STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IDB003V1

Overview

STEVAL-IDB003V1 from STMicroelectronics is a Bluetooth® Smart USB dongle evaluation board built around the BlueNRG system-on-chip and an STM32L ultra-low-power microcontroller. It enables PC-based Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0 communication in both master and slave roles, delivers +8 dBm RF output power, supports firmware development via unmounted JTAG footprint, and integrates USB interface for GUI interaction and firmware updates.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IDB003V1 datasheet, STEVAL-IDB003V1 pinout, STEVAL-IDB003V1 application, or STEVAL-IDB003V1 equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-role BLE 4.0 operation, integrated STM32L host MCU, programmable RF output (–18 to +8 dBm), 96 dB link budget, and USB-native evaluation capability without external debug hardware.

Technical Context

The board implements a complete BLE 4.0 protocol stack on the BlueNRG SoC, with the STM32L microcontroller acting as host processor for application logic and USB CDC class handling. The BlueNRG handles all RF baseband, link layer, and host controller interface functions.

USB connectivity uses full-speed (12 Mbps) CDC ACM class for virtual COM port communication, enabling direct serial command interface to the BlueNRG stack. The unpopulated JTAG footprint provides SWD access to the STM32L for custom firmware development, independent of BlueNRG's internal bootloader.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IDB003V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Bluetooth Low Energy prototyping, embedded BLE gateway development, and PC-based sensor node commissioning requiring stable component supply and documented reference firmware support.

Supply support for STEVAL-IDB003V1 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, MEMS, power devices, and wireless SoCs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) platform family, engineered to accelerate Bluetooth Smart development by integrating certified radio, host MCU, USB interface, and open firmware tools into a single ready-to-run evaluation form factor.

FAQ

Does STEVAL-IDB003V1 require external debug hardware to load custom firmware?

No. The board includes an unpopulated JTAG/SWD footprint compatible with standard ST-LINK probes. Once a 10-pin SWD connector is soldered, users can directly program and debug the onboard STM32L microcontroller using STM32CubeIDE or Keil MDK without modifying the BlueNRG firmware path.

Can STEVAL-IDB003V1 operate as a Bluetooth LE central device connecting to multiple peripherals?

Yes. The BlueNRG SoC supports master role operation per Bluetooth 4.0 specification. The reference firmware and AT command set enable concurrent connections to up to eight BLE peripherals, subject to memory allocation and stack configuration in the host application running on the STM32L.

Is there official Android/iOS application support for STEVAL-IDB003V1?

Yes. ST provides officially supported mobile apps named "BlueNRG" on both Google Play and Apple App Store. These apps communicate with the dongle over BLE using standardized GATT services exposed by the BlueNRG firmware, enabling real-time sensor data monitoring and device configuration.

What USB class does STEVAL-IDB003V1 implement, and is driver installation required on Windows?

It implements USB Communications Device Class (CDC) Abstract Control Model (ACM), appearing as a virtual COM port. On Windows 10/11, no additional driver is needed - the built-in usbser.sys driver loads automatically. Legacy Windows versions may require Zadig or ST's signed CDC driver for enumeration.