STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ICB007V1

Overview

STEVAL-ICB007V1 from STMicroelectronics is a capacitive touch demonstration board built around the STMPE321 3-channel capacitive touch key controller and an STM32 microcontroller acting as the main digital interface. It supports three independent touch keys, I²C communication (SCL/SDA), interrupt-driven event reporting (INT pin), and LED-based visual feedback with PWM-controlled illumination. It is designed for rapid evaluation of capacitive touch sensing in human-interface applications.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ICB007V1 datasheet, STEVAL-ICB007V1 pinout, STEVAL-ICB007V1 application, or STEVAL-ICB007V1 equivalent, this board provides validated hardware implementation of STMPE321 touchkey configuration, STM32-based I²C host control, GPIO-driven LED indication, and PWM-based dynamic response visualization - all critical for embedded HMI prototyping.

Technical Context

The board implements a two-tier architecture: the STMPE321 handles analog capacitance measurement and baseline compensation in dedicated hardware, while the STM32F103xx-series MCU executes firmware to read touch status via I²C, process events, and drive LEDs using GPIO and timer peripherals. The STMPE321's 3 I/Os are configured exclusively as capacitive touch inputs in this design.

Touch detection uses hardware-accelerated charge-transfer measurement with programmable threshold and debounce timing; event notification occurs via active-low INT signal routed to PB13 on the STM32. All touch inputs share a common reference capacitor (CREF = 5 pF) and use 5 pF external sensor capacitors (C4, C5, C3).

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ICB007V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded HMI development, industrial control panel prototyping, and consumer appliance interface validation requiring stable component supply and documented reference implementation.

Supply support for STEVAL-ICB007V1 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, specializing in microcontrollers, analog ICs, power management, and MEMS sensors.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series, designed specifically to accelerate customer evaluation of ST's capacitive touch controllers and associated MCU integration - targeting cost-sensitive, low-power human-interface applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the STMPE321 on this board?

The STMPE321 serves as a dedicated 3-channel capacitive touch key controller, performing hardware-based capacitance-to-digital conversion, automatic baseline tracking, and noise-immune touch detection. Its outputs are read by the STM32 over I²C, and it signals touch events via the INT pin - eliminating software-intensive sensing algorithms on the host MCU.

Can the touch keys be reconfigured as GPIOs?

Yes - the STMPE321 datasheet confirms its 3 I/O pins (S0–S2) are multifunctional and can be configured as general-purpose inputs/outputs via register writes. However, on STEVAL-ICB007V1, they are hardwired and firmware-configured exclusively as capacitive touch inputs with fixed 5 pF sensor caps and no external GPIO routing headers.

Is this board still in production?

No - STEVAL-ICB007V1 is marked "Obsolete Product(s)" in its official ST document (DocID018907 Rev 1.0, June 2011). It remains available through legacy distribution channels for design reference and educational use, but ST no longer manufactures or warrants new units.

Does the board support firmware updates or custom code loading?

Yes - the STM32F103RB MCU includes SWD debug interface (accessible via CN1 header pins) and supports in-circuit programming. Users can reflash custom firmware using ST-LINK/V2 or compatible tools to modify touch behavior, LED response, or I²C interaction logic without hardware changes.