STMicroelectronics EV-VNQ9080AJ

Overview

EV-VNQ9080AJ from STMicroelectronics is a pre-assembled evaluation board for the VNQ9080AJ quad-channel smart high-side driver in PowerSSO-16 package, designed to drive 12 V automotive grounded loads via 3 V/5 V CMOS-compatible inputs. It integrates load current sensing (via multiplexed analog CS pin), thermal shutdown with configurable latch-off, overvoltage clamp, and short-to-VCC/open-load diagnostics.

For engineers reviewing the EV-VNQ9080AJ datasheet, EV-VNQ9080AJ pinout, EV-VNQ9080AJ application, or EV-VNQ9080AJ equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of VNQ9080AJ's diagnostic feedback (e.g., proportional current sense, fault reset timing), cold-cranking operation down to 4 V, and integration into ADAS power domains requiring <0.5 µA standby current and 13.6 A per-channel current limiting.

Technical Context

The EV-VNQ9080AJ implements the full functional interface of the VNQ9080AJ IC, including four independent high-side output channels with integrated current-sense mirroring, a shared multiplexed analog diagnostic output (CS), dedicated FaultRST and S_EN control pins, and selectable input pull-up configuration via CN9. All external passive components (decoupling capacitors, current-sense resistors, pull-ups) follow ST's recommended layout per DB4857.

Board-level signal routing supports simultaneous monitoring of VBAT_ADC, INx logic states, and OUTx load voltages through labeled test points (TP1–TP18); LED indicators provide visual status for each output channel, while EZ and ASD connectors enable standardized load and microcontroller interfacing per automotive evaluation practices.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV-VNQ9080AJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ADAS sensor supply, LED headlamp control, body electronics module validation, and cold-cranking system testing requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EV-VNQ9080AJ 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, specializing in automotive, industrial, and power management solutions with vertical manufacturing capabilities.

The VNQ9080AJ product line targets automotive high-side power distribution with integrated diagnostics, enabling safe, software-controllable switching for safety-critical loads such as radar modules and lighting systems.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the CS pin on the EV-VNQ9080AJ board?

The CS (Current Sense) pin is a multiplexed analog output that provides high-precision proportional current mirroring of the active channel's load current, plus encoded fault signals including overload, short-to-ground, short-to-VCC, and off-state open-load detection. It requires external ADC sampling synchronized with SEL0/SEL1 address selection per channel.

How does the FaultRST pin function during thermal shutdown?

When thermal shutdown triggers and latch-off is enabled, the output remains disabled until a low-to-high pulse is applied to the FaultRST pin. This allows controlled recovery without cycling VCC, supporting fail-safe behavior in ECU-controlled power domains where autonomous restart is prohibited.

Can the EV-VNQ9080AJ drive inductive loads like solenoids directly?

Yes - the board supports inductive loads via the VNQ9080AJ's integrated clamp diode and fast transient suppression. The device limits peak current to 13.6 A and manages energy dissipation during turn-off using self-limiting thermal response, eliminating need for external flyback components in most 12 V automotive solenoid applications.

Is external pull-up required for open-load detection on all channels?

Yes - off-state open-load detection requires an external pull-up resistor (e.g., 15 kΩ) on each output, implemented on the board via R11–R17. These resistors bias the output node to VBAT when the channel is off, enabling the internal comparator to detect floating conditions indicative of disconnected loads.