STMicroelectronics EVAL6599-90W

Overview

EVAL6599-90W from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the L6599 high-voltage resonant half-bridge controller IC, designed to demonstrate 90 W LLC or series-resonant DC-DC conversion with soft-switching operation. It implements a 50 % complementary duty cycle, variable-frequency control up to 500 kHz, integrated 600 V-compatible high-side gate driver with synchronous bootstrap diode, two-level overcurrent protection (frequency shift + latched shutdown), and PFC controller interface - validated in open-frame AC-DC SMPS designs.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL6599-90W datasheet, EVAL6599-90W pinout, EVAL6599-90W application, or EVAL6599-90W equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of L6599-based resonant half-bridge topologies under real-world load transients, light-load burst-mode behavior, line-sensing brownout response, and PFC coordination - critical for LCD TV power supplies, telecom rectifiers, and entry-server SMPS development.

Technical Context

The EVAL6599-90W implements a complete resonant half-bridge reference design centered on the L6599 controller, which drives external high-voltage MOSFETs in complementary 180° phase with fixed dead-time (0.2–0.4 µs) to ensure ZVS across load range. The board integrates all necessary biasing, current sensing (via primary-side resistor), line sensing (R-divider to LINE pin), soft-start (CSS/RFmin network), and PFC_STOP coordination circuitry.

It supports both DIP-16 and SO-16N L6599 variants and validates key functional blocks: non-linear frequency-shift soft-start (programmable via RFmin/CSS), burst-mode entry at STBY threshold (1.25 V), dual OCP thresholds (0.8 V frequency shift, 1.5 V latch), and 600 V rail-compatible bootstrap operation using the internal synchronous DMOS switch instead of an external diode.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL6599-90W is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LCD TV power supplies, telecom SMPS, and open-frame AC-DC adapters requiring stable component supply, proven resonant topology reference designs, and fast-turnaround engineering validation.

Supply support for EVAL6599-90W 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, delivering intelligent power, analog, MEMS, and microcontroller solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The L6599 product line was developed specifically for high-efficiency, high-reliability resonant half-bridge converters in 50–300 W AC-DC applications - emphasizing soft-switching integrity, robust fault handling, and seamless integration with PFC stages.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the EVAL6599-90W evaluation board?

The EVAL6599-90W is a fully assembled, tested reference design board that demonstrates the L6599 controller in a 90 W resonant half-bridge topology. It validates soft-switching operation, burst-mode efficiency at light loads, line-sensing brownout response, and coordinated shutdown with PFC controllers - enabling engineers to verify system behavior before custom PCB design.

Does EVAL6599-90W support both DIP-16 and SO-16N L6599 packages?

Yes - the board provides footprint compatibility and routing for both L6599D (SO-16N) and L6599N (DIP-16) variants, including correct creepage spacing for the high-voltage OUT/HVG/VBOOT nodes and dedicated ground plane separation for LVG/GND return paths as specified in ST's layout guidelines.

How is burst-mode operation implemented and verified on this board?

Burst-mode is triggered when the STBY pin voltage falls below 1.25 V (with 50 mV hysteresis), causing the L6599 to enter low-quiescent-current idle state. The board includes test points and oscilloscope-accessible waveforms (HVG, LVG, VOUT) to observe intermittent switching bursts, input current reduction, and restart behavior - confirmed per Section 7.2 of the L6599 datasheet.

Can EVAL6599-90W be used with external PFC controllers?

Yes - the board exposes the PFC_STOP open-drain signal (pin 9) and includes pull-up configuration options. When the L6599 detects OCP latch, DIS activation, LINE overvoltage (>6 V), or burst-mode entry, PFC_STOP goes low to disable compatible PFC ICs (e.g., L6562A, L4981) - verified using standard optocoupler feedback and logic-level interfacing per Figure 3 in the datasheet.