STMicroelectronics STEVAL-VNH5050A

Overview

STEVAL-VNH5050A from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the VNH5050A VIPower® H-bridge motor driver IC, designed to drive DC motors up to 30 A continuous current with integrated protection and real-time diagnostics. It comprises a pre-assembled daughterboard featuring the VNH5050A and a motherboard based on an STM8 microcontroller, enabling full control, PWM configuration (up to 20 kHz), and live monitoring of motor current, battery voltage, and board temperature.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-VNH5050A datasheet, STEVAL-VNH5050A pinout, STEVAL-VNH5050A application, or STEVAL-VNH5050A equivalent, this board supports rapid validation of dual-washer-pump and seat-regulation motor control systems, offering GUI-based parameter tuning, short-circuit protection, thermal shutdown, and current-sense output verification in automotive body electronics development.

Technical Context

The board implements a two-tier architecture: the VNH5050A daughterboard delivers high-current H-bridge switching (R_DS(on) ≤ 50 mΩ per leg, V_CC max = 41 V), while the STM8 motherboard provides logic-level control, fault reporting, and USB-based communication. The system supports programmable PWM frequency up to 20 kHz and includes cross-conduction prevention, overvoltage clamping, and undervoltage/overvoltage shutdown.

Real-time diagnostics are enabled via the VNH5050A's current-sense output (CS pin), mapped to onboard ADC channels, and monitored through ST's dedicated GUI software. Protection features include loss-of-ground detection, loss-of-V_CC detection, thermal shutdown, and short-to-V_CC/ground output protection - all verified at board level per IEC 61000-4 immunity requirements.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-VNH5050A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics validation, DC motor control prototyping, and embedded motor driver qualification requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for STEVAL-VNH5050A 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 vertically integrated manufacturing and design capabilities.

The STEVAL-VNH5050A belongs to ST's motor driver evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate adoption of VIPower® H-bridge ICs in automotive comfort systems such as seat positioners and fluid pumps.

FAQ

Does STEVAL-VNH5050A require external programming hardware?

No. The board integrates an STM8-based motherboard with built-in USB interface and ST's proprietary GUI software, eliminating the need for separate debuggers or programmers. Firmware updates and parameter configuration are performed directly via USB cable using the provided Windows application.

Can STEVAL-VNH5050A drive bidirectional 24 V DC motors?

Yes. The VNH5050A H-bridge on the daughterboard supports full H-bridge operation with independent IN1/IN2 control, enabling forward/reverse rotation and braking of 24 V DC motors up to 30 A continuous current, validated per ISO 7637-2 pulse test requirements.

What diagnostic signals are accessible on the board?

The board exposes the VNH5050A's current-sense (CS) output, fault flag (FF), and temperature monitor (TEMP) signals to the STM8 ADC and GPIOs. These are processed and visualized in real time by the GUI, including motor current waveform, battery voltage tracking, and thermal status alerts.

Is the daughterboard separable from the motherboard for custom integration?

Yes. The VNH5050A daughterboard connects to the STM8 motherboard via a standard 2×15-pin socket interface. Its layout and pinout match ST's reference design, allowing direct integration into custom carrier boards while retaining full protection and sensing functionality.