STMicroelectronics VN7140AJ-E

Overview

VN7140AJ-E from STMicroelectronics is a single-channel smart high-side driver in PowerSSO-16 package, designed for 12 V automotive grounded loads with 3 V/5 V CMOS-compatible control, 140 mΩ typical on-state resistance, 12 A current limitation, and integrated MultiSense analog feedback for load current, VCC, and chip temperature.

For engineers reviewing the VN7140AJ-E datasheet, VN7140AJ-E pinout, VN7140AJ-E application, or VN7140AJ-E equivalent, this evaluation board enables rapid prototyping of automotive high-side switching with diagnostics, thermal management, and fault reset functionality - critical for body control modules, lighting, and HVAC actuators.

Technical Context

The VN7140AJ-E implements VIPower® M0-7 technology to integrate power MOSFET, protection logic, and analog sensing in one die. It supports configurable latch-off on overtemperature or power limitation via dedicated FaultRST pin, and uses multiplexed MultiSense output (current-mode) for simultaneous diagnostics of load current, supply voltage, and junction temperature.

Its input pins (IN0, S_EN, SEL0, SEL1, FaultRST) are all 3 V/5 V CMOS-compatible with hysteresis, enabling direct MCU interfacing without level-shifting. Protection includes undervoltage shutdown, overvoltage clamp, fast thermal transient self-limiting, and open-load detection in OFF-state when S_EN is asserted.

Key Specifications

Availability

VN7140AJ-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, LED headlight drivers, HVAC actuator controls, and electronic power distribution requiring stable component supply and diagnostic-ready high-side switching.

Supply support for VN7140AJ-E 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and automotive-grade analog devices.

The VN7140AJ-E belongs to ST's VIPower® smart power IC family, engineered specifically for automotive high-side driving with integrated diagnostics, protection, and low-power operation in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the function of the FaultRST pin on VN7140AJ-E?

FaultRST is an active-low CMOS-compatible pin that unlatches the output after fault conditions (e.g., overload, thermal shutdown). When held low, it forces auto-restart behavior instead of latched-off state - enabling fail-safe recovery in safety-critical modules like seat motor controls without MCU intervention.

How does MultiSense work and what signals can it report?

MultiSense is a current-mode analog output pin that multiplexes three diagnostics: load current (1 mA/A), VCC supply voltage (0.1 mA/V), and chip temperature (1.5 µA/°C). Selection is controlled by SEL0/SEL1 logic levels, allowing all three parameters to be read using a single external ADC channel with appropriate timing sequencing.

Can VN7140AJ-E drive inductive loads like solenoids or motors?

Yes - the device integrates active power limitation and fast thermal transient self-limiting, enabling safe switching of inductive loads such as door lock solenoids or HVAC blend door actuators. Its 12 A current limit and 40 V max transient supply withstand standard automotive flyback energy without external clamping diodes in most cases.

Is an external sense resistor required for MultiSense functionality?

A sense resistor (RSENSE) is required only for accurate load current measurement. The board includes pads for through-hole or SMD mounting (e.g., 0.01 Ω), but VCC and temperature sensing operate internally without external components. S_EN must be high to enable OFF-state open-load detection, which also requires RSENSE.