STMicroelectronics STEVAL-CCA023V1

Overview

STEVAL-CCA023V1 from STMicroelectronics is a demonstration board for the TS472 low-noise microphone preamplifier IC, providing 2.0 V electret microphone bias, fully differential I/O, 40 kHz bandwidth, 10 nV/√Hz input noise at 1 kHz, and active-low standby mode (1 µA max). It supports adjustable gain and flexible microphone biasing (internal or external).

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-CCA023V1 datasheet, STEVAL-CCA023V1 pinout, STEVAL-CCA023V1 application, or STEVAL-CCA023V1 equivalent, this board enables rapid evaluation of TS472 performance in audio front-end designs requiring low-noise amplification, precise gain control, and ultra-low-power standby operation.

Technical Context

The board implements the TS472 in a fully differential configuration with selectable gain via an 8-position DIP switch (P8) and external resistor network (Rgs), supporting gain adjustment from 0 dB to 20 dB. Input and output stages are AC-coupled using 100 nF ceramic capacitors (C1–C5, C8–C9) and include dedicated bias paths for electret microphones.

It integrates a dedicated 2.0 V low-noise bias generator (Vbias test point P11), fast 5 ms startup time at 0 dB gain, and a hardware-controlled standby function (STDBY input on P6, active-low). Power supply range is 2.2 V to 5.5 V, with total quiescent current of 1.8 mA at 20 dB gain.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-CCA023V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio front-end evaluation, voice interface prototyping, and low-power microphone signal conditioning requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for STEVAL-CCA023V1 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, analog ICs, power management, sensors, and MEMS solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STEVAL-CCA023V1 belongs to ST's Audio Evaluation Board product line, developed specifically to accelerate design-in of high-fidelity, low-power analog audio components in voice-enabled edge devices and portable recording systems.

FAQ

What is the purpose of jumper J4 on the STEVAL-CCA023V1?

Jumper J4 selects the microphone bias source: closed position routes the TS472's internal 2.0 V bias (Vbias) to the microphone; open position disables internal bias, allowing external biasing. This enables direct comparison of internal vs. external bias performance and supports custom microphone configurations not compliant with 2.0 V bias.

Can the gain be set to values other than those defined by the P8 DIP switch?

Yes - gain is determined by the external resistor Rgs (between pins GAIN and BYPASS), which can be manually replaced. The P8 DIP switch presets common values (0 dB to 20 dB in 2.5 dB steps), but designers may substitute discrete resistors or potentiometers for fine-grained or non-standard gain settings per application requirements.

Does the board support true balanced (differential) microphone inputs?

No - while the TS472 IC has fully differential inputs and outputs, the STEVAL-CCA023V1 uses single-ended electret microphone connections (IN+ referenced to GND, IN− tied to bias). Differential microphone support would require external transformer or dedicated differential mic interface circuitry not included on this board.

Is the 2.0 V bias output capable of driving multiple electret microphones?

No - the TS472's integrated 2.0 V bias is rated for ≤100 µA load current. Driving multiple electret mics typically exceeds this limit and risks voltage droop or instability. For multi-mic systems, use a dedicated low-noise LDO or bias generator instead of relying on the on-board Vbias output.