STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IAS003V1

Overview

STEVAL-IAS003V1 from STMicroelectronics is a battery-powered LCD counter demonstration board built around the STM8L101xx ultra-low-power microcontroller, delivering 1.6 µA average current at 18 Hz LCD refresh, supporting 3-digit direct software-driven LCD display, and operating from a single CR1220 coin cell for medical-grade portable counters and handheld meters.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IAS003V1 datasheet, STEVAL-IAS003V1 pinout, STEVAL-IAS003V1 application, or STEVAL-IAS003V1 equivalent, this board serves as a validated reference for ultra-low-power LCD interface design, wake-up timer–based event counting, and minimal-BOM embedded counter implementation in space-constrained, battery-limited devices.

Technical Context

The board implements direct LCD segment driving via GPIO toggling under precise timing control from the STM8L101xx's auto-wake-up timer (AWU), eliminating external LCD drivers. The MCU remains in Active-Halt mode >99% of the time, waking every ~55 ms to update segments and sample buttons.

Power optimization includes software-controlled GPIO states during sleep, capacitor-based charge redistribution for LCD bias, and elimination of all external active components beyond two decoupling capacitors - enabling single-layer PCB construction and sub-1.5 µA system-level quiescent current.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IAS003V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical counters, battery-operated utility meters, handheld industrial tally systems, and low-power consumer counting applications requiring stable component supply and legacy design continuity.

Supply support for STEVAL-IAS003V1 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 solutions, and sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This evaluation board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series, developed specifically to demonstrate ultra-low-power system integration techniques using STM8L energy-efficient MCUs in battery-constrained human-interface and measurement applications.

FAQ

Is STEVAL-IAS003V1 still in production?

No - STEVAL-IAS003V1 is marked obsolete per ST's official documentation (Doc ID 16223 Rev 1, September 2009). It remains available through authorized legacy distributors and Aetrix Electronics' extended-life inventory program for design continuity and repair support.

Can the LCD be replaced with a different 3-digit glass?

Yes - the software-driven LCD interface supports custom 3-digit segment layouts with common-backplane configuration. Pin mapping and timing must match the original 30-segment + BP arrangement; segment drive logic is implemented in firmware and configurable per glass specification.

What is the role of the auto-wake-up timer in this design?

The auto-wake-up timer (AWU) wakes the STM8L101xx from Active-Halt mode at precise 55 ms intervals to toggle LCD segments and scan buttons. This eliminates continuous CPU polling, achieving sub-2 µA system current while maintaining visible LCD contrast and responsive user input.

Does this board support firmware reprogramming?

Yes - the board includes SWIM (Single Wire Interface Module) debug header compatible with ST-LINK programmers. The STM8L101xx firmware is field-upgradable via standard ST programming tools, and source code examples for LCD driving and button handling are provided in ST's application note AN3294.