STMicroelectronics AEKD-AFL001

Overview

AEKD-AFL001 from STMicroelectronics is a complete AutoDevKit development kit for adaptive front lighting (AFL) systems in automotive prototyping, comprising an SPC58ECxx-based MCU board (AEK-MCU-C4MLIT1), two stepper motor driver boards (AEK-MOT-SM81M1), a 4-channel LED driver board (AEK-LED-21DISM1), dual connector boards (AEK-CON-5SLOTS1 and AEK-CON-AFLVIP2), and preloaded STSW-AFL001 firmware supporting independent control of high/low beam, DRL, direction lights, X/Y-axis stepper motors, and cooling fan.

For engineers reviewing the AEKD-AFL001 datasheet, AEKD-AFL001 application, AEKD-AFL001 block diagram, or AEKD-AFL001 compatibility with AEKD-AFLLIGHT1 headlight simulator, this kit delivers automotive-grade hardware and firmware to accelerate AFL system validation, CAN-based ECU integration, sensor-in-the-loop simulation (e.g., steering wheel position via potentiometer), and functional safety-aware lighting control development.

Technical Context

The AEKD-AFL001 integrates ST's SPC58ECxx 32-bit Power Architecture MCU running STSW-AFL001 firmware, enabling real-time coordination of four LED string drivers (high beam, low beam, DRL, turn signal), dual stepper motor controllers for X/Y optical axis adjustment, and thermal management via fan control-all synchronized over SPI, LIN, and dual CAN interfaces (CAN1/CAN4).

System-level functionality includes manual steering emulation via J5 potentiometer input on AEK-CON-AFLVIP2, CAN message monitoring through J4 analyzer port, and modular board stacking enabled by standardized AutoDevKit 5-slot connectors-supporting rapid reconfiguration between open-loop actuation testing and closed-loop sensor feedback scenarios.

Key Specifications

Availability

AEKD-AFL001 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting R&D, ADAS subsystem validation, and ECU interoperability testing requiring stable component supply, full documentation traceability, and long-term design-in support.

Supply support for AEKD-AFL001 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 specializing in automotive-grade microcontrollers, power management ICs, and intelligent sensors, with ISO/TS 16949-certified manufacturing and AEC-Q100 qualified components.

The AutoDevKit ecosystem-including AEKD-AFL001-is designed specifically for rapid automotive electronics prototyping, emphasizing modularity, CAN/LIN/USB connectivity, and production-ready firmware frameworks aligned with AUTOSAR and functional safety requirements.

FAQ

What hardware loads are required to operate AEKD-AFL001 as a complete adaptive front lighting system?

AEKD-AFL001 requires external loads to function as a full AFL simulation system: two stepper motors (X/Y axis), four LED strings (high beam, low beam, DRL, turn signal), and a cooling fan. These are provided together in the compatible AEKD-AFLLIGHT1 headlight assembly, which includes acrylic housing, cabling, and JPX2/JPX3 connectors matching the kit's interface specifications.

How is steering wheel position emulated for adaptive beam angle control?

Steering wheel position is emulated using a potentiometer connected to J5 (ST.WHEEL) on the AEK-CON-AFLVIP2 board. The voltage applied to this analog input maps directly to horizontal beam displacement. Manual mode must be enabled by setting AFLDEMO_MANUALMODE = true in AFL.h and shorting pins 5–6 of J5 to prevent default activation on boot.

Which CAN interfaces does AEKD-AFL001 support, and how are they accessed?

AEKD-AFL001 supports two isolated CAN interfaces: CAN1 (via MCP2562FD transceiver on AEK-MCU-C4MLIT1) and CAN4 (also MCP2562FD, routed through AEK-CON-AFLVIP2). CAN1 uses a D-Sub 9-way female connector; CAN4 signals are accessible via J4 (labeled CAN) on AEK-CON-AFLVIP2 for connection to CAN bus analyzers or other ECUs.

Is STSW-AFL001 firmware pre-flashed, and what development environment is required?

Yes, STSW-AFL001 firmware is pre-flashed on the AEK-MCU-C4MLIT1 board. Development and customization require AutoDevKit Studio (based on Eclipse), where users can import the 'SPC58ECXX_RLA adaptive front lighting (AFL)' project. No additional compiler licenses or toolchain setup is needed beyond installing AutoDevKit Studio and connecting via USB.