STMicroelectronics STEVAL-GLA001V1

Overview

STEVAL-GLA001V1 from STMicroelectronics is an insulated AC switch control evaluation board supporting three independent 1 kW (230 V_rms) AC loads via Triac (T1635T-8FP), overvoltage-protected AC switches (ACST310-8B, ACS108-8TN), and zero-voltage switching (ZVS) detection. It interfaces directly with STM32 Nucleo-64 boards (e.g., NUCLEO-F030R8) and enables phase control, timer-based, or pulsed gate current operation for residential appliance motor and heater control.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-GLA001V1 datasheet, STEVAL-GLA001V1 pinout, STEVAL-GLA001V1 application, or STEVAL-GLA001V1 equivalent, key selection considerations include ZVS timing accuracy, isolated gate drive capability, IEC 61000-4-4 immunity (Criteria A @ 2 kV, Criteria B @ 4 kV), dual 3.3 V/5 V isolated power rails, and firmware-configurable AC load control modes without MCU firmware reprogramming.

Technical Context

The board implements galvanic isolation between microcontroller logic and AC mains using TLP187 optocouplers for gate triggering and BAT48Z diodes for ZVS sensing. It integrates discrete snubberless triac and ACS devices with dedicated gate resistor networks calibrated for 90–265 V_AC, 50/60 Hz operation and thermal derating via 17 °C/W heatsink on T1635T-8FP.

ZVS detection uses a resistive divider (620 kΩ) and precision comparator (TSV631ILT) referenced to VDD, enabling phase-angle control with <±1° timing resolution. Power management includes LF33ABV (3.3 V) and LF50ABV (5 V) LDOs with heatsinks, delivering <300 mW standby loss and meeting RoHS compliance.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-GLA001V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for residential appliance control, smart HVAC actuation, and industrial AC load prototyping requiring stable component supply, full documentation traceability, and long-term design-in support.

Supply support for STEVAL-GLA001V1 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, power devices, sensors, and analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's GLA (Gate Logic & AC Control) evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of solid-state AC switching solutions replacing mechanical relays in energy-efficient home appliances.

FAQ

Does STEVAL-GLA001V1 require STSW-GLA001V1 firmware to operate?

Yes - the board relies on STSW-GLA001V1 firmware preloaded on an STM32 Nucleo-64 board (e.g., NUCLEO-F030R8) to enable its three AC control modes: continuous/pulsed gate current, timer-based on/off, and phase-angle control. Without this firmware, only basic GPIO-level gate triggering is possible.

Can STEVAL-GLA001V1 drive inductive loads like compressor motors?

Yes - it supports inductive loads up to 1 kW at 230 V_rms using the snubberless T1635T-8FP triac and ACST310-8B ACS device, both rated for high commutation robustness (dI/dt ≥ 50 A/μs). ZVS detection minimizes turn-on stress during motor startup transients.

What isolation rating does the board provide between MCU and AC mains?

The board achieves reinforced galvanic isolation via TLP187 optocouplers (input-output creepage ≥ 8 mm, clearance ≥ 5 mm) and physical PCB slotting. It complies with IEC 61000-4-4 surge immunity (2 kV Criteria A, 4 kV Criteria B), but no certified safety standard (e.g., UL/EN 60747-5-5) rating is claimed.

Is external heatsinking mandatory for full 1 kW per channel operation?

Yes - the T1635T-8FP triac requires the supplied 17 °C/W heatsink to sustain 16 A RMS current at 60 °C ambient. Without it, derating to ≤600 W per channel is necessary to avoid thermal shutdown or latch-up under continuous load.