STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IFP006V1

Overview

STEVAL-IFP006V1 from STMicroelectronics is a demonstration board designed to evaluate the VNI4140K quad high-side smart power solid-state relay IC in industrial PLC applications driving lamps, valves, and relays. It features four 0.7 A output channels, bidirectional opto-isolated MCU interface, TTL/CMOS-compatible logic signals, and compliance with IEC61000-4-4 and IEC61000-4-5 EMC standards.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IFP006V1 datasheet, STEVAL-IFP006V1 pinout, STEVAL-IFP006V1 application, or STEVAL-IFP006V1 equivalent, this board enables validation of high-side switching performance, thermal behavior under demagnetization, diagnostic feedback integrity, and robustness against fast transient bursts and surge events in real-world industrial control environments.

Technical Context

The board implements a complete evaluation platform for the VNI4140K IC, integrating dual opto-isolators (TLP281-4), Transil™ diode protection (SM15T39AC), and dedicated copper heatsinks (1 cm² top / 3 cm² bottom) interconnected via nine vias. Its double-sided FR4 PCB (52 mm × 68 mm, 35 µm copper) supports both steady-state and repetitive 1 Hz demagnetization testing on inductive loads up to 1.2 H.

All four channels operate independently with per-channel junction overtemperature shutdown (TjSD = 180 °C), case overtemperature protection (TCSD), and non-simultaneous restart logic. Diagnostic open-drain outputs report channel-specific fault conditions, while input logic accepts 3.3 V/5 V CMOS/TTL signals and provides galvanic isolation up to 5 kV_RMS.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IFP006V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC design, valve actuation systems, relay replacement projects, and smart I/O module development requiring stable component supply and proven EMC resilience.

Supply support for STEVAL-IFP006V1 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 automotive, industrial, and power management solutions with broad IP portfolios in analog, microcontrollers, and smart power technologies.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate adoption of VIPower-based high-side drivers in rugged industrial automation systems where reliability, diagnostics, and immunity to electrical transients are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum inductive load the board can safely switch during demagnetization?

The board has been validated with 48 Ω / 1.2 H inductive loads at 24 V and 1 Hz repetitive cycling. During turn-off, the VNI4140K clamps output voltage to VCC−41 V to VCC−50 V, limiting peak reverse voltage across the load and preventing destructive flyback spikes. This ensures safe demagnetization without external snubbers.

Can STEVAL-IFP006V1 interface directly with a 3.3 V microcontroller?

Yes - all input signals (IN1–IN4) and status outputs (STAT1–STAT4) are TTL/CMOS compatible and operate at 3.3 V logic levels. The opto-isolated interface (TLP281-4) accepts 3.3 V or 5 V inputs, and the board draws only 250 µA quiescent current when all channels are OFF, minimizing MCU I/O loading.

Does the board provide hardware-level protection against reverse supply polarity?

No - the documentation explicitly states that no specific protections are implemented for reverse DC accidental connection. An electrolytic capacitor (C6, 47 µF/50 V) is present on the supply bus; applying reverse voltage may cause dangerous failure. Users must ensure correct polarity during power-up.

How is thermal independence between channels achieved on this board?

Thermal independence is enforced by the VNI4140K IC's internal architecture: each channel has dedicated junction temperature sensing and independent case overtemperature shutdown thresholds. The PCB layout reinforces this with localized copper heatsinks and thermal vias, enabling non-simultaneous restart after overload - verified in 1 Hz cycling tests with 48 Ω/1.2 H loads.