STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ILB008V1

Overview

STEVAL-ILB008V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for a 4 × 18 W wide-range electronic fluorescent lamp ballast based on the L6585DE combo IC. It supports universal AC input (90–265 V_RMS, 50/60 Hz), delivers >0.98 power factor, <10% THD, and 90% average efficiency while driving T8 linear fluorescent tubes in pre-heat, ignition, and run modes.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ILB008V1 datasheet, STEVAL-ILB008V1 schematic, STEVAL-ILB008V1 application notes, or STEVAL-ILB008V1 alternative ballast reference designs, this board provides validated implementation of integrated PFC + half-bridge control for commercial lighting systems requiring EN55015 compliance and lamp protection features.

Technical Context

The board implements a two-stage electronic ballast architecture: an active boost PFC stage followed by a resonant half-bridge inverter, both controlled by the L6585DE IC. The IC integrates gate drivers, startup circuitry, and dedicated lamp-phase management logic-including adjustable end-of-life detection and broken-lamp timing.

Protection functions include anti-capacitive mode detection, PFC overvoltage shutdown, and open-lamp fault response. All protections are implemented with minimal external components, leveraging internal comparators and state machines within the L6585DE.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ILB008V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for commercial lighting retrofit projects, fluorescent lamp driver validation, and EN55015-compliant ballast development requiring stable component supply and documented reference design traceability.

Supply support for STEVAL-ILB008V1 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, analog ICs, power management devices, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series-reference designs intended to accelerate prototyping and qualification of ST controller ICs in real-world power conversion and lighting applications.

FAQ

Is STEVAL-ILB008V1 still in production?

No. STEVAL-ILB008V1 is marked as Obsolete in ST's official documentation (Doc ID 16991 Rev 2, Feb 2011). It remains available through authorized legacy distributors and Aetrix Electronics' extended-life inventory program for design continuity and repair support.

What IC does STEVAL-ILB008V1 use for PFC and inverter control?

The board uses the L6585DE - a single-chip combo controller integrating active boost PFC and resonant half-bridge gate drivers, lamp-phase sequencing logic, and comprehensive protection circuitry including broken-lamp detection and anti-capacitive mode prevention.

Can STEVAL-ILB008V1 drive lamps other than 18 W T8 tubes?

It is specifically tuned for 4 × 18 W T8 fluorescent tubes. While minor adjustments to resonant tank components may allow operation with similar T8/T12 loads, no official characterization exists for other wattages or tube types; lamp ignition timing and filament pre-heat profiles are optimized for 18 W T8.

Does STEVAL-ILB008V1 include EMI filtering components?

Yes. The board integrates a full EMI filter stage compliant with EN55015, including common-mode chokes, X-capacitors, and Y-capacitors placed at the AC input to suppress both differential and common-mode conducted emissions up to 30 MHz.