STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IHM021V1

Overview

STEVAL-IHM021V1 from STMicroelectronics is a 100 W, 3-phase inverter evaluation board for field-oriented control (FOC) of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), featuring the L6390 high-voltage half-bridge gate driver and STD5NK52ZD-1 520 V/4.4 A IPAK MOSFETs, with dual-input compatibility (110 Vac and 230 Vac), +15 V auxiliary supply connector, and direct interface to STM3210B-EVAL microcontroller board.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IHM021V1 datasheet, STEVAL-IHM021V1 pinout, STEVAL-IHM021V1 application, or STEVAL-IHM021V1 equivalent, this board supports rapid validation of FOC-based motor drive topologies in appliance-grade PMSM systems-particularly where hardware-level over-current and over-temperature protection via integrated comparator and op-amp sensing are required.

Technical Context

The board implements a complete 3-phase inverter stage using six STD5NK52ZD-1 MOSFETs in IPAK packages, driven by the L6390 gate driver IC which integrates high-side and low-side drivers, an embedded operational amplifier for current sensing, and a fast comparator for hardware fault detection (e.g., over-current). The power stage accepts universal AC input (110/230 Vac) and includes a VIPer12AS-E buck converter generating regulated +15 V and +3.3 V rails.

It is designed as a plug-in companion to the STM3210B-EVAL board, enabling real-time FOC algorithm execution on the STM32F103RB MCU while offloading gate driving, protection, and analog signal conditioning to dedicated silicon-reducing firmware complexity and improving system robustness in cost-sensitive white goods applications.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IHM021V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for refrigerator compressor drives, dishwasher pump controls, HVAC blower systems, and other industrial appliance motor applications requiring stable component supply and proven FOC reference implementation.

Supply support for STEVAL-IHM021V1 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 devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series-engineered to accelerate development of energy-efficient motor control systems using ST's proprietary gate drivers, power switches, and STM32 MCUs in real-world appliance environments.

FAQ

Is STEVAL-IHM021V1 still in production?

No-STMicroelectronics has marked STEVAL-IHM021V1 as obsolete (as confirmed in its November 2008 data brief). It remains available through authorized distributors and Aetrix Electronics for legacy design support, repair, and continuity programs-but no new revisions or technical updates are planned.

What microcontroller does it interface with natively?

STEVAL-IHM021V1 is specifically designed to connect directly to the STM3210B-EVAL board, which hosts the STM32F103RB Cortex-M3 MCU. The interface uses a standardized 20-pin header carrying six PWM outputs, three enable lines, two fault signals, and two analog current sense inputs.

Can it operate from 110 Vac only, or does it require both voltages?

It operates from either 110 Vac or 230 Vac-no jumpering or reconfiguration is needed. The onboard VIPer12AS-E buck converter and input rectifier/filter stage are rated for universal AC input, making the board suitable for North American (110 Vac) and European/Asian (230 Vac) mains without modification.

Does it include current sensing and protection circuitry?

Yes-the L6390 gate driver integrates a dedicated operational amplifier for low-side shunt current sensing and a fast comparator that triggers immediate shutdown on over-current events. This hardware-based protection operates independently of the host MCU, ensuring sub-microsecond fault response without software latency.