STMicroelectronics EV-VN7040AS

Overview

EV-VN7040AS from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board pre-assembled with the VN7040AS single-channel smart high-side driver in SO-8 package, designed for 12 V automotive load control. It supports 4–28 V operating voltage, delivers 34 A typical current limit, features 40 mΩ on-state resistance, and provides proportional analog current sense (MultiSense), thermal shutdown, and open-load/short-circuit diagnostics.

For engineers reviewing the EV-VN7040AS datasheet, EV-VN7040AS pinout, EV-VN7040AS application, or EV-VN7040AS equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of VIPower® M0-7 high-side switching behavior, diagnostic accuracy under overload/short-to-ground conditions, and thermal performance with 64 °C/W junction-to-ambient resistance on a 2-layer FR4 PCB.

Technical Context

The EV-VN7040AS implements ST's VIPower M0-7 technology to integrate protection and diagnostics directly into a single high-side switch IC. It operates with CMOS-compatible 3 V/5 V logic inputs, supports active power limitation during overload, and delivers proportional current-sense output via MultiSense pin with external resistor selection (TP1–TP2 through-hole or SMD pads).

Board-level design includes dedicated thermal vias (0.5 mm diameter, 1.1 mm spacing), 35 µm copper layers, and optimized ground planes to sustain transient supply up to 40 V while maintaining <0.5 µA standby current. J3 connector provides defined access to IN, S_EN, MultiSense, and +5 V rails per ST-recommended layout.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV-VN7040AS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, lighting control systems, and engine management subsystems requiring stable component supply and validated high-side driver evaluation capability.

Supply support for EV-VN7040AS 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 ownership across process technologies.

The EV-VN7040AS belongs to ST's VIPower® evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate prototyping and validation of smart power switches in automotive-grade applications with integrated protection and real-time diagnostics.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the MultiSense pin on the EV-VN7040AS board?

The MultiSense pin delivers a current proportional to the load current, scaled by an external sense resistor mounted between TP1 and TP2. It enables real-time analog monitoring of switched load current without shunt amplifiers, supporting diagnostic functions like overload detection and closed-loop current regulation in automotive control units.

Can the EV-VN7040AS be used with 5 V microcontrollers?

Yes - the IN and S_EN pins are fully compatible with 3 V and 5 V CMOS logic levels, featuring built-in hysteresis on IN and TTL/CMOS threshold alignment. No level-shifting circuitry is required when interfacing with standard automotive microcontrollers such as STM32 or RH850 families.

Does the board include thermal protection circuitry?

No - thermal protection is implemented within the VN7040AS IC itself (integrated thermal shutdown), not on the board. The EV-VN7040AS PCB enhances heat dissipation via 2-layer FR4 construction, thermal vias, and copper pour, achieving 64 °C/W junction-to-ambient resistance per ST characterization data.

How do I configure open-load detection in OFF-state?

OFF-state open-load detection requires connecting an external pull-up resistor (via J3 pin 5, IN_PullUP) to VCC. When S_EN is deasserted and the load is disconnected, the internal comparator detects floating IN and asserts diagnostic flag - confirmed in VN7040AS datasheet Section 7.3.2.