STMicroelectronics EV-VN7016AJ

Overview

EV-VN7016AJ from STMicroelectronics is a pre-assembled evaluation board centered on the VN7016AJ-E single-channel smart high-side driver in PowerSSO-16 package, operating from 4–28 V supply with 16 mΩ typical on-state resistance and 77 A current limitation, designed for automotive load control with MultiSense analog diagnostics and fault reset capability.

For engineers reviewing the EV-VN7016AJ datasheet, EV-VN7016AJ pinout, EV-VN7016AJ application, or EV-VN7016AJ equivalent, this board enables rapid prototyping of 12 V automotive resistive/inductive/capacitive loads with integrated thermal shutdown, short-circuit protection, open-load detection, and multiplexed analog feedback (load current, VCC, TCHIP) via dedicated J3 header pins.

Technical Context

The EV-VN7016AJ implements ST's VIPower® M0-7 technology to deliver robust high-side switching with configurable latch-off behavior triggered by overtemperature or power limitation events, managed through an active-low FaultRST pin. It supports CMOS-compatible 3 V/5 V logic inputs and provides diagnostic flexibility via S_EN, SEL0, and SEL1 control lines for MultiSense output selection.

Thermal performance is enabled by FR4 PCB with dual copper layers (35 µm), thermal vias (0.5 mm diameter, 1.1 mm spacing), and junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 39 °C/W. The board includes mounting options for both through-hole and SMD sense resistors at TP1–TP2 to support precise current sensing calibration.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV-VN7016AJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, lighting systems, and HVAC actuators requiring stable component supply, rapid functional validation, and diagnostic integration support.

Supply support for EV-VN7016AJ 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and analog devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The EV-VN7016AJ belongs to ST's VIPower® evaluation platform series, developed specifically to accelerate adoption of smart power switches in automotive ECUs where diagnostics, protection, and thermal reliability are critical.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the FaultRST pin on the EV-VN7016AJ board?

The FaultRST pin is an active-low input that unlatches the VN7016AJ-E output after a fault event such as overtemperature or power limitation. When held low, it configures the device for auto-restart mode instead of latched-off behavior, allowing recovery without external intervention. It is compatible with standard 3 V and 5 V CMOS logic levels and connects directly to MCU GPIOs for flexible fault management strategies.

How does the MultiSense analog output function on this evaluation board?

The MultiSense pin delivers a multiplexed analog current proportional to selected internal parameters: load current (via high-precision current mirror), VCC supply voltage, or chip temperature. Selection is controlled by SEL0/SEL1 pins, while S_EN enables or disables the output. This allows a single ADC channel to monitor multiple system health metrics, reducing MCU resource usage and simplifying wiring in space-constrained automotive modules.

Can the EV-VN7016AJ board be used with non-automotive 12 V loads?

Yes - while optimized for automotive 12 V grounded loads, the board supports any resistive, inductive, or capacitive load within its electrical ratings (4–28 V supply, ≤77 A peak, ≤3 A continuous at 25°C ambient). Its undervoltage lockout, overvoltage clamp, and reverse-battery protection (with external components) make it adaptable to industrial control and test equipment applications requiring robust high-side switching and diagnostics.

What are the PCB thermal design features of the EV-VN7016AJ?

The board uses a 2-layer FR4 substrate (1.6 mm thick, 35 µm Cu) with strategically placed thermal vias (0.5 mm diameter, 1.1 mm center-to-center spacing) beneath the VN7016AJ-E PowerSSO-16 package. This layout achieves a measured junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 39 °C/W, enabling reliable operation up to 3 A continuous current without forced airflow - critical for validating thermal behavior before custom PCB design.