STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ILL010V1

Overview

STEVAL-ILL010V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for high-intensity LED dimming, built around the L6902D DC-DC current-mode controller. It supports analog (0–3.3 V) and PWM dimming, delivers up to 350 mA output current, operates from 8–30 V_DC input, and implements average current control with 100 µH inductor and 0.33 Ω sense resistor.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ILL010V1 datasheet, STEVAL-ILL010V1 pinout, STEVAL-ILL010V1 application, or STEVAL-ILL010V1 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of LED driver topologies, dimming interface interoperability, thermal behavior under sustained current, and PWM/analog dimming signal timing margins in lighting control systems.

Technical Context

The board implements a step-down (buck) topology using the L6902D, a current-mode PWM controller with internal reference (1.25 V), COMP amplifier, and integrated gate driver. It uses external MOSFET switching (not onboard), relies on Rsense (0.33 Ω) for current sensing, and features fixed-frequency operation via external RC on COMP pin (R2=5.1 kΩ, C3=22 nF → ~200 kHz).

Dimming is implemented via dual-path interface logic: analog dimming modulates peak inductor current by injecting voltage into the CS+ node, while PWM dimming gates the L6902D's EN/UVLO threshold by pulling the DIM input low during off-time - verified by schematic J4 connection to U1 pin 8 (VCC) and pin 7 (GND) through R4/R3 pull-up/pull-down network.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ILL010V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED lighting prototyping, automotive interior lighting validation, industrial status indicator development, and smart building control system integration requiring stable component supply and documented reference design traceability.

Supply support for STEVAL-ILL010V1 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 microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and analog/mixed-signal devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series, developed to accelerate customer adoption of ST's LED driver ICs by providing fully tested, schematically documented, and layout-verified reference implementations.

FAQ

What is the maximum LED forward voltage supported by STEVAL-ILL010V1?

The board supports LED strings with forward voltage up to ~27 V, calculated as V_IN(min) − V_SW(drop) − V_SENSE − V_DIODE ≈ 8 V − 1.5 V − 0.1 V − 0.5 V = 5.9 V minimum headroom; at 30 V input, headroom allows up to 27 V LED string (e.g., 8× white LEDs @ 3.4 V). Layout and thermal design constrain practical use to single-LED or low-string configurations.

Can STEVAL-ILL010V1 drive multiple parallel LEDs?

No - the board implements single-channel constant-current regulation using one Rsense (0.33 Ω) and one FB feedback network. Driving parallel LEDs would cause current imbalance due to V_F mismatch and is not supported by the schematic or layout. It is designed strictly for single-LED or series-string operation.

Is the L6902D IC on-board or external to STEVAL-ILL010V1?

The L6902D is mounted directly on the STEVAL-ILL010V1 board (U1), as confirmed by the schematic (Figure 1) and bill-of-materials labeling. It is a SO-8 packaged current-mode PWM controller with pins labeled VCC, COMP, GND, VREF, OUT, CS+, CS−, and FB - all populated and routed per ST's reference design.

Does STEVAL-ILL010V1 include an onboard MOSFET or require external switching?

STEVAL-ILL010V1 does not include a power MOSFET. The L6902D's OUT pin (pin 1) drives an external N-channel MOSFET (not supplied), as shown in the schematic where OUT connects to the gate of an unpopulated Q1 location. Users must select and solder a suitable MOSFET rated for ≥30 V V_DS, ≥1 A I_D, and low Q_g for efficient dimming response.