STMicroelectronics STEVAL-CBP004V1

Overview

STEVAL-CBP004V1 from STMicroelectronics is a front panel display demonstration board built around the STFPC311 VFD controller and ST72F264 microcontroller, supporting 16-segment, 1-digit vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) for DVD recorders, 12 tactile keys, 3 status LEDs, IR sensor, buzzer, and on-board RTC for timer/alarm functions.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-CBP004V1 datasheet, STEVAL-CBP004V1 pinout, STEVAL-CBP004V1 application, or STEVAL-CBP004V1 equivalent, this board serves as a validated reference for low-power standby management, SPI-based front panel control, and integrated real-time clock implementation in consumer AV equipment.

Technical Context

The board implements a dual-IC architecture: ST72F264 acts as SPI master controlling STFPC311, which drives the VFD with segment/anode biasing and multiplexing logic. Standby wakeup is triggered via key press or IR signal, with RTC maintaining time during deep sleep.

Power architecture supports four rails (3.3 V, 12 V, –30 V, GND) to meet VFD anode/cathode/segment voltage requirements and enable system-level power sequencing. Embedded in-circuit programming allows firmware updates without removing the MCU.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-CBP004V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DVD recorder front panel development, home theater system UI prototyping, and set-top box human interface validation requiring stable component supply and legacy reference design access.

Supply support for STEVAL-CBP004V1 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 analog, MCU, power, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL evaluation platform family, developed to demonstrate integrated front panel control architectures for cost-sensitive consumer audio/video equipment with stringent standby power constraints.

FAQ

Is STEVAL-CBP004V1 still in active production?

No. STEVAL-CBP004V1 is marked "Obsolete Product(s)" in the official ST document dated September 2008. It is no longer manufactured or supported by STMicroelectronics, but Aetrix Electronics maintains limited legacy stock for design continuity and repair use cases.

Can the VFD display be replaced with an LCD or LED module?

No - the board's hardware is specifically designed for 16-segment VFD operation, including –30 V anode drive circuitry and STFPC311's VFD-optimized segment timing. LCD/LED substitution would require complete redesign of driver stage, power rails, and firmware display routines.

Does this board support USB or serial host communication?

No. STEVAL-CBP004V1 has no USB transceiver or UART interface. Communication is internal only: SPI between ST72F264 and STFPC311. Host system interaction occurs solely via front panel inputs (keys/IR) and outputs (VFD/LEDs/buzzer).

What firmware tools are required to reprogram the ST72F264?

STVD (ST Visual Develop) IDE and STVP (ST Visual Programmer) with ST-LINK or compatible ISP adapter are required. The board uses SWIM (Single Wire Interface Module) for in-circuit programming; no external debugger header is provided - programming is done via dedicated test points.