STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IHM034V2

Overview

STEVAL-IHM034V2 from STMicroelectronics is a dual-motor control and digital active power factor correction (PFC) evaluation board built around the STM32F103RCT6 microcontroller and STGIPS20C60 SLLIMM™ intelligent power module. It delivers up to 1700 W peak power, supports sensorless field-oriented control (FOC) for two PMSM/BLDC motors, and integrates hardware-based overcurrent/overvoltage protection, AC zero-crossing detection, and DC bus voltage sensing - validated for in-room air conditioner (RAC) compressor + outdoor fan drive with integrated PFC.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IHM034V2 datasheet, STEVAL-IHM034V2 pinout, STEVAL-IHM034V2 application, or STEVAL-IHM034V2 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of dual-motor FOC algorithms alongside real-time digital PFC control using ARM Cortex-M3 firmware, SWD/JTAG debug interfaces, and opto-isolated USART communication - critical for HVAC system prototyping and firmware development.

Technical Context

The board implements a centralized dual-motor control architecture where the STM32F103RCT6 executes simultaneous sensorless FOC for Motor 1 (driven by onboard STGIPS20C60) and Motor 2 (via MC connector supporting external power stages like STEVAL-IHM021V1), while managing a single-stage boost PFC stage using STGW35HF60W IGBT or STW38N65M5 MOSFET with STTH15R06D/SiC diode options.

Hardware-level protections include dedicated analog comparators for overcurrent (3-shunt or DC-link sensing), overvoltage (DC bus monitoring), and thermal shutdown (heatsink NTC), all feeding directly into MCU GPIOs or hardware fault inputs - enabling sub-1 µs response without software intervention.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IHM034V2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for HVAC system development, industrial dual-axis motion control, and energy-efficient appliance design requiring stable component supply and reference-grade firmware validation infrastructure.

Supply support for STEVAL-IHM034V2 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 devices, sensors, and analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This evaluation board belongs to ST's IHM (Intelligent High-voltage Motor control) product line, engineered specifically to accelerate adoption of digital motor control and active PFC in white goods and HVAC systems through validated hardware-software co-design platforms.

FAQ

What firmware is supported on the STEVAL-IHM034V2?

The board is fully compatible with ST's STM32 PMSM FOC SDK and its dedicated PFC firmware plug-in, enabling out-of-the-box dual-motor FOC execution and closed-loop digital PFC control. Pre-certified motor control libraries include speed/torque regulation, observer-based position estimation, and adaptive current loop tuning - all optimized for the STM32F103RCT6's 72 MHz Cortex-M3 core and peripheral set.

Can Motor 2 be driven without an external power board?

No - Motor 2 requires an external ST-compatible power stage connected via the MC connector. The board provides only control signals (PWM, enable, fault feedback) and isolated power rails (+15 V, +3.3 V) to the external stage; no power semiconductors or gate drivers for Motor 2 are onboard. Validated companion boards include STEVAL-IHM021V1, STEVAL-IHM024V1, STEVAL-IHM032V1, and STEVAL-IHM035V1.

What PFC semiconductor options does the board support?

The PFC stage supports two interchangeable configurations: STGW35HF60W ultrafast IGBT (optimized for 20–50 kHz switching) or STW38N65M5 MDmesh™ V MOSFET (optimized for >100 kHz operation). Both use the same gate driver circuitry and share identical current/voltage sensing paths, allowing direct comparison of efficiency and EMI performance under identical control firmware.

Is the STEVAL-IHM034V2 RoHS compliant?

Yes - the board complies with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU, as confirmed in the official data brief (DocID025675 Rev 2, page 1). All PCB materials, solder mask, components, and assembly processes meet lead-free requirements, including exemption 7a for high-melting-temperature solder alloys used in power section interconnects.