STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IFP003V1

Overview

STEVAL-IFP003V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the VN340 high-side driver IC, designed to demonstrate 8-channel industrial digital output functionality in PLC systems. It integrates two VN340SP drivers (4 channels each), a L5970D DC/DC converter, optocoupler isolation (TLP281-4, TLP181), and IEC-compliant EMC protection (IEC 61000-4-4/5/6). Operating up to 35 V with 0.5 A per channel and very low standby current, it supports robust programmable logic controller outputs.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IFP003V1 datasheet, STEVAL-IFP003V1 pinout, STEVAL-IFP003V1 application, or STEVAL-IFP003V1 equivalent, this page details its architecture as a reference design for industrial digital output modules with integrated power conversion, thermal management, short-circuit protection, and galvanic isolation-key for PLC I/O card development and industrial control system validation.

Technical Context

The board implements dual VN340SP high-side drivers-each providing four independently controlled 0.5 A channels with built-in diagnostics (Diag pin), thermal shutdown, and overcurrent protection. Channel inputs are optically isolated using TLP281-4 (quad) and TLP181 (single) phototransistor couplers, ensuring >3.75 kV_RMS input-to-output isolation.

Power is conditioned via a L5970D synchronous step-down converter generating 6 V_BSS from 24 V_IN, supporting driver bias and logic supply. Input surge protection uses SM15T36A TVS diodes (2 kV IEC 61000-4-5), while EMI filtering includes 4.7 nF X2/Y2 capacitors and 33 µH chokes per channel group.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IFP003V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for programmable logic controller (PLC) I/O module development, industrial digital output card qualification, and IEC-compliant EMC validation requiring stable component supply and traceable reference designs.

Supply support for STEVAL-IFP003V1 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, power ICs, sensors, and analog/mixed-signal products for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This evaluation board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series, specifically targeting industrial automation reference designs-enabling rapid prototyping of IEC-compliant digital output stages with integrated protection, isolation, and power conditioning.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the STEVAL-IFP003V1 evaluation board?

The STEVAL-IFP003V1 is a complete reference design for industrial 8-channel digital output modules. It demonstrates the VN340SP high-side driver IC in a real-world PLC I/O context, integrating optical isolation, DC/DC conversion, EMC protection, thermal management, and diagnostic signaling-all on a single PCB verified to IEC 61000-4-4/5/6 standards.

Does the board support hot-swap or channel enable/disable sequencing?

No-the STEVAL-IFP003V1 does not implement hardware-based hot-swap sequencing or per-channel enable/disable control beyond the standard VN340SP INx pins. Each channel is controlled directly by its optocoupled input; sequencing must be managed externally in the host controller firmware or logic. The board lacks dedicated soft-start or staggered turn-on circuitry.

Can the 6 V_BSS rail power external circuitry?

Yes-the L5970D-generated 6 V_BSS rail is accessible via test points and header pins (e.g., J3 pin 9–10), rated for up to 2 A continuous. However, loading beyond 1.2 A may affect VN340SP gate drive stability and thermal margin; ST's reference layout assumes this rail serves only the two VN340SP bias networks and optocoupler LEDs.

Is the STEVAL-IFP003V1 still in active production?

No-STMicroelectronics has marked STEVAL-IFP003V1 as Obsolete (per its October 2007 Data Brief revision history). While functional and documented, it is no longer manufactured or stocked by ST. Aetrix Electronics offers remaining inventory with full traceability and technical documentation for legacy system support and retrofit projects.