STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IHT003V1

Overview

STEVAL-IHT003V1 from STMicroelectronics is a low-loss e-STARTER demonstration board for compressor starter circuits, built around the ACST6 AC switch device. It reduces PTC resistor standby losses from 2.5 W to 380 mW (230 V) or 40 mW (100 V), targets refrigerator and freezer compressors, and retains the PTC for safety per EN60335-1.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IHT003V1 datasheet, STEVAL-IHT003V1 pinout, STEVAL-IHT003V1 application, or STEVAL-IHT003V1 equivalent, this page delivers verified circuit topology, loss reduction metrics, safety-compliant design rationale, PTC behavior validation requirements, and component-level implementation notes for compressor starter optimization.

Technical Context

The board implements an electronic starter that actively disables PTC current after motor run-up using the ACST6 bidirectional AC switch, preserving the PTC as a fail-safe element during AC switch short-circuit or diode-mode failure. It operates at 100 V or 230 V AC mains with no microcontroller or external control logic.

Circuit behavior depends on measured PTC voltage thresholds (VPTC1/VPTC2) and requires manual R4 resistor selection for proper turn-off timing. Capacitor C3 (not soldered) may be added to evaluate immunity impact, confirming the board's role as a test platform-not a drop-in solution.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IHT003V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for refrigerator compressor design validation, freezer motor starter qualification, and EN60335-1-compliant appliance development requiring stable component supply and legacy reference board access.

Supply support for STEVAL-IHT003V1 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 analog, MCU, power, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and appliance markets.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL evaluation platform family, engineered to demonstrate energy-efficient, safety-certifiable subsystems for white goods-specifically targeting PTC loss elimination in single-phase compressor starters.

FAQ

Is STEVAL-IHT003V1 a production-ready module?

No. It is a demonstration board requiring PTC characterization (VPTC1/VPTC2 measurement) and manual R4 resistor selection before integration. It lacks enclosure, certification markings, and thermal/mounting provisions for end-product use.

What is the role of the ACST6 device on this board?

The ACST6 serves as a zero-crossing AC switch that turns off the PTC current path after motor startup. Its gate is driven by a discrete transistor network triggered by PTC voltage decay, enabling loss reduction without software or timing ICs.

Why is the PTC resistor retained despite active switching?

The PTC remains in series as a passive safety element per EN60335-1. If the ACST6 fails short-circuit or its driving diode fails, the PTC limits inrush current and prevents uncontrolled motor lock-up or overheating.

Can C3 be used to improve noise immunity?

Yes. The C3 footprint (10 nF) is provided to evaluate suppression of high-frequency transients on the PTC sense node. It is unpopulated by default, allowing users to assess its effect on false triggering or startup reliability under noisy line conditions.