STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ILL031V1

Overview

STEVAL-ILL031V1 from STMicroelectronics is a digital constant-current LED driver demonstration board built around the STM8S208RB microcontroller, implementing an inverse buck topology to drive four independent LED strings at up to 30 W per string (10×3 W LEDs in series), with 48 V DC input and peak efficiency of 98% for streetlighting applications.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ILL031V1 datasheet, STEVAL-ILL031V1 pinout, STEVAL-ILL031V1 application, or STEVAL-ILL031V1 equivalent, this board serves as a validated reference for digital average current control in high-power outdoor LED lighting systems requiring precise dimming, multi-string synchronization, and embedded firmware-based protection.

Technical Context

The board implements real-time digital average current regulation using the STM8S208RB's 10-bit ADC, four independent PWM channels (PC1–PC4), and analog sensing inputs (PE6, PE7, PF0, PF3) to monitor each string's current via low-side shunt resistors. Control logic runs on-chip without external gate drivers, directly driving logic-level MOSFETs referenced to ground.

It uses an "inverse buck" (buck-derived, high-side switch with low-side current sensing) power architecture optimized for 48 V DC bus operation, supporting 0–100% PWM dimming via dedicated PF4 input and UART/ST-LINK communication for configuration and telemetry.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ILL031V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED streetlighting, tunnel lighting, and industrial area lighting requiring stable component supply, firmware-customizable current regulation, and multi-string redundancy.

Supply support for STEVAL-ILL031V1 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 products for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) family - purpose-built demonstration platforms that showcase complete system-level implementations of ST's ICs in target applications, here emphasizing digital LED driver control for energy-efficient outdoor lighting.

FAQ

Is STEVAL-ILL031V1 still in active production?

No - STEVAL-ILL031V1 is marked obsolete per ST's official documentation (Doc ID 17237 Rev 2, November 2010). It remains available through authorized legacy distributors and Aetrix Electronics' extended-life inventory for design reuse, repair, or educational evaluation purposes only.

Can the board drive LEDs at voltages higher than 48 V?

No - the power stage is designed specifically for 48 V DC input, with MOSFETs, inductors, and feedback networks optimized for that rail. Operating above 48 V risks overvoltage stress on the STM8S208RB's I/O pins and power-stage components, violating the validated design envelope.

Does it support DALI or other standardized lighting protocols?

No - STEVAL-ILL031V1 has no integrated DALI transceiver or physical layer. Communication is limited to UART (via PA4/PA5) and SWIM debug interface. Protocol stack implementation (e.g., DALI, DMX) requires external hardware and custom firmware development.

What firmware tools are supported for customization?

ST's STM8 eForth and STVD + COSMIC C compiler toolchain are officially supported. The board includes SWIM debug header (J11) and UART bridge (J9), enabling full firmware reprogramming, real-time variable monitoring, and PWM parameter tuning via ST Visual Develop or third-party IDEs compatible with STM8S208RB.