STMicroelectronics EV-VNQ5027AK

Overview

EV-VNQ5027AK from STMicroelectronics is a pre-assembled evaluation board for the VNQ5027AK-E quad-channel high-side VIPower® driver IC, designed for prototyping automotive-grade load control circuits. It integrates thermal heat-sinking, supports 4.5–36 V operation, delivers up to 42 A current limit per channel, features analog current sense (CS_DIS-controlled), and provides direct electrical connectivity via two 12-pin headers for rapid integration with external test systems.

For engineers reviewing the EV-VNQ5027AK datasheet, EV-VNQ5027AK pinout, EV-VNQ5027AK application, or EV-VNQ5027AK equivalent, this board enables fast functional validation of high-side switching behavior, current sensing accuracy, thermal response under overload, and interface compatibility with microcontroller GPIO and analog monitoring circuits in 12 V/24 V vehicle subsystems.

Technical Context

The EV-VNQ5027AK implements a dedicated hardware interface for the VNQ5027AK-E - a monolithic VIPower M0-5Enhanced device in PowerSSO-24 package - supporting four independent high-side switches with integrated current sense, active VCC clamp, and thermal shutdown with auto-restart. Each channel operates with ≤27 mΩ on-resistance and 2 µA off-state supply current.

Board-level design includes dual 2-layer FR4 PCBs (38 × 43 mm) with 70 µm copper, thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter, 1.2 mm spacing), and TAB-connected power terminals to support junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 29 °C/W - enabling sustained prototyping at elevated load currents without external heatsinks.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV-VNQ5027AK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics prototyping, industrial PLC output module development, and 12–24 V DC load control validation requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EV-VNQ5027AK 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 silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, and power applications since 1987.

The EV-VNQ5027AK belongs to ST's VIPower evaluation board family, developed specifically to accelerate safe, thermally robust prototyping of high-side driver ICs used in automotive lighting, motor control, and solenoid actuation systems.

FAQ

Does EV-VNQ5027AK include the VNQ5027AK-E IC?

Yes. The board ships fully assembled with one VNQ5027AK-E quad high-side driver IC soldered in PowerSSO-24 package. No additional assembly or component placement is required to begin functional testing of switching, current sensing, or thermal protection behavior.

What is the purpose of the CS_DIS pin on this evaluation board?

The CS_DIS signal (J1 pin 11) controls the analog current sense output: when low or open, each CURRENT SENSE pin delivers a voltage proportional to its channel's load current (via internal 1:2000 ratio); when high, all sense outputs enter high-impedance state to disable monitoring without affecting switching operation.

Can EV-VNQ5027AK drive inductive loads like solenoids or relays?

Yes. The VNQ5027AK-E on this board is explicitly qualified for inductive loads with one side grounded. Its integrated active VCC clamp and thermal shutdown with auto-restart protect against back-EMF spikes and sustained overloads - validated per automotive load-dump and inductive kick standards.

Is external heat sinking required for continuous operation?

No. With its 2-layer FR4 layout, thermal vias, and exposed TAB connection, the board achieves 29 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance. At ambient 25 °C, it supports ≥10 W continuous dissipation per channel without added heatsink - sufficient for most 12 V/24 V prototype loads below 30 A peak.