STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ILB005V2

Overview

STEVAL-ILB005V2 from STMicroelectronics is a demonstration board designed to drive a 54 W T5-HO fluorescent lamp using integrated PFC and resonant half-bridge ballast control. It implements the L6585DE lighting controller, STD7NM50N MOSFETs, and STTH1L06 Schottky diode, operating across 88–277 Vac input with >0.975 power factor, <10% THD, and 90% efficiency in a Cblock-to-ground topology.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ILB005V2 datasheet, STEVAL-ILB005V2 pinout, STEVAL-ILB005V2 application, or STEVAL-ILB005V2 equivalent, this board serves as a validated reference design for high-efficiency electronic ballasts targeting T5 linear lamps in commercial lighting systems requiring IEC61347-2-3 and IEC60929 compliance.

Technical Context

The board integrates a continuous-conduction-mode (CCM) boost PFC stage and a resonant half-bridge inverter, both controlled by the L6585DE IC. The PFC delivers 420 V DC output with dynamic OVP set at 480 V, while the ballast stage uses a 1.35 mH/4.7 nF LC network to achieve preheating at ~48 kHz, ignition at ~72 kHz, and steady-state operation at ~100 kHz.

It implements cathode preheating via controlled resonant frequency sweep, end-of-life (EOL) detection via lamp current deviation monitoring, and anti-saturation protection for the ballast choke. Startup uses a charge-pump auxiliary supply, and EMI filtering meets Class B limits per CISPR 22 without differential-mode chokes.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ILB005V2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for commercial lighting fixtures, LED retrofit ballast replacements, industrial fluorescent installations, and energy-efficient office lighting systems requiring stable component supply and reference-grade validation.

Supply support for STEVAL-ILB005V2 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, delivering automotive, industrial, power, and analog/mixed-signal solutions with vertical manufacturing and broad IP portfolio.

The STEVAL-ILB005V2 belongs to ST's Lighting Evaluation Board product line, engineered specifically to accelerate development of IEC-compliant electronic ballasts for linear fluorescent lamps using integrated dual-stage controllers.

FAQ

What lamp types does STEVAL-ILB005V2 support beyond the 54 W T5-HO?

The L6585DE controller on this board supports T4, T5, T8, and CFLn lamps with input power >25 W. While the board is optimized for 54 W T5-HO, its resonant network and control loop can be retuned per AN2982 guidelines to drive 36 W T5 or 58 W T8 lamps-verified in ST's application note design steps and performance curves.

Does STEVAL-ILB005V2 include safety isolation between AC mains and lamp circuitry?

No. The board uses a non-isolated Cblock-to-ground topology where the lamp cathodes are referenced to earth via the blocking capacitor. It complies with IEC61347-2-3 Class A requirements for double-insulated luminaires but requires integration into a properly rated luminaire enclosure with reinforced insulation and creepage/clearance adherence.

Can the PFC stage operate independently of the ballast stage?

Yes. The L6585DE allows independent enable/disable of PFC and ballast functions via dedicated pins (RUN and PRE). The schematic shows separate startup sequencing: PFC stabilizes first to 420 V, then ballast stage activates only after successful preheat detection-enabling modular testing and fault isolation per AN2982 Section 2.5.

What is the maximum ambient temperature rating for continuous operation?

The board is characterized for continuous operation up to +50 °C ambient, as confirmed by thermal imaging in AN2982 Figure 26 and component derating (STD7NM50N at 1.12 Ω RDS(on) @ 100 °C junction, STTH1L06 at 1 A average forward current). Above 50 °C, forced airflow or heatsink addition is required to maintain reliability.