STMicroelectronics EVAL6569

Overview

EVAL6569 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the L6569/L6569A high-voltage half-bridge gate driver IC with integrated oscillator, designed for compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) electronic ballast applications operating from 110 V ±20% or 220 V ±20% mains via voltage-doubler configuration. It supports 18 W Sylvania Deluxe T/E lamps, delivers programmable oscillation frequency up to 63 kHz, features 1.25 µs typical dead time, and incorporates internal bootstrap diode structure eliminating external diode requirement.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL6569 datasheet, EVAL6569 pinout, EVAL6569 application, or EVAL6569 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of L6569-based CFL ballast designs-including startup sequencing, dV/dt immunity under ±50 V/ns, bootstrap capacitor charging behavior, and dual-voltage input operation-without custom PCB development.

Technical Context

The EVAL6569 implements a complete reference design for single-stage CFL ballasts using the L6569A driver IC, with preheat controlled by a PTC thermistor and lamp synchronization via back-to-back diodes. It operates across universal AC inputs (110/220 V ±20%) and integrates all passive components-including 2.4 mH ballast inductor, 8.2 nF resonant capacitors, and 47 µF bulk capacitors-to replicate production-level thermal and EMI behavior.

Board-level functionality includes internal oscillator frequency setting via RF = 12 kΩ and CF = 1 nF (yielding ~60 kHz), UVLO hysteresis (1 V typ.), and safe bootstrap operation validated per SOA curves at 125 °C junction temperature. The layout follows ST's recommended copper-side routing for high-voltage isolation between VS (up to 600 V rail) and low-side control circuitry.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL6569 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for compact fluorescent lamp ballasts, universal-input AC-DC lighting controllers, and high-voltage half-bridge driver validation requiring stable component supply and documented reference design implementation.

Supply support for EVAL6569 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 power management, analog, microcontrollers, and automotive-grade ICs with broad industrial and consumer application reach.

EVAL6569 belongs to ST's Lighting & Power Conversion Evaluation Board product line, developed specifically to accelerate adoption of its high-voltage gate drivers (e.g., L6569 series) in energy-efficient electronic ballast and resonant converter designs.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL6569 evaluation board?

The EVAL6569 is a fully assembled demonstration board for the L6569A high-voltage half-bridge driver IC, configured as a single-stage electronic ballast for 18 W CFL lamps. It validates key system behaviors including soft-start preheat via PTC, resonant ignition, steady-state regulation, and bootstrap capacitor charging without external diodes-enabling direct measurement of gate waveforms, timing margins, and thermal performance under real AC line conditions.

Can EVAL6569 be used with the standard L6569 (non-A version)?

Yes, EVAL6569 is compatible with both L6569 and L6569A ICs, but startup behavior differs: the L6569A version delays low-side MOSFET turn-on until VS reaches 9 V (typical), while the standard L6569 begins charging the bootstrap capacitor immediately after VS exceeds 9 V. Users must verify gate drive timing and bootstrap voltage rise time when substituting versions, especially under low-line conditions.

Does EVAL6569 support dimming or variable-frequency operation?

No-EVAL6569 is fixed-frequency (≈60 kHz) and not designed for dimming. Its oscillator is set by discrete RF/CF components; frequency adjustment requires hardware modification. For dimmable CFL or LED drivers, ST recommends alternative platforms like the STEVAL-ILL003V2 or L6574-based designs with dedicated dimming interfaces and programmable frequency control.

What safety certifications does EVAL6569 meet?

EVAL6569 is a development tool-not a certified end-product-and carries no UL, CE, or IEC certification. It includes reinforced creepage/clearance spacing (≥5 mm between HV and LV sections), Class X/Y capacitor ratings (C6, C7–C9), and thermal derating per ST's SOA guidelines, but must be integrated into a certified final product meeting IEC 61000-3-2 (harmonics), IEC 61547 (EMC), and IEC 61347-2-3 (lamp control gear safety) requirements.