STMicroelectronics EV-VNQ7050AJ

Overview

EV-VNQ7050AJ from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board pre-assembled with the VNQ7050AJ quad-channel smart high-side driver in PowerSSO-16 package, operating from 4–28 V supply, supporting 27 A typical current limit per channel, 50 mΩ on-state resistance, and delivering multiplexed analog diagnostics via MultiSense pin for load current, supply voltage, and die temperature.

For engineers reviewing the EV-VNQ7050AJ datasheet, EV-VNQ7050AJ pinout, EV-VNQ7050AJ application, or EV-VNQ7050AJ equivalent, this board enables rapid prototyping of automotive load driving systems with integrated fault detection, thermal shutdown, open-load sensing, and configurable latch-off reset via FaultRST.

Technical Context

The EV-VNQ7050AJ implements ST's VIPower® M0-7 technology to interface microcontrollers with 12 V automotive grounded loads using 3 V/5 V CMOS-compatible inputs. It supports four independent high-side switch channels with individual IN0–IN3 control and shared diagnostic resources including a multiplexed analog sense output (MultiSense) and sense-enable (S_EN) logic.

Board-level design integrates recommended external components per VNQ7050AJ datasheet: RSENSE mounting options (through-hole or SMD), pull-up for off-state open-load detection, and thermal vias on FR4 PCB (2-layer, 35 µm Cu, 1.6 mm thickness) achieving 43 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV-VNQ7050AJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics development, industrial PLC I/O modules, and EV charging station control subsystems requiring stable component supply and validated reference hardware for high-side power switching.

Supply support for EV-VNQ7050AJ 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 with emphasis on safety, reliability, and system-level integration.

The EV-VNQ7050AJ belongs to ST's VIPower® evaluation platform family, developed specifically to accelerate validation of smart power ICs in automotive-grade load-driving applications with built-in diagnostics and protection.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the FaultRST pin on the EV-VNQ7050AJ board?

The FaultRST pin is an active-low input compatible with 3 V/5 V CMOS logic that unlatches the VNQ7050AJ outputs after thermal shutdown, overload, or short-circuit faults. When held low, it configures auto-restart mode instead of latched-off state, enabling recovery without external reset circuitry.

How does the MultiSense pin function on this evaluation board?

The MultiSense pin delivers a proportional current output multiplexed across three diagnostics: load current (via RSENSE), supply voltage (VCC), and chip temperature. Selection is controlled by SEL0–SEL2 pins, and activation requires asserting S_EN high - allowing time-multiplexed analog monitoring with single ADC channel.

Can the EV-VNQ7050AJ drive inductive loads such as solenoids or relays?

Yes - the VNQ7050AJ IC on this board integrates active clamp and energy recirculation during inductive turn-off, supported by overvoltage clamp and fast thermal transient limiting. The board's layout includes thermal vias and copper area to sustain repetitive inductive switching without derating under 25 °C ambient.

Is an external sense resistor required to use current sensing?

Yes - current sensing requires an external RSENSE mounted between TP1 and TP2 (through-hole) or on designated SMD pads. The value determines full-scale sense current range; no internal sense resistor is present. Default operation without RSENSE disables proportional load current reporting but retains all other diagnostics.