STMicroelectronics STEVAL-CCA018V1

Overview

STEVAL-CCA018V1 from STMicroelectronics is a demonstration board for the TS4657 stereo digital-to-analog converter, providing cap-less, ground-referenced 2.2 VRMS line outputs from a single 3–5.5 V supply, supporting 16–24-bit I²S audio at 32–48 kHz sample rates, with 95 dB A-weighted SNR at 5 V and integrated pop/click suppression.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-CCA018V1 datasheet, STEVAL-CCA018V1 pinout, STEVAL-CCA018V1 application, or STEVAL-CCA018V1 equivalent, this board enables rapid evaluation of single-supply stereo DAC performance in consumer audio interfaces, portable line-out designs, and low-power embedded audio subsystems requiring capacitor-free analog output stages.

Technical Context

The board implements the TS4657 IC in a fixed configuration: digital audio enters via I²S (BCLK, LRCLK, SDAT), format selection (FORMAT1/FORMAT2) sets justification mode, and /STDBY controls low-power standby. MCLK is required for internal clock generation and oversampling.

Output filtering uses passive RC networks (C6/R5, C7/R7) per channel; power is split into VCCD (digital) and VCCA (analog) domains with local 1 µF decoupling; the TS4657's internal charge pump generates –VCC to bias outputs ground-referenced without external negative rails or coupling capacitors.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-CCA018V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for consumer audio reference design, portable media player line-out validation, and embedded system DAC integration requiring stable component supply and documented evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for STEVAL-CCA018V1 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, analog ICs, power management, sensors, and automotive-grade components.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series, purpose-built to accelerate prototyping and performance verification of ST's high-fidelity audio signal chain ICs in real-world PCB environments.

FAQ

What audio formats does STEVAL-CCA018V1 support?

The board supports I²S, left-justified, and right-justified digital audio formats with 16–24-bit word length and sample rates from 32 kHz to 48 kHz. Format selection is controlled by JP2 pins FORMAT1 and FORMAT2, as shown in the schematic and data brief.

Does STEVAL-CCA018V1 require external negative voltage for analog output?

No. The TS4657 IC on the board integrates a charge-pump-based negative power supply generator, enabling true ground-referenced 2.2 VRMS outputs without external negative rails or large DC-blocking capacitors at the line outputs.

How is standby mode activated on this evaluation board?

Standby mode is activated by asserting logic low on the /STDBY pin (Pin 9 of U1, TS4657), accessible via JP3. In standby, current consumption drops significantly while preserving register state, and wake-up is immediate upon return to high.

Can STEVAL-CCA018V1 drive headphones directly?

No. It is designed as a line-level driver (2.2 VRMS, 1 kΩ load), not a headphone amplifier. Output impedance and current capability are optimized for driving line inputs (e.g., active speakers, AV receivers), not low-impedance headphones (typically 16–32 Ω).