STMicroelectronics EV-VN7000AY

Overview

EV-VN7000AY from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the VN7000AY single-channel smart high-side driver, designed for 12 V automotive grounded loads with 3 V/5 V CMOS-compatible control, featuring 1.3 mΩ R_ON, 200 A current limitation, and multiplexed MultiSense diagnostics (load current, V_CC, T_CHIP). It supports deep cold cranking down to 2.85 V and complies with LV124 Rev. 2013.

For engineers reviewing the EV-VN7000AY datasheet, EV-VN7000AY pinout, EV-VN7000AY application, or EV-VN7000AY equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of VIPower® M0-7 high-side switching performance, fault diagnostics, thermal behavior, and low-voltage operation in automotive power distribution systems.

Technical Context

The EV-VN7000AY implements ST's VIPower® M0-7 technology in a PowerSSO-36 package, integrating a high-side PowerMOS with embedded protection logic, analog multiplexed sensing, and latch-off thermal shutdown. It operates across 4–28 V supply range with standby current ≤0.5 µA and withstands transient voltages up to 40 V.

MultiSense functionality uses a single analog output pin (pin 8) to deliver proportional current signals for load current, V_CC, or chip temperature-selected via SEL0/SEL1 inputs-while S_EN enables/disables sensing. R_mode selects between low-R_DS(on) (1.3 mΩ) and high-R_DS(on) operating modes to trade off conduction loss vs. current sense precision.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV-VN7000AY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power distribution, body control module (BCM) prototyping, and engine management system validation requiring stable component supply and fast-turn evaluation support.

Supply support for EV-VN7000AY includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in automotive, industrial, and power management solutions with vertical manufacturing and IP development capabilities.

The VN7000AY product line belongs to ST's VIPower® family of smart power switches, engineered specifically for robust, diagnostic-rich high-side control in 12 V automotive electrical architectures.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the R_mode pin on the EV-VN7000AY board?

The R_mode pin selects between low-R_DS(on) (1.3 mΩ) and high-R_DS(on) operating modes. When high, it increases on-resistance to improve current sense accuracy and reduce thermal stress under moderate loads; when low, it maximizes efficiency for high-current applications. This setting directly affects both current limitation threshold and sense gain calibration.

How does the MultiSense pin (J3 pin 8) function during evaluation?

The MultiSense pin outputs a proportional current signal representing either load current, V_CC, or chip temperature-selected by SEL0/SEL1 logic states. It requires an external sense resistor (e.g., 1 kΩ) to convert current to measurable voltage. S_EN must be high to enable output; open-load detection in OFF-state also relies on this path when IN_PullUP is connected.

Can the EV-VN7000AY board operate with a 3.3 V microcontroller interface?

Yes. The VN7000AY input (IN), S_EN, SEL0, SEL1, and R_mode pins are all compatible with 3 V and 5 V CMOS logic levels. Input hysteresis ensures noise immunity, and the board includes pull-up resistors and level-shifting-ready traces to support direct connection to 3.3 V MCU GPIOs without external translation circuitry.

What thermal performance can be expected on the EV-VN7000AY board under full load?

With the specified 2-layer FR4 PCB (35 µm Cu, 1.6 mm thickness, thermal vias), the board achieves R_th(j-amb) ≤39 °C/W. At 200 A load and 1.3 mΩ R_ON, junction temperature rise is ~520°C above ambient-confirming that sustained 200 A operation requires active cooling or derating. Thermal shutdown triggers at ΔT_{J_SD} or T_SD, latching until INPUT toggle resets.