STMicroelectronics EVALSP320SPLC

Overview

EVALSP320SPLC from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board kit for the SPEAr320 embedded microprocessor, comprising a CPU board and an MII-mode application board. It supports DDR2-333 memory (up to 2 Gbits), 8–16 Mbytes serial Flash, dual USB 2.0 host ports, one USB 2.0 device port, two Ethernet (RJ-45), two CAN, three RS-232, and one RS-485 interfaces-designed for industrial automation prototyping with MII-based media interface validation.

For engineers reviewing the EVALSP320SPLC datasheet, EVALSP320SPLC pinout, EVALSP320SPLC application, or EVALSP320SPLC equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of SPEAr320 MPU integration in PLC-style control systems, MII-based Ethernet PHY interfacing, multi-protocol fieldbus connectivity (CAN/RS-485), and analog/digital I/O expansion using ST's ecosystem of compatible STEVAL boards.

Technical Context

The EVALSP320SPLC implements a modular architecture: the CPU board hosts the SPEAr320 ARM926EJ-S core with DDR2 SDRAM controller, serial Flash interface, USB OTG PHY, and JTAG debug support. The application board provides MII-compliant Ethernet transceivers (ST802RT1A), dual CAN controllers with DB9 connectors, and level-shifted RS-232/RS-485 transceivers (ST3232EBTR, ST3485EBDR).

It integrates analog sensing via STLM20W87F temperature sensor and potentiometer ADC input, plus 8-channel ADC extension and GPIO/I²C general-purpose connector. Power is managed by L7986A DC/DC converter delivering +24 V and +5 V rails, supporting industrial-grade voltage stability and thermal monitoring.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVALSP320SPLC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC development, factory automation prototyping, and embedded control system validation requiring stable component supply and legacy MPU evaluation capability.

Supply support for EVALSP320SPLC 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and analog/mixed-signal devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's SPEAr (Structured Processor Enhanced Architecture) evaluation platform family, created to accelerate adoption of ARM-based SoCs in deterministic industrial control and programmable logic controller environments.

FAQ

Is EVALSP320SPLC still in active production?

No. STMicroelectronics has marked EVALSP320SPLC as obsolete per Doc ID 18019 Rev 1 (September 2010). It remains available through authorized distributors and Aetrix Electronics for legacy design support, repair, and documentation continuity-but no new silicon or firmware updates are issued.

What operating systems are supported on the SPEAr320 CPU board?

The SPEAr320 MPU supports Linux 2.6.x (with ST-provided BSP), uClinux, and FreeRTOS. Bootloader support includes U-Boot with MII-aware Ethernet initialization and serial Flash programming utilities-validated in ST's official software package for this evaluation kit.

Can the application board be used independently of the CPU board?

No. The application board lacks power regulation, clock generation, and MPU functionality. It is mechanically and electrically designed only as a daughterboard for the CPU board via a dedicated 200-pin connector, and requires SPEAr320's MII, CAN, UART, and GPIO signals to operate its peripherals.

Which STEVAL boards are directly compatible with the digital I/O connectors?

Digital input connectors are compatible with STEVAL-IFP007V1, STEVAL-IFP008V1, and STEVAL-IFP004V1; digital output connectors match STEVAL-IFP009V1, STEVAL-IFP001V1, STEVAL-IFP002V1, and STEVAL-IFP006V1-enabling plug-and-play expansion of industrial I/O modules without adapter hardware.