STMicroelectronics EVALSTWBC-EP

Overview

EVALSTWBC-EP from STMicroelectronics is a Qi-compliant 15W wireless battery charger transmitter evaluation kit built around the STWBC-EP digital controller, implementing MP-A15 fixed-frequency topology with UART interface, 5–20V USB input flexibility, and triple-path (V/I/f) demodulation for robust power regulation in smartphone and tablet charging applications.

For engineers reviewing the EVALSTWBC-EP datasheet, EVALSTWBC-EP pinout, EVALSTWBC-EP application, or EVALSTWBC-EP equivalent, this kit delivers full system-level visibility into WPC Qi v1.2.4 protocol handling, FOD response timing, active presence detection behavior, and real-time power delivery tuning via ST-provided GUI tools and flash-based firmware.

Technical Context

The EVALSTWBC-EP implements a cost-effective half-bridge transmitter topology supporting both WPC Qi v1.2.4 standard mode (15W) and proprietary fast-charge extensions (up to 10W). It integrates STWBC-EP's embedded flash memory, UART debug interface, and hardware-accelerated Foreign Object Detection using voltage, current, and frequency sensing paths.

System-level control includes dynamic regulation error monitoring, real-time delivered power reporting, and firmware-updatable parameter sets for coil tuning, thermal thresholds, and FOD sensitivity-all accessible via STSW-STWBC-EP GUI tools hosted on st.com.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVALSTWBC-EP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless charging development, Qi certification pre-validation, and medium-power transmitter reference design prototyping requiring stable component supply and full firmware/toolchain support.

Supply support for EVALSTWBC-EP 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 delivering intelligent power, sensing, connectivity, and microcontroller solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

EVALSTWBC-EP belongs to ST's wireless power transmission product line, engineered to accelerate Qi-compliant 15W transmitter development with integrated firmware, GUI tools, and production-ready reference design assets.

FAQ

What firmware and software tools are included with EVALSTWBC-EP?

The kit ships with STSW-STWBC-EP firmware and a Windows-based graphical user interface that enables real-time monitoring of delivered power, regulation error, protocol status, and FOD events. All source schematics, PCB layout files (Gerber), BOM, and application notes are provided on st.com under DB3897 documentation.

Does EVALSTWBC-EP support both standard and proprietary fast-charging modes?

Yes - it supports WPC Qi v1.2.4 standard 15W charging and also implements proprietary extensions enabling up to 10W fast charging for compatible receivers. Mode selection and power negotiation are handled automatically by the STWBC-EP controller firmware during handshake.

Is the EVALWBCDNGV1 USB-UART dongle required for operation?

Yes - the EVALWBCDNGV1 dongle is mandatory for UART communication between the host PC and EVALSTWBC-EP board. It provides isolated USB-to-UART bridging and is bundled with the kit; no additional drivers beyond standard ST Virtual COM Port are needed.

Can EVALSTWBC-EP be used for Qi certification testing?

It serves as a pre-certification reference platform compliant with Qi v1.2.4 requirements, including FOD, active presence detection, and power regulation accuracy. However, formal Qi certification requires submission through a WPC-authorized test lab using calibrated equipment and official test plans - not the evaluation board alone.