STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ILL002V4

Overview

STEVAL-ILL002V4 from STMicroelectronics is a demonstration board for high-brightness LED driving and diagnostics, featuring five STP08DP05 8-channel constant-current drivers and an ST7FLITE3x 8-bit microcontroller to control a 5×8 green LED matrix (40 LEDs total). It supports brightness regulation, blinking speed control, animated text display, real-time output error detection, and a PC-based GUI via RS-232 interface.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ILL002V4 datasheet, STEVAL-ILL002V4 pinout, STEVAL-ILL002V4 application, or STEVAL-ILL002V4 equivalent, this board serves as a validated reference for LED matrix driver architecture, fault-aware LED system design, DC-DC power conversion (7–32 V input), and embedded GUI-controlled lighting systems.

Technical Context

The board implements a modular LED matrix drive architecture: five STP08DP05 drivers each sink up to 120 mA per channel with 8-bit PWM dimming resolution and non-invasive open/short-circuit detection on all 40 outputs. The ST7FLITE3x MCU handles timing, animation sequencing, and serial communication with the GUI.

A dedicated L5970D step-down DC-DC converter supplies regulated 5 V to logic circuitry from a 7–32 V input, while ST232ABN transceivers enable RS-232 connectivity. Output diagnostics are reported via software without external test fixtures, enabling rapid failure localization in deployed systems.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ILL002V4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED signage prototyping, automotive interior lighting validation, industrial status display development, and embedded GUI-controlled illumination systems requiring stable component supply and reference-grade implementation fidelity.

Supply support for STEVAL-ILL002V4 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, power management ICs, analog chips, and silicon solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate adoption of ST's LED driver and microcontroller technologies through fully documented, GUI-enabled, production-relevant reference designs.

FAQ

What microcontroller is used on the STEVAL-ILL002V4 board?

The board uses the ST7FLITE3x - an 8-bit Flash microcontroller with integrated UART, timers, and GPIOs - programmed to manage LED matrix scanning, PWM generation, diagnostic reporting, and RS-232 communication with the host GUI application.

Does the board support RGB LED matrices?

No - STEVAL-ILL002V4 is configured exclusively for 40 green high-brightness LEDs from Toshiba. Its STP08DP05 drivers are constant-current sinks optimized for single-color LED strings; no red or blue channels, current-matching circuitry, or color mixing firmware are included.

Can the diagnostic functionality be accessed without the GUI?

Yes - the ST7FLITE3x firmware exposes diagnostic status via UART ASCII commands. Engineers may send 'GET_ERR' to retrieve a 5-byte error bitmap indicating open/short faults per STP08DP05 device, enabling integration into custom host software or automated test systems.

Is the DC-DC converter adjustable for different output voltages?

No - the L5970D is configured as a fixed 5 V output regulator using external feedback resistors. Its switching frequency (275 kHz), current limit (~2 A), and thermal shutdown behavior are factory-set; no onboard trim or configuration jumpers modify the output voltage.