STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IDB006V1

Overview

STEVAL-IDB006V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board based on the BlueNRG-MS Bluetooth® Smart IC and STM32L151CBU6 microcontroller, compliant with Bluetooth 4.1, supporting dual master/slave roles, delivering +8 dBm RF output power, and featuring USB interface for PC GUI interaction and firmware updates.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IDB006V1 datasheet, STEVAL-IDB006V1 pinout, STEVAL-IDB006V1 application, or STEVAL-IDB006V1 equivalent, this board enables rapid prototyping of BLE sensor nodes, PC-side BLE gateway development, low-power wireless firmware validation, and custom host-controller interface design using SPI-connected BlueNRG-MS and integrated STM32L.

Technical Context

The board implements a dual-chip architecture: BlueNRG-MS serves as the Bluetooth Low Energy radio subsystem with programmable output power (−18 to +8 dBm), 96 dB link budget, and peak currents of 7.3 mA (RX) and 8.2 mA (TX at 0 dBm); the STM32L151CBU6 provides host control via SPI interface, real-time clock, and low-power operation down to 1.65 V supply.

USB 2.0 Full-Speed interface handles both power delivery and bidirectional data exchange; onboard BALF-NRG-01D3 balun and matching network optimize 2.4 GHz RF performance; unpopulated JTAG footprint supports SWD-based firmware development for the STM32L MCU.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IDB006V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for BLE gateway development, sensor node evaluation, and embedded firmware validation requiring stable component supply and documented reference hardware.

Supply support for STEVAL-IDB006V1 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, MEMS, and power devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series, purpose-built to accelerate customer adoption of ST's Bluetooth SoCs and ultra-low-power MCUs through validated hardware, firmware examples, and PC tools.

FAQ

Does STEVAL-IDB006V1 support Bluetooth 5.x features?

No. The board uses the BlueNRG-MS IC, which is certified only for Bluetooth 4.1. It does not support Bluetooth 5.x features such as 2 Mbps PHY, LE Long Range, or Advertising Extensions. Firmware updates cannot extend protocol version compliance beyond hardware capability.

Can the JTAG connector be added for STM32L firmware debugging?

Yes - the board includes an unpopulated JTAG/SWD footprint compatible with standard 10-pin ARM Cortex debug connectors. Soldering a JTAG header enables full SWD-based debugging, flash programming, and real-time tracing of the STM32L151CBU6 using ST-LINK or compatible tools.

What is the role of the BALF-NRG-01D3 component?

The BALF-NRG-01D3 is an integrated balun and matching network that converts the BlueNRG-MS's differential RF output to a single-ended 50 Ω signal for the onboard PCB antenna. It eliminates external matching components and ensures optimal 2.4 GHz radiation efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Is the USB interface capable of supplying power to external peripherals?

No - the USB port is configured solely for board power input and data communication. The USB 5 V rail is internally regulated to 3.3 V and 1.8 V for BlueNRG-MS and STM32L operation; no VBUS passthrough or GPIO-controlled power switching is implemented for peripheral powering.