STMicroelectronics STEVAL-CBP001V2

Overview

STEVAL-CBP001V2 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the STFPC311 vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) controller IC, designed to drive 17-segment, 11-digit VFDs via a 4-wire serial interface. It integrates IR remote decoding (Philips RC-5 and NEC), standby/mute status LEDs, 15 programmable front-panel keys, and real-time clock functionality using the M41T81.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-CBP001V2 datasheet, STEVAL-CBP001V2 pinout, STEVAL-CBP001V2 application, or STEVAL-CBP001V2 equivalent, this board supports rapid prototyping of STB/DVD front panels with LED/VFD displays, IR remote integration, low-power standby sequencing, and I²C-based RTC interfacing in consumer audio/video control interfaces.

Technical Context

The board implements the STFPC311 as a dedicated VFD driver with integrated microcontroller interface logic, supporting SPI-like 4-wire serial communication (CLK, DIN, STB, DOUT) and READY handshake signaling. It decodes standard IR protocols directly on-board without external MCU intervention.

Real-time clock functions are handled by the M41T81 I²C RTC (32.768 kHz crystal, battery-backed), while front-panel key scanning, LED driving, and mute/standby state indication are managed through discrete transistor arrays and configurable jumpers. Power domains include 3.3 V logic and −24 V VEE for VFD grid biasing.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-CBP001V2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for STB/DVD front panel development, consumer AV remote control interface validation, and VFD-based HMI prototyping requiring stable component supply and reference design traceability.

Supply support for STEVAL-CBP001V2 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 analog, digital, and mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series, purpose-built to accelerate evaluation of ST's display interface controllers-specifically targeting VFD-driven front panels in set-top boxes and DVD players with integrated IR and power-state management.

FAQ

Does STEVAL-CBP001V2 support direct connection to a host MCU?

Yes-it provides a 4-wire serial interface (CLK, DIN, STB, DOUT) compatible with standard SPI timing, plus a READY signal for flow control. The STFPC311 handles VFD refresh, key scanning, and IR decoding autonomously, reducing MCU firmware overhead. No additional level-shifting is required for 3.3 V MCUs.

Can the board drive standard LED displays instead of VFDs?

No-the STFPC311 is specifically optimized for vacuum fluorescent displays with high-voltage grid/segment drive (−24 V VEE). While the board includes four general-purpose LEDs, it lacks current-regulated LED drivers or multiplexing logic for standalone LED matrix use. Its core function is VFD control.

What IR protocols are natively decoded on this board?

The STFPC311 IC on this board natively decodes Philips RC-5 and NEC infrared remote control protocols. Raw IR signals enter via the onboard IR demodulator (TSOP-style input), and decoded commands are made available over the serial interface-no external protocol parsing is needed.

Is the real-time clock battery-backed and accessible via standard interface?

Yes-the M41T81 RTC uses a coin-cell battery (BT1) for backup and communicates over standard I²C (SDA/SCL pins). It includes IRQ output for alarm/wake-up events and retains time/date across main power loss, enabling accurate timestamping in standby-aware AV systems.