STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IHM006V1

Overview

STEVAL-IHM006V1 from STMicroelectronics is an AC/AC chopper driver evaluation board designed for voltage and speed regulation of single-phase asynchronous motors with capacitor start, supporting 230Vac @ 50/60Hz input, 230Vac motor voltage, 1.5A motor current, and up to 300W load. It implements a patented high-frequency double-chopper topology that delivers sinusoidal motor current without triac-induced harmonics, enabling silent, efficient variable-speed control in refrigerators, fans, hydraulic pumps, and lamps.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IHM006V1 datasheet, STEVAL-IHM006V1 pinout, STEVAL-IHM006V1 application, or STEVAL-IHM006V1 equivalent, this reference design provides verified PWM-based AC-AC conversion, real-time current sensing via MCU, and integrated power stage using STGP7NC60H IGBTs - critical for evaluating harmonic-free motor drive alternatives to phase-cutting solutions.

Technical Context

The board implements a double-chopper AC-AC converter operating directly on the 50–60Hz mains without prior AC-DC rectification. Its switching topology energizes and demagnetizes the load at any point on the sinusoidal waveform using complementary IGBT pairs controlled by PWM from the ST7FLITE05 MCU.

Current sensing feeds back to the MCU for closed-loop duty-cycle adjustment; the inductive load filters output current into a near-perfect sinusoid. Reactive power flows freely between grid and motor without dissipation in power semiconductors, unlike triac-based systems.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IHM006V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for refrigerator compressor control, HVAC fan speed regulation, hydraulic pump torque management, and lamp dimming applications requiring stable component supply and validated reference designs for AC motor energy efficiency.

Supply support for STEVAL-IHM006V1 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, power devices, analog ICs, and MEMS sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

This evaluation board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) platform family, developed specifically to accelerate prototyping and validation of energy-efficient AC motor control topologies using ST's proprietary IGBTs, VIPer SMPS controllers, and 8-bit MCUs.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the STEVAL-IHM006V1 board?

The STEVAL-IHM006V1 is a reference design for AC/AC chopper-based speed and voltage regulation of single-phase asynchronous motors. It replaces traditional triac phase-control with a high-frequency double-chopper topology to eliminate harmonic distortion, reduce acoustic noise, and improve efficiency - demonstrated with a 230Vac, 1.5A, 300W motor load.

Which ST components are integrated on the board and what roles do they serve?

The board integrates ST7FLITE05 (MCU for PWM generation and current sensing), STGP7NC60H (IGBT power switch), VIPer12ADIP (off-line SMPS for +5V/+15V bias rails), L78L05A (linear regulator), and STTH108/STTH3R06 (ultrafast rectifiers). Each component is selected for reliability in high-voltage AC chopper operation and thermal robustness under continuous motor load.

Can STEVAL-IHM006V1 drive non-motor inductive-ohmic loads?

Yes - the documentation explicitly states "no load type limitations" and confirms operation with any inductive-ohmic load exhibiting notable phase angle between voltage and current. The double-chopper topology maintains sinusoidal current waveforms regardless of load power factor, enabling use with transformers, solenoids, and resistive-heating elements with reactive components.

Is STEVAL-IHM006V1 still in active production?

No - STMicroelectronics has marked STEVAL-IHM006V1 as Obsolete, as confirmed in the revision history and header of the official Data Brief (Rev 1, July 2007). While functional for evaluation and legacy system support, it is not recommended for new designs; ST offers newer chopper and inverter reference platforms with updated components and enhanced safety compliance.