STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ILL046V2

Overview

STEVAL-ILL046V2 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the ST1CC40 3 A monolithic step-down constant-current LED driver IC, configured as a high-efficiency buck converter with synchronous rectification, 850 kHz fixed switching frequency, ±7% output current accuracy, and thermal/overcurrent protection. It demonstrates high-brightness LED driving in emergency lighting and signage applications using a VFQFPN8-packaged controller.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ILL046V2 datasheet, STEVAL-ILL046V2 pinout, STEVAL-ILL046V2 application, or STEVAL-ILL046V2 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of ST1CC40-based LED current regulation designs, including layout optimization, thermal performance assessment, and hiccup-mode fault response under short-circuit conditions.

Technical Context

The board implements the ST1CC40 in peak current mode control architecture with embedded compensation, supporting adjustable LED current up to 3 A via external sense resistor. It uses ceramic output capacitors and integrates both high-side (95 mΩ R_DS(on)) and low-side (69 mΩ R_DS(on)) MOSFETs for synchronous rectification.

It features a 1 ms soft-start duration, 6 µA standby current in inhibit mode, and full protection including thermal shutdown at 150 °C (15 °C hysteresis), pulse-by-pulse overcurrent limiting, and UVLO monitoring. The reference design supports input voltage range from 3.0 V to 18 V.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ILL046V2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for emergency lighting, architectural signage, and high-brightness LED retrofit projects requiring stable component supply and validated reference design implementation.

Supply support for STEVAL-ILL046V2 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, specializing in power management, analog, microcontrollers, and automotive-grade ICs with broad industrial and consumer reach.

The STEVAL-ILL046V2 belongs to ST's LED Lighting Evaluation Board product line, designed to accelerate adoption of their constant-current DC-DC drivers in commercial and safety-critical illumination systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum LED string voltage supported by STEVAL-ILL046V2?

The board supports LED strings with forward voltage up to approximately 15 V, constrained by the ST1CC40's 18 V maximum V_INSW rating and typical 12 V input operation. Output voltage headroom depends on sense resistor drop (100 mV) and internal losses; practical max V_OUT is ~14.5 V at full load with adequate thermal margin.

Can STEVAL-ILL046V2 drive multiple parallel LED strings?

No - the ST1CC40 is a single-channel constant-current controller optimized for series-connected LEDs. Driving parallel strings would cause current imbalance due to V_F mismatch; the board's design assumes one regulated current path with feedback tied to a single sense resistor.

Does the board include PWM dimming capability?

Yes - the INH (inhibit) pin is routed to a test point and jumper, enabling external TTL-level PWM dimming at frequencies up to ~5 kHz. Inhibit mode reduces quiescent current to 6 µA, allowing efficient duty-cycle control without altering current regulation setpoint.

Is thermal performance data provided for the STEVAL-ILL046V2 PCB?

Yes - the official user manual (UM2122) includes measured junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_thJA) of 40 °C/W for the VFQFPN8 ST1CC40 when mounted on the evaluation board, verified under natural convection with 100% copper pour on both layers and thermal vias under the exposed pad.