STMicroelectronics STEVAL-CCA040V1

Overview

STEVAL-CCA040V1 from STMicroelectronics is a 4-channel Class-AB audio amplifier demonstration board based on the STA540SAN quad amplifier IC in Clipwatt15 package, delivering up to 4 × 10 W single-ended or 2 × 26 W BTL into 4 Ω loads at V_CC = 17 V and 14.4 V respectively, with THD+N as low as 0.0555% at 1 W output, designed for evaluating multi-channel consumer audio power stages.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-CCA040V1 datasheet, STEVAL-CCA040V1 pinout, STEVAL-CCA040V1 application, or STEVAL-CCA040V1 equivalent, this board supports configurable output modes (4SE/2BTL/2SE+1BTL), includes full schematics and PCB layout guidance, and provides measured electrical characteristics including SNR (−92.3 dB AW-filtered), crosstalk (−65.8 dB), and thermal design data for heatsink selection.

Technical Context

The board implements the STA540SAN - a monolithic quad Class-AB amplifier with integrated thermal shutdown, overcurrent protection (I_OCP = 3.5 A), and standby control via RC-filtered input - enabling flexible channel configuration through jumper-selectable output topologies. It operates across 8–22 V DC supply range and supports both single-ended and bridge-tied load outputs without external bootstrap components.

Design-level features include mandatory 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitors placed adjacent to each V_CC/GND pair, star-routed power distribution, strict separation of signal ground (S_GND) and power ground (P_GND), and dedicated SVR capacitor placement near the IC to stabilize internal voltage regulation - all validated per AN4176 layout guidelines.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-CCA040V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio system prototyping, multi-channel amplifier validation, and educational lab environments requiring stable component supply and documented reference designs.

Supply support for STEVAL-CCA040V1 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 devices, and sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series - purpose-built demonstration platforms that provide complete hardware, layout files, and application notes to accelerate development of audio, power, and interface subsystems using ST's proprietary ICs.

FAQ

What power supply requirements does STEVAL-CCA040V1 support?

The board accepts 8–22 V DC input via CN7 connector, with recommended operation at 14.4 V for BTL mode and 17 V for single-ended mode. It requires a current capability sufficient for peak output - ≥5 A for 2 × 26 W BTL operation - and benefits from low-ESR bulk capacitance (≥2200 µF per channel) per AN4176 Section 3.3.1.

How do I configure the board for 2-channel BTL operation?

Per Figure 6 in AN4176, close yellow jumpers J1, J2, J3, and J4 while leaving blue jumpers open. This internally bridges OUT1/OUT2 and OUT3/OUT4 pairs, converting two amplifier channels into one BTL output each. Output terminals are labeled "BTL CH1" and "BTL CH2" on the board silk.

Does STEVAL-CCA040V1 include thermal management provisions?

Yes - the board uses the STA540SAN in Clipwatt15 package (R_θJC = 4.5 °C/W) and includes mounting holes and thermal pad layout aligned with ST's heatsink recommendation. AN4176 Section 5 calculates minimum heatsink R_θSA ≤ 5 °C/W for continuous 10.52 W dissipation at 50 °C ambient.

Can I use this board to evaluate audio quality metrics like FFT and frequency response?

Yes - AN4176 provides full test methodology and measured results including FFT spectra (Figures 18, 19, 26, 27), frequency response (Figures 16, 24), THD+N vs. power/frequency (Figures 14, 15, 22, 23), and SNR (Figures 17, 25), all captured using Audio Precision AP2722 and Tektronix TDS3034B equipment per Section 2.3.