STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ILL035V1

Overview

STEVAL-ILL035V1 from STMicroelectronics is a demonstration board for multi-channel LED backlight driving in medium-to-large LCD panels, integrating the LED7708 16-channel constant-current driver and STM32F103C6T6A microcontroller. It supports 10–28 V DC input, delivers up to 85 mA per channel with independent 12-/16-bit PWM dimming, and features adaptive boost control achieving up to 92% efficiency.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ILL035V1 datasheet, STEVAL-ILL035V1 pinout, STEVAL-ILL035V1 application, or STEVAL-ILL035V1 equivalent, this board serves as a validated reference design for LED string management with embedded fault detection (open-circuit/short-circuit), USB-based GUI control, and expansion capability for daisy-chained slave devices.

Technical Context

The board implements a closed-loop boost converter controlled by the STM32F103C6T6A, dynamically adjusting output voltage to match the forward voltage of active LED strings-minimizing power dissipation across the LED7708's pass transistors. The LED7708 provides channel-by-channel current regulation with programmable overcurrent thresholds and automatic channel disable on fault detection.

Communication occurs via a 4-wire serial interface between the STM32 and LED7708, while host interaction uses USB CDC virtual COM port to drive a PC-based GUI. The JTAG interface (on separate adapter PCB) enables firmware debugging and reprogramming of the STM32.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ILL035V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LCD backlight development, LED signage prototyping, and gaming display evaluation requiring stable component supply and full reference design access.

Supply support for STEVAL-ILL035V1 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, analog ICs, power management, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series-engineered to demonstrate complete, application-ready subsystems using ST's own ICs, targeting rapid validation of lighting, power, and control architectures.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the STM32F103C6T6A on this board?

The STM32F103C6T6A serves as the master controller, managing the LED7708 via 4-wire serial interface, interpreting USB commands from the PC GUI, executing adaptive boost voltage calculation, and handling fault reporting and recovery logic-including automatic channel disable on open/short detection.

Does the board support daisy-chaining multiple units?

Yes-via the dedicated expansion connector, which provides power, clock, data, and sync signals to support slave daughterboards. This allows synchronized multi-board operation for ultra-wide displays or segmented signage systems without modifying core firmware.

Can the LED7708 be used independently of the STM32?

Yes-the LED7708 is a standalone 16-channel LED driver with integrated boost controller. Its 4-wire serial interface accepts direct command inputs; the STM32 on this board is for enhanced system-level control but not required for basic LED7708 operation in custom designs.

Is JTAG debugging supported out of the box?

Yes-JTAG functionality is provided via a separate adapter PCB included with the kit, connecting to the main board through a standard 20-pin ARM JTAG header. Full SWD and JTAG protocols are supported for firmware development and low-level register inspection.