STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IHP005V1

Overview

STEVAL-IHP005V1 from STMicroelectronics is a general-purpose power line modem evaluation module integrating the ST7540 FSK transceiver and an STM32 microcontroller. It provides configurable PLM communication (master/slave/multimaster), up to 100-byte payload, CSMA/CA channel access, and 8 user-programmable GPIOs - deployed in smart metering and home energy management systems for bidirectional grid-to-device data exchange.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IHP005V1 datasheet, STEVAL-IHP005V1 pinout, STEVAL-IHP005V1 application, or STEVAL-IHP005V1 equivalent, key selection considerations include FSK modulation compliance with CENELEC A/B bands, embedded PLM stack configurability, RTC with lithium backup, SPI/USART interface flexibility, and Flash-based parameter/user data storage architecture.

Technical Context

The module implements a layered firmware architecture: the application engine manages peripherals (RTC, GPIOs, LEDs, SPI/USART) and serves as the unified interface between user code and the PLM stack; the PLM stack handles physical layer timing, CSMA/CA arbitration, frame repetition, addressing, and conflict resolution per EN 50065-1.

Hardware integrates ST7540 for analog front-end signal conditioning and FSK modulation/demodulation at 50–500 kHz, paired with an STM32F103C8T6 MCU (72 MHz Cortex-M3, 64 KB Flash, 20 KB RAM) for protocol processing, real-time scheduling, and I/O control - all operating from a single 3.3 V supply.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IHP005V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering infrastructure, home area network (HAN) gateways, and industrial power line communication prototyping requiring stable component supply, reference design validation, and regulatory-compliant waveform development.

Supply support for STEVAL-IHP005V1 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, analog ICs, power management devices, and sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This module belongs to ST's STEVAL evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of power line communication systems compliant with EN 50065 and IEC 61334 standards using ST's proprietary PLM stack and hardware reference designs.

FAQ

What communication protocols does STEVAL-IHP005V1 support out of the box?

The module embeds a full FSK-based power line communication stack compliant with EN 50065-1, supporting master/slave and multimaster topologies, unicast/broadcast frames, CSMA/CA channel access, and configurable repetition management - no external protocol firmware required for basic PLM operation.

Can STEVAL-IHP005V1 operate standalone without a host controller?

Yes - the integrated STM32F103C8T6 executes the complete application engine and PLM stack autonomously. It supports self-contained operation with onboard RTC, Flash storage for parameters and user data, and 8 GPIOs for local sensing/control, requiring only power and PL line connection.

What is the maximum usable data payload size per PLM frame?

The firmware supports up to 100 bytes of user data payload per transmitted or received PLM frame. This capacity accommodates standard metering registers, firmware update fragments, or multi-sensor status reports within a single CENELEC-compliant transmission window.

Does STEVAL-IHP005V1 include hardware-level ESD or surge protection for power line coupling?

The schematic shows discrete protection components including TVS diodes and common-mode chokes on the PL coupling path (e.g., D1, L1/L2 in Figure 1), providing baseline immunity against fast transients per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 requirements - additional external protection may be needed for harsh utility environments.