STMicroelectronics EVLMG4-500WIBCK

Overview

EVLMG4-500WIBCK from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for high-efficiency, dimmable LED drivers based on GaN technology, implementing a synchronously rectified inverse buck topology with MASTERGAN4, HVLED002 controller, and VIPER06XS auxiliary supply; supports 400 Vdc input, 150–350 Vdc output, and selectable output current (0.7 A / 1 A / 1.3 A) via shunt resistor; achieves up to 99.4% efficiency at 1 A / 350 V and operates without heatsink in industrial LED lighting applications.

For engineers reviewing the EVLMG4-500WIBCK datasheet, EVLMG4-500WIBCK pinout, EVLMG4-500WIBCK application, or EVLMG4-500WIBCK equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of GaN-based high-voltage LED driver designs with analog/PWM dimming, overvoltage protection, short-circuit protection, and scalable current configuration across 150–350 V output range.

Technical Context

The EVLMG4-500WIBCK implements an inverse buck (buck-boost derived) topology where MASTERGAN4 serves as integrated half-bridge power stage, driven by HVLED002's gate signals (GD, HIN, LIN, PWM_C) and current-sense feedback (SENSE_D); the controller regulates output current via peak-current-mode control synchronized to the inductor current zero-crossing.

VIPER06XS provides regulated 14 V logic supply (Vc) to HVLED002 and MASTERGAN4, eliminating external bias supplies; dimming is implemented via dual-path analog (0–10 V) and PWM inputs, with dedicated protection circuitry disabling MASTERGAN4 during fault conditions using PWM_C signal.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVLMG4-500WIBCK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-power LED streetlighting, industrial high-bay luminaires, and architectural accent lighting requiring stable component supply, fast prototyping cycles, and GaN-based efficiency validation.

Supply support for EVLMG4-500WIBCK 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and analog devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

This board belongs to ST's LED driver evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate adoption of GaN-based topologies in high-voltage, high-efficiency solid-state lighting systems with integrated protection and dimming.

FAQ

What is the primary topology implemented on the EVLMG4-500WIBCK?

The board implements a GaN-based synchronously rectified inverse buck topology, where MASTERGAN4 replaces both the high-side switch and low-side diode, while HVLED002 provides peak-current-mode control and VIPER06XS generates the 14 V logic supply. This architecture enables high efficiency and compact size without heatsink.

How is output current configured on this evaluation board?

Output current is set by selecting shunt resistor values on the daughterboard: 0.7 A, 1 A, or 1.3 A configurations are achieved by changing the R_SENSE network connected to MASTERGAN4's SENSE pin and HVLED002's ISENSE input, directly scaling the current-limit threshold.

Does the board support both analog and PWM dimming simultaneously?

No - the board supports either 0–10 V analog dimming or PWM dimming, selected via jumper configuration; both share the same dimming input connector (J4), but internal circuitry routes the signal to separate comparators and logic paths to avoid interference.

What safety and protection functions are implemented in hardware?

Hardware-level overvoltage protection (OVP) monitors output voltage via resistive divider and disables MASTERGAN4 if >360 V; short-circuit protection uses instantaneous current sensing through MASTERGAN4's SENSE pin to trigger immediate shutdown within one switching cycle, with auto-restart after fault clearance.