STMicroelectronics AEK-POW-L5964V1

Overview

AEK-POW-L5964V1 from STMicroelectronics is an automotive-grade expansion board built around the L5964 dual synchronous buck regulator IC, delivering up to 3 A per channel with digitally selectable (3.3/5/9 V) or PWM-programmable (3.3–11 V, 20 mV steps) outputs. It integrates a 3.3 V LDO, input/output voltage monitors, power-good signals, thermal sensing, watchdog, reset, and synchronization logic - designed specifically for USB-PD 2.0/3.0 and car infotainment power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the AEK-POW-L5964V1 datasheet, AEK-POW-L5964V1 pinout, AEK-POW-L5964V1 application, or AEK-POW-L5964V1 equivalent, key selection criteria include dual-channel automotive DC-DC regulation capability, programmable output voltage resolution, integrated protection features (OCP, OTP, UV/OV), AutoDevKit compatibility, and plug-and-play integration with SPC58EC-DISP and AEK-MCU-C4MLIT1 evaluation boards.

Technical Context

The AEK-POW-L5964V1 implements two independent buck converters based on the L5964 monolithic IC, each featuring integrated high-side and low-side MOSFETs, current-mode control, and internal compensation. It supports parallel operation for combined 6 A output and provides dedicated analog monitoring paths for VIN, VOUT, and temperature via ADC inputs.

Board-level functionality includes synchronized start-up/shutdown sequencing, hardware-enforced enable/disable logic (EN_0/EN_1), PWM-based voltage programming via V0_PWM/V1_PWM, and status indication via RGB LED with fixed-voltage mapping (blue = 9 V, green = 15 V, red = 20 V). All critical signals are routed to 4×20 male/female headers compatible with AutoDevKit ecosystem boards.

Key Specifications

Availability

AEK-POW-L5964V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB-PD power delivery systems, automotive infotainment supply rails, and in-car DC-DC module development requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100-aligned design assurance, and rapid prototyping support.

Supply support for AEK-POW-L5964V1 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 broad IP and manufacturing scale.

The AEK-POW-L5964V1 belongs to ST's AutoDevKit ecosystem - a family of automotive-qualified expansion boards designed for rapid validation of power, sensing, and connectivity functions with SPC5 microcontrollers.

FAQ

Is AEK-POW-L5964V1 compatible with non-ST microcontrollers?

No - the board is engineered for direct mechanical and electrical integration with ST's SPC58EC-DISP and AEK-MCU-C4MLIT1 evaluation boards via its 4×20 AutoDevKit connector. While signal-level interfacing (e.g., EN, PWM, PGOOD) is possible with external MCUs, full firmware support, demo application, and SPC5-STUDIO plugin require ST's SPC5 Chorus platform.

What is the role of the internal 3.3 V LDO on this board?

The LDO supplies regulated 3.3 V to onboard logic (e.g., RGB LED driver, level shifters, monitoring circuitry) and provides a clean auxiliary rail for MCU I/O or sensor biasing. It is powered from the main buck outputs and features dedicated PGTHLDO monitoring and PGLDO flag for fault reporting.

Can both buck channels operate at different output voltages simultaneously?

Yes - Channel 0 (VBUS_0) and Channel 1 (VBUS_1) are fully independent. Each supports separate digital voltage selection (3.3/5/9 V) or individual PWM programming (3.3–11 V), enabling asymmetric configurations such as 5 V + 9 V or 3.3 V + 15 V for multi-rail automotive subsystems.

Does the board include EMI filtering for automotive compliance?

Yes - the schematic integrates multi-stage input filtering (LC networks, ferrite beads), optimized PCB layout with split ground planes, and shielded inductors (e.g., ACM12V common-mode choke). These measures meet CISPR 25 Class 5 requirements for conducted and radiated emissions in vehicle environments.