STMicroelectronics B-G474E-DPOW1

Overview

B-G474E-DPOW1 from STMicroelectronics is a Discovery kit evaluation board centered on the STM32G474RE Arm® Cortex®-M4 microcontroller, designed specifically for digital power conversion and high-brightness RGB LED control demonstrations. It integrates HRTIM (250 kHz PWM), DAC (3-channel, up to 15 Msps), COMP (3 independent comparators), and hardware-coupled analog-peripheral signal paths to enable closed-loop current-mode LED driving with soft-start, gamma correction, and slope compensation - all without external ICs.

For engineers reviewing the B-G474E-DPOW1 datasheet, B-G474E-DPOW1 pinout, B-G474E-DPOW1 application, or B-G474E-DPOW1 equivalent, this kit serves as a validated reference platform for evaluating STM32G4's integrated analog control capabilities in LED dimming, buck converter design, and high-resolution timing applications - with preloaded firmware, no additional hardware required, and USB-powered operation.

Technical Context

The B-G474E-DPOW1 implements a current-mode controlled buck topology for each RGB channel, using internal COMP inputs (PA7, PA0, PB0) to sense LED current via R_SENSE, and HRTIM outputs (PC6, PC8, PA8) to drive power MOSFETs at 250 kHz. Burst-mode PWM at 400 Hz eliminates visible flicker while maintaining constant-current (CC) regulation.

HRTIM directly triggers DAC sawtooth generation (TRG1/TRG5/TRG6) for slope compensation, and synchronizes COMP blanking via compare units to suppress noise-induced false triggers. DAC3 (red/green) operates at 3 Msps (12 steps per period); DAC1 (blue) runs at same rate under low-load conditions, enabling stable sub-50% duty cycle operation across all three channels.

Key Specifications

Availability

B-G474E-DPOW1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for digital power design validation, LED dimming algorithm prototyping, and STM32G4 analog peripheral integration testing requiring stable component supply and full firmware support.

Supply support for B-G474E-DPOW1 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 microcontrollers, analog ICs, power management, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The B-G474E-DPOW1 belongs to ST's Discovery kit family - engineered to accelerate development of digitally controlled power systems using STM32G4's integrated high-resolution timer, fast DACs, and comparator peripherals - with emphasis on LED lighting, DC/DC conversion, and real-time analog signal processing.

FAQ

Is B-G474E-DPOW1 a standalone microcontroller or an evaluation board?

B-G474E-DPOW1 is a fully assembled evaluation board (Discovery kit), not a bare IC. It features the STM32G474RE MCU soldered onboard, along with RGB LED, signal LEDs, joystick, ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger, USB interface, and supporting analog circuitry for LED current sensing and buck conversion - all ready for immediate firmware execution.

Does the kit include preloaded firmware for RGB LED control?

Yes - the B-G474E-DPOW1 ships with factory-preloaded firmware implementing four demonstration modes: 4-LED sequence, RGB color spectrum scanning, RGB white dimming, and buck/buck-boost conversion. The RGB demo uses HRTIM burst mode, DAC slope compensation, and COMP-based current regulation - all accessible immediately after USB power-up.

Can the HRTIM and DAC peripherals be reconfigured for custom applications?

Yes - the STM32G474RE's HRTIM, DAC, and COMP peripherals are fully programmable via HAL/LL drivers or direct register access. The board exposes all relevant GPIOs (PC6, PC8, PA8, PA7, PA0, PB0, etc.) and supports SWD debugging. Reference firmware and configuration details are provided in UM2577 and AN5345.

What safety features protect against LED overcurrent or optical hazard?

The kit enforces a software-limited 100 mA forward current per RGB channel and includes a physical optical cube over the high-brightness LED to diffuse luminous flux. The application note explicitly cautions against overriding the current limit or removing the optical protection due to risk of eye injury from concentrated light emission.