STMicroelectronics EV-VN7004CH

Overview

EV-VN7004CH from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board pre-assembled with the VN7004CH single-channel smart high-side driver in Octapak package, designed for 12 V automotive grounded loads. It supports 3 V/5 V CMOS-compatible control, delivers proportional analog current sense (MultiSense), and integrates thermal shutdown, overload protection, open-load detection, and reverse-battery protection.

For engineers reviewing the EV-VN7004CH datasheet, EV-VN7004CH pinout, EV-VN7004CH application, or EV-VN7004CH equivalent, this board enables rapid prototyping of automotive power distribution systems requiring diagnostic feedback, low standby current (≤0.5 µA), and robust transient handling (40 V max V_CC).

Technical Context

The EV-VN7004CH implements ST's VIPower® M0-7 technology to evaluate the VN7004CH's real-world behavior under automotive load conditions. It provides direct interface to microcontrollers via IN0 (CMOS-compatible input with hysteresis) and S_EN (active-high sense enable), while routing MultiSense analog output (J3 Pin 8) and diagnostic flags through standardized connectors.

Thermal performance is supported by a 2-layer FR4 PCB (25 mm × 41.5 mm) with dedicated thermal vias (0.5 mm diameter, 1.1 mm spacing) and junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 39 °C/W - enabling validation of continuous 135 A current-limiting and self-limiting fast thermal transients per the VN7004CH's internal protection architecture.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV-VN7004CH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU development, glow plug control systems, and high-power resistive/inductive actuator prototyping requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for EV-VN7004CH 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 design expertise.

The EV-VN7004CH belongs to ST's VIPower® evaluation platform family, developed specifically to accelerate validation of smart power switches in automotive body electronics and engine management applications.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the S_EN pin on the EV-VN7004CH board?

The S_EN pin (J3 Pin 9) is an active-high enable signal compatible with 3 V and 5 V CMOS logic. When asserted, it activates the MultiSense analog current-sense output; when deasserted, OFF-state open-load detection is disabled - allowing ultra-low-power module sleep modes without false diagnostics.

Can the EV-VN7004CH be used to evaluate multiple VN7004CH devices simultaneously?

No - the EV-VN7004CH is a single-channel evaluation board designed exclusively for one VN7004CH device. However, its S_EN pin and shared sense resistor footprint (TP1–TP2) support coordinated multi-board diagnostics when synchronized externally via microcontroller GPIOs and timing.

Does the board include a sense resistor, and what are the options for customization?

Yes - the board ships with a through-hole sense resistor mountable between test points TP1 and TP2. Users may also solder an SMD resistor onto dedicated pads shown in Figure 5. Resistor value selection directly scales MultiSense output current, enabling calibration for specific load-current ranges per application requirements.

What thermal management features does the EV-VN7004CH PCB implement?

The PCB uses a 2-layer FR4 stack-up (35 µm Cu, 1.6 mm thickness) with 0.5 mm thermal vias spaced at 1.1 mm intervals beneath the Octapak footprint. This layout achieves 39 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance, validating the VN7004CH's ability to sustain high-current pulses without exceeding safe junction temperature limits.