STMicroelectronics EV-VND7E025AJ

Overview

EV-VND7E025AJ from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board designed for the VNQ7E100AJ quad-channel smart high-side driver IC, enabling rapid prototyping of 12 V automotive loads with integrated diagnostics and protection. It supports deep cold-cranking down to 2.85 V, delivers analog current sensing via a multiplexed pin, and features configurable latch-off reset via FaultRST - used in headlamp control and ADAS sensor supply modules.

For engineers reviewing the EV-VND7E025AJ datasheet, EV-VND7E025AJ pinout, EV-VND7E025AJ application, or EV-VND7E025AJ equivalent, this board provides pre-validated thermal layout (R_thj-amb = 43 °C/W), PowerSSO-16-compatible mounting, and direct CMOS-level interface compatibility with 3 V/5 V microcontrollers - critical for automotive functional safety validation and load-driver BOM integration.

Technical Context

This evaluation board implements the VNQ7E100AJ VIPower M0-7 technology device in a fixed hardware configuration optimized for automotive-grade load driving. It integrates all recommended external components per the datasheet, including sense resistor pads (TP1–TP2), pull-up options for open-load detection, and dedicated routing for IN0–IN3, FaultRST, S_EN, SEL0–SEL2, and CurrentSense signals.

The board's 2-layer FR4 PCB (25 mm × 41.5 mm, 35 µm Cu, 1.6 mm thickness) includes thermal vias and copper pour to sustain continuous 15 A per channel under transient conditions. Its diagnostic architecture enables simultaneous monitoring of load current, chip temperature, and supply voltage through a single analog output pin, multiplexed via three address lines.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV-VND7E025AJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, ADAS sensor power management, and engine control module prototyping requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EV-VND7E025AJ 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 automotive-grade analog devices.

The EV-VND7E025AJ belongs to ST's VIPower evaluation board family, engineered specifically to accelerate validation of smart power drivers in ISO 16750-2 and LV124-compliant automotive systems.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the FaultRST pin on the EV-VND7E025AJ board?

FaultRST is an active-low pin that unlatches the VNQ7E100AJ outputs after overtemperature or overload faults. When held low, it configures auto-restart mode; when pulsed low, it resets latched faults. The board routes this signal to J4 pin 7 with CMOS-level compatibility for direct MCU GPIO connection without level-shifting.

Does the EV-VND7E025AJ support open-load detection in OFF-state?

Yes - OFF-state open-load detection is enabled by default. An optional external pull-up resistor can be connected to J4 pin 5 (IN_PullUP) to improve detection reliability during low-power modes. This function operates independently of the S_EN pin and remains active even when analog current sensing is disabled.

Can the EV-VND7E025AJ be used with 3.3 V microcontrollers?

Yes - all digital control inputs (IN0–IN3, FaultRST, S_EN, SEL0–SEL2) are fully compatible with 3.3 V CMOS logic levels. The board requires no level shifters or external buffers, and the VNQ7E100AJ's input hysteresis ensures noise immunity across automotive environments.

How is thermal performance validated on this evaluation board?

Thermal performance is validated per DB4007 Rev 1, reporting R_thj-amb = 43 °C/W under natural convection. The board uses 2-layer FR4 with thermal vias and copper pour under the PowerSSO-16 footprint, matching ST's reference layout - enabling users to replicate thermal behavior in final designs without requalification.