STMicroelectronics STEVAL-FET001V1

Overview

STEVAL-FET001V1 from STMicroelectronics is an adapter board designed to evaluate the M41T62LC6F low-power serial real-time clock (RTC) with integrated alarm function. It provides full I²C-compatible pin access via a standard DIL-24 socket, includes on-board backup diode and capacitor for battery-switchover operation, and exposes square-wave output and interrupt signals via test points for rapid prototyping in embedded timing applications.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-FET001V1 datasheet, STEVAL-FET001V1 pinout, STEVAL-FET001V1 application, or STEVAL-FET001V1 equivalent, this board enables immediate evaluation of RTC functionality-including timekeeping accuracy, alarm triggering, and I²C register access-without custom PCB design or external support circuitry.

Technical Context

The board implements a passive, zero-component-count interface between the M41T62LC6F IC and a DIL-24 socket, preserving all 24 pins in correct physical and electrical mapping. It integrates a Schottky diode and backup capacitor to enable seamless transition to V_BAT during main supply loss, supporting continuous RTC operation per M41T62LC6F's standby current spec of 300 nA typical.

Test points for SQW/OUT and IRQ pins allow direct oscilloscope probing or microcontroller connection without soldering. No level-shifting, voltage regulation, or pull-up resistors are included-the board assumes host system provides I²C pull-ups and appropriate logic-level signaling.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-FET001V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded RTC validation, industrial control panel timing verification, and IoT node prototype development requiring stable component supply and fast evaluation turnaround.

Supply support for STEVAL-FET001V1 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, MCU, power, and sensing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series - purpose-built adapter and evaluation platforms that simplify device integration, reduce prototyping risk, and accelerate time-to-test for timing, sensor, and interface ICs.

FAQ

Does STEVAL-FET001V1 include the M41T62LC6F IC?

No. The board is a passive adapter only and does not include the M41T62LC6F RTC IC. Users must supply the IC separately and insert it into the DIL-24 socket. The board provides mechanical retention, pin mapping, and backup power circuitry but no active components beyond the diode and capacitor.

What voltage levels does the board support for I²C communication?

The board supports standard I²C voltage levels matching the M41T62LC6F's operating range: 1.8 V to 5.5 V on V_CC. It has no built-in level shifters, so host system I²C lines must match the selected V_CC level, and external pull-up resistors must be provided by the user.

Can STEVAL-FET001V1 operate standalone without a host controller?

No. The board lacks power regulation, clock source, or firmware - it functions solely as a physical interface. An external microcontroller or host system is required to initialize registers, read time/date, configure alarms, and interpret SQW/IRQ outputs via I²C.

Is the backup capacitor value specified on the board?

Yes. The board uses a 0.47 µF ceramic capacitor (C2) for V_BAT decoupling, selected to meet M41T62LC6F's minimum 0.22 µF requirement while ensuring low ESR and stable low-current discharge during main supply loss.