STMicroelectronics EV-VN7140AJ

Overview

EV-VN7140AJ from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board pre-assembled with the VN7140AJ-E single-channel smart high-side driver in PowerSSO-16 package, designed for 12 V automotive load control. It supports 4–28 V operating voltage, delivers 12 A current limit, features 140 mΩ on-state resistance, and provides multiplexed MultiSense analog feedback (load current, VCC, TCHIP) via dedicated pins.

For engineers reviewing the EV-VN7140AJ datasheet, EV-VN7140AJ pinout, EV-VN7140AJ application, or EV-VN7140AJ equivalent, this board enables rapid prototyping of automotive high-side switching with integrated diagnostics, thermal protection, and CMOS-compatible 3 V/5 V control - without external component design.

Technical Context

The EV-VN7140AJ implements ST's VIPower® M0-7 technology to evaluate the VN7140AJ-E's real-time diagnostic and protection capabilities. It routes all critical signals - including FaultRST (active-low fault reset), S_EN (sense enable), SEL0/SEL1 (multiplexer address), and MultiSense (current/voltage/temperature analog output) - to a 18-pin header (J3) with defined pin functions and CMOS-level compatibility.

Thermal management is enabled via FR4 PCB with 2-layer 35 µm copper, thermal vias (0.5 mm diameter, 1.1 mm spacing), and junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 39 °C/W. Board dimensions are 25 mm × 41.5 mm, supporting direct integration into test benches for automotive-grade validation under transient supply up to 40 V.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV-VN7140AJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU development, body control module (BCM) prototyping, and smart power distribution testing requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for EV-VN7140AJ 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 broad IP portfolio.

The EV-VN7140AJ belongs to ST's VIPower® evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate validation of smart power ICs in automotive applications demanding robust diagnostics, thermal resilience, and functional safety readiness.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the MultiSense pin on the EV-VN7140AJ board?

The MultiSense pin (J3 pin 8) delivers a multiplexed analog current output proportional to selected internal parameters: load current (via high-precision current mirror), VCC supply voltage, or chip temperature. Selection is controlled by SEL0/SEL1 inputs. This enables single-wire diagnostic readout using an external ADC, reducing system wiring and component count while maintaining high measurement accuracy across all three domains.

How does the FaultRST pin function during overtemperature or overload events?

FaultRST (J3 pin 7) is an active-low input that unlatches the VN7140AJ-E output after a fault-induced latch-off event (e.g., thermal shutdown or power limitation). When held low, it forces auto-restart mode; when pulsed low then released, it resets the latch and restores normal operation - enabling both manual recovery and automated fault-handling strategies in microcontroller-based systems.

Can the EV-VN7140AJ evaluate open-load detection in OFF state?

Yes - OFF-state open-load detection is supported via the IN_PullUP connection (J3 pin 5), which allows an external pull-up resistor to be added. When the output is disabled and no load is connected, the internal circuitry detects the resulting high-impedance condition and reports it through the MultiSense channel (when S_EN is asserted), enabling reliable detection of disconnected loads during sleep or standby modes.

What sense resistor options does the board support for current measurement calibration?

The board supports two configurations: a through-hole resistor mounted across test points TP1–TP2 (included), or an SMD resistor soldered onto dedicated pads near RSENSE. Both allow user-defined resistance values to scale the MultiSense current mirror output - enabling precise calibration for specific load current ranges without modifying firmware or external signal conditioning.