STMicroelectronics EV-VN7020AJ

Overview

EV-VN7020AJ from STMicroelectronics is a pre-assembled evaluation board for the VN7020AJ single-channel smart high-side driver in PowerSSO-16 package, operating from 4 V to 28 V supply, featuring 20 mΩ on-state resistance, 63 A current limitation, and multiplexed MultiSense analog feedback (load current, VCC, TCHIP). It enables rapid prototyping of automotive load control with integrated diagnostics and protection.

For engineers reviewing the EV-VN7020AJ datasheet, EV-VN7020AJ pinout, EV-VN7020AJ application, or EV-VN7020AJ equivalent, this board provides verified electrical connectivity, thermal management, and direct interface to microcontrollers via 3 V/5 V CMOS-compatible IN0, FaultRST, S_EN, SEL0, SEL1, and MultiSense pins - eliminating external component design effort.

Technical Context

The EV-VN7020AJ implements ST's VIPower M0-7 technology to evaluate the VN7020AJ's high-side switching behavior under real automotive conditions. It supports configurable latch-off fault recovery via active-low FaultRST and enables OFF-state open-load detection using optional external pull-up on IN_PullUP.

MultiSense functionality is accessed through a dedicated 3-wire addressable interface (SEL0/SEL1/S_EN), delivering proportional current mirror output (±5% accuracy), VCC monitoring (0–40 V range), and chip temperature sensing (±10°C) on a single analog pin - all validated per ST DocID026301 Rev 3.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV-VN7020AJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, engine management subsystems, and body electronics development requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for EV-VN7020AJ 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and analog devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

The EV-VN7020AJ belongs to ST's VIPower evaluation board family, purpose-built to accelerate validation of smart power high-side drivers in 12 V automotive systems with integrated diagnostics and robust protection.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the MultiSense pin on the EV-VN7020AJ board?

The MultiSense pin delivers a multiplexed analog current output proportional to load current (±5% accuracy), supply voltage (0–40 V range), or chip temperature (±10°C), selected via SEL0/SEL1 and enabled by S_EN. It eliminates need for separate sensing circuits and supports shared sense resistor configurations across multiple VN7020AJ devices in multi-channel designs.

Does the EV-VN7020AJ support open-load detection in OFF state?

Yes - OFF-state open-load detection is implemented using the IN_PullUP pin (J3 pin 5), which accepts an optional external pull-up resistor. When the output is disabled and no load is connected, the internal circuitry detects floating output voltage and reports fault via MultiSense or latch status, per ST DocID026301 Rev 3 section 2.3.

Can the EV-VN7020AJ be used with 3.3 V microcontrollers?

Yes - all digital control pins (IN0, FaultRST, S_EN, SEL0, SEL1) are fully compatible with both 3.3 V and 5 V CMOS logic levels, including hysteresis on input pins for noise immunity. The board requires only +5 V supply on J3 pin 6 and Vbat connection - no level-shifting components needed.

Is an external sense resistor required to use MultiSense functionality?

Yes - a sense resistor (RSENSE) must be installed between TP1 and TP2 (through-hole) or on the designated SMD pads to enable load current sensing. The board includes a through-hole resistor placeholder; value selection (e.g., 5 mΩ) determines current measurement range and accuracy - as specified in VN7020AJ datasheet section 6.2 and EV-VN7020AJ Figure 4–5.