need.

[SouthernAtHeart]

That’s good news, thanks!

[APDahlen]

Hello @SouthernAtHeart,

Heat dissipation for the VNH3SP30-E is a challenge.

This diagram for the datasheet may be useful:

You may also want to use thermal via to transfer heat to the other side of the PCB. Ref

Heatsink for Surface Mount Components Using Thermal Via

Thermal PCB design is an important consideration as temperature can have a profound influence on the life of electronics. Perhaps you already know the “rule of 10” that suggests the life of a product is reduced by a factor of two for every ten-degree Celsius raise in temperature. Surface Mount technology (SMT) cooling presents a unique challenge as the devices tend to concentrate heat into smaller areas. Also, conventional heatsinks are not as readily available. In this engineering brief, we wi…

Pease share your solution as this sounds like an excellent learning opportunity.

Best wishes,

APDahlen