STMicroelectronics EV-VNH7100AS

Overview

EV-VNH7100AS from STMicroelectronics is a preassembled evaluation board for the VNH7100AS VIPower® M0-7 H-Bridge motor driver IC, designed for rapid prototyping of 12V/24V automotive DC motor control systems. It integrates the SO-16N packaged driver with recommended passive components (33 nF/220 µF capacitors, 1 kΩ–10 kΩ resistors), supports up to 20 kHz PWM speed control, delivers 15 A current limiting per channel, and provides MultiSense current monitoring via CS pin.

For engineers reviewing the EV-VNH7100AS datasheet, EV-VNH7100AS pinout, EV-VNH7100AS application, or EV-VNH7100AS equivalent, this board enables immediate validation of bidirectional motor control, brake functionality, thermal performance under load, and microcontroller interface compatibility using INA/INB/PWM/SEL0 signals - without external component design.

Technical Context

The EV-VNH7100AS implements a full-bridge topology using the VNH7100AS IC, which integrates two high-side drivers and two low-side switches in a single SO-16N package with electrically isolated leadframes. Its symmetrical mechanical layout and FR4 double-layer PCB (47 × 41 mm, 35 µm Cu, 1.6 mm thickness) support thermal dissipation with R_thj-amb ≤ 55 °C/W (HSD mode).

Board-level connectivity includes dual 15-pin headers (J1/J2) for power (VCC: 4–28 V), ground (multiple GND pins), motor outputs (OUTA/OUTB), logic inputs (INA, INB, PWM, SEL0), and analog current sensing (CS). The MultiSense output delivers a proportional current signal for closed-loop motor current monitoring.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV-VNH7100AS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive HVAC actuator testing, power seat motor validation, electronic throttle prototype development, and industrial linear actuator control requiring stable component supply and fast-turn evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EV-VNH7100AS 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 broad IP and manufacturing scale.

The EV-VNH7100AS belongs to ST's VIPower® evaluation board family, engineered specifically to accelerate development of robust, high-current DC motor control systems for automotive body electronics and industrial motion applications.

FAQ

Does EV-VNH7100AS require external components to operate?

No. The board includes all recommended external components per the VNH7100AS datasheet: 33 nF ceramic capacitor (C1), 220 µF/35V electrolytic capacitor (C2), and precision biasing resistors (R1–R6). Users only need to connect VCC, GND, motor load, and microcontroller signals (INA, INB, PWM, SEL0, CS) to begin operation.

What motor types can be controlled using this evaluation board?

The EV-VNH7100AS supports brushed DC motors rated up to 28 V and 15 A peak current per channel. It is validated for automotive applications including HVAC flap actuators, power window regulators, seat position adjusters, and mirror positioning motors - all requiring bidirectional rotation and dynamic braking.

How is thermal performance managed on this board?

Thermal management uses a 2-layer FR4 PCB with 35 µm copper, strategically placed thermal vias (0.5 mm diameter, 1.1 mm spacing), and optimized copper pour under the VNH7100AS SO-16N package. Measured R_thj-amb is 55 °C/W in high-side drive mode, enabling sustained 5 A continuous load at ambient 25 °C with natural convection.

Can the MultiSense current monitoring be used with standard ADCs?

Yes. The CS pin delivers a proportional current output (typically 1:2000 ratio) that interfaces directly with standard microcontroller ADCs. For example, 10 A motor current produces ~5 mA at CS, which - when passed through a 1 kΩ sense resistor - yields 5 V full-scale voltage, matching common 5 V or 3.3 V ADC reference ranges without amplification.