STMicroelectronics EV-VND7020AJ

Overview

EV-VND7020AJ from STMicroelectronics is a pre-assembled evaluation board for the VND7020AJ double-channel smart high-side driver in PowerSSO-16 package, operating from 4–28 V with 22 mΩ typical on-resistance per channel and 63 A current limitation. It enables rapid prototyping of automotive load control with integrated diagnostics including multiplexed analog MultiSense feedback for load current, VCC, and chip temperature.

For engineers reviewing the EV-VND7020AJ datasheet, EV-VND7020AJ pinout, EV-VND7020AJ application, or EV-VND7020AJ equivalent, this board provides direct interface to microcontrollers via 3 V/5 V CMOS-compatible IN0/IN1, FaultRST, S_EN, SEL0/SEL1, and MultiSense pins - supporting functional validation, thermal characterization, and diagnostic signal calibration without external component design.

Technical Context

The EV-VND7020AJ implements ST's VIPower® M0-7 technology and hosts the VND7020AJ IC, which integrates two independent high-side switches with configurable latch-off fault management, undervoltage/overvoltage protection, and self-limiting thermal transient response. Its diagnostic architecture uses a single multiplexed analog output (MultiSense) with selectable sensing modes controlled by SEL0/SEL1 and enabled by S_EN.

Board-level design includes dedicated through-hole and SMD pads for RSENSE (sense resistor), thermal vias (0.5 mm diameter, 1.1 mm spacing), and FR4 PCB with 2-layer 35 µm copper to sustain junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 39 °C/W under defined layout conditions.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV-VND7020AJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU development, body control module prototyping, and smart power distribution system validation requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EV-VND7020AJ 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 analog, MCU, power, and automotive-grade ICs for industrial and transportation applications.

The EV-VND7020AJ belongs to ST's VIPower® evaluation board family, developed specifically to accelerate adoption of smart power high-side drivers in 12 V automotive systems with integrated protection and real-time diagnostics.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the MultiSense pin on the EV-VND7020AJ board?

The MultiSense pin delivers a proportional analog current corresponding to one of three internal measurements-load current, VCC supply voltage, or chip temperature-selected via SEL0/SEL1 and enabled by S_EN. It eliminates need for separate sense circuitry and allows microcontroller-based diagnostics using a single ADC input with appropriate scaling and timing control.

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

FaultRST is an active-low pin that unlatches the VND7020AJ outputs after fault-induced latch-off. When held low, it forces auto-restart mode; when pulsed low then released, it clears latched faults. This pin directly controls the configurable latch-off behavior documented in the VND7020AJ datasheet and requires CMOS-compatible drive.

Can the EV-VND7020AJ be used with loads beyond automotive 12 V systems?

The board supports VCC from 4 V to 28 V and withstands transients up to 40 V, making it suitable for 24 V commercial vehicle and off-road equipment applications. However, thermal performance and current capability remain bound by the VND7020AJ's 22 mΩ RON and 39 °C/W Rthj-amb rating-derating is required above 12 V nominal operation.

Is an external sense resistor required to use the MultiSense diagnostic feature?

Yes-a sense resistor (RSENSE) must be installed across TP1–TP2 or on the SMD pad to enable load current sensing. The board includes a through-hole resistor placeholder; value selection determines current-to-voltage scaling (e.g., 5 mΩ yields 1 A → 5 mV). VCC and temperature sensing operate independently of RSENSE.