STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ILH001V1

Overview

STEVAL-ILH001V1 from STMicroelectronics is a 250 W electronic ballast demonstration board for metal halide high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, implementing a two-stage architecture with boost PFC and low-frequency full-bridge inverter. It operates from 90–265 Vac input, achieves ≥0.94 power factor at 230 Vac, and delivers up to 94% total system efficiency.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ILH001V1 datasheet, STEVAL-ILH001V1 application, STEVAL-ILH001V1 schematic, or STEVAL-ILH001V1 component list, this board serves as a validated reference design for HID lamp control, PFC + inverter stage integration, thermal management in high-power lighting, and ST's L6562 + ST7LITE39F2-based ballast implementation.

Technical Context

The board implements a two-stage topology: first-stage active PFC using the L6562 controller in fixed OFF-time mode, followed by a microcontroller-driven full-bridge inverter operating at low frequency (typically < 400 Hz) to avoid acoustic resonance in metal halide lamps. The ST7LITE39F2 MCU provides closed-loop current control during warm-up and power regulation in steady state.

Key subsystems include an auxiliary flyback supply, precision voltage reference (TS431), dual-channel comparator (LM393), rail-to-rail op-amp (TSV912), logic buffers, and ST power devices - including STD5NK50Z MOSFETs and STGP10NC60KD IGBTs - enabling robust 250 W lamp driving under universal AC input.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ILH001V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HID lighting systems, outdoor area illumination, high-bay warehouse fixtures, and energy-efficient retrofit ballast development requiring stable component supply and proven ST reference design validation.

Supply support for STEVAL-ILH001V1 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 analog, microcontroller, power, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series - purpose-built demonstration platforms that integrate ST's proprietary ICs and discrete power components to accelerate design-in of complex power conversion and control systems.

FAQ

What lamp types is STEVAL-ILH001V1 designed for?

STEVAL-ILH001V1 is specifically engineered for 250 W metal halide (MH) high-intensity discharge lamps. It supports standard ANSI-coded MH lamps with nominal 250 W rating and typical open-circuit voltage up to 450 V. The low-frequency full-bridge output avoids acoustic resonance inherent to MH arc tubes, and the warm-up current profile matches MH ignition requirements.

Which ST components are integral to the PFC and inverter stages?

The PFC stage uses the L6562 transition-mode controller driving a boost converter, while the inverter stage is controlled by the ST7LITE39F2 8-bit microcontroller. Supporting components include STD5NK50Z N-channel MOSFETs for PFC switching, STGP10NC60KD IGBTs for full-bridge output, TS431 shunt reference, LM393 comparators, TSV912 op-amps, and ST's proprietary gate drivers and auxiliary power ICs.

Does STEVAL-ILH001V1 support dimming or communication interfaces?

No, STEVAL-ILH001V1 does not implement analog dimming, DALI, or 0–10 V control interfaces. Its design focuses on stable, high-efficiency operation of 250 W metal halide lamps using fixed low-frequency square-wave drive and open-loop PFC. Dimming capability would require additional circuitry and firmware modifications beyond the documented reference implementation.

Can STEVAL-ILH001V1 be modified for other HID lamp wattages?

Yes - the board's modular two-stage architecture allows adaptation to other HID lamp ratings (e.g., 150 W or 400 W) by recalculating PFC inductor and capacitor values, adjusting current-sense gain, modifying full-bridge dead-time and gate drive strength, and updating ST7LITE39F2 firmware parameters. ST's application note AN2729 provides guidance for such scaling.