STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IHM021V2

Overview

STEVAL-IHM021V2 from STMicroelectronics is a 100 W, 3-phase inverter demonstration board for field-oriented control (FOC) of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), built around the L6390 high-voltage half-bridge gate driver and STD5N52U UltraFASTmesh™ MOSFETs in DPAK packages, with integrated shunt-based current sensing, 15 V auxiliary supply, and STM32-compatible motor control interface - deployed in refrigerator compressors and dishwasher pumps.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IHM021V2 datasheet, STEVAL-IHM021V2 pinout, STEVAL-IHM021V2 application, or STEVAL-IHM021V2 equivalent, this board supports rapid FOC algorithm validation, hardware protection verification via L6390's embedded comparator, and flexible power switch substitution (STD5N52U / STGD6NC60HD / STGDL6NC60DI) without layout changes.

Technical Context

The board implements a full-bridge 3-phase inverter topology with six discrete power switches driven by the L6390, which integrates high-side/low-side gate drivers, overcurrent/overtemperature hardware protection comparators, and an operational amplifier for precision shunt current sensing. Input voltage supports both 110 Vac and 230 Vac mains.

Power conversion includes a VIPer12A-E buck converter generating regulated +15 V for gate driving and +3.3 V for control logic. Motor current feedback uses three independent shunt resistors with dedicated signal conditioning paths optimized for fast FOC loop response at switching frequencies up to 10 kHz (MOSFET) or beyond (IGBT variants).

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IHM021V2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for refrigerator compressor drives, dishwasher pump controllers, and PMSM-based HVAC blower systems requiring stable component supply and validated FOC reference hardware.

Supply support for STEVAL-IHM021V2 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 specializing in microcontrollers, power devices, sensors, and analog ICs, with strong focus on energy-efficient and intelligent motion control solutions.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL motor control evaluation platform family, designed to accelerate development of high-efficiency, sensorless or shunt-based FOC implementations for appliance-grade PMSM drives.

FAQ

What microcontrollers is STEVAL-IHM021V2 compatible with?

The board features a standardized motor control connector designed for direct interface with STM3210B-EVAL and other STM32-based evaluation boards using standard GPIO, ADC, and PWM signals. It supports any STM32 series with three-phase timer outputs and three ADC channels for shunt current sampling - no adapter required.

Can I replace the STD5N52U MOSFETs with IGBTs?

Yes - the board supports drop-in replacement with STGD6NC60HD (for <10 kHz operation) or STGDL6NC60DI (for >10 kHz), both in DPAK packages. No changes to gate drive circuitry or PCB layout are needed due to matching pinout and drive requirements of the L6390.

Does STEVAL-IHM021V2 include hardware overcurrent protection?

Yes - the L6390 gate driver integrates a dedicated comparator with adjustable threshold that monitors shunt voltage and triggers immediate shutdown of all six gate outputs upon overcurrent detection, providing cycle-by-cycle hardware-level protection independent of MCU firmware.

What is the role of the VIPer12A-E on this board?

The VIPer12A-E operates in buck configuration to generate isolated +15 V (for L6390 gate driving) and +3.3 V (for MCU interface logic) directly from AC mains input. It eliminates need for external transformers or linear regulators, enabling compact, self-contained operation across 110 Vac and 230 Vac inputs.