STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ILL051V2

Overview

STEVAL-ILL051V2 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the LED2000 monolithic step-down DC-DC converter, configured as a 3 A constant-current LED driver with PWM dimming capability, 850 kHz switching frequency, ±7% output current accuracy, and QFN-8 (VFQFPN8) package implementation. It supports 3.0–18 V input, uses synchronous rectification, and integrates thermal shutdown and internal current limiting for automotive and industrial LED lighting prototyping.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ILL051V2 datasheet, STEVAL-ILL051V2 pinout, STEVAL-ILL051V2 application, or STEVAL-ILL051V2 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of LED2000-based high-efficiency constant-current drivers in compact LED headlight, architectural accent, and industrial status lighting designs requiring precise dimming control and ceramic-capacitor compatibility.

Technical Context

The board implements the LED2000 IC in a fixed-frequency buck topology with integrated power switch and synchronous rectifier, operating at 850 kHz to minimize external passive size-specifically enabling use of a 22 µH shielded inductor (XAL6060) and 2.2 µF ceramic output capacitor (C3). Feedback is via a 150 mΩ sense resistor (RS) setting 3 A output current with 100 mV sense voltage drop.

Dimming is implemented through a dedicated DIM pin accepting external PWM signals, while protection includes cycle-by-cycle current limiting triggered by the internal 150 mΩ RS sensing path and thermal shutdown activated above 150 °C junction temperature. The board's layout routes PGND and AGND separately to preserve current-sense accuracy.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ILL051V2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive LED headlight development, industrial panel indicator systems, and architectural accent lighting requiring stable component supply and rapid functional validation.

Supply support for STEVAL-ILL051V2 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.

The STEVAL-ILL051V2 belongs to ST's LED lighting evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in of high-current, high-efficiency LED drivers using monolithic buck controllers like the LED2000 for cost-sensitive, space-constrained lighting systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum LED string voltage supported by STEVAL-ILL051V2?

The board supports LED string voltages up to 15 V, determined by the LED2000's maximum output voltage headroom (VIN − V_OUT ≥ 2 V at 3 A) and 18 V maximum input. With 12 V input, up to 10 V LED forward voltage is safely achievable while maintaining regulation margin and thermal stability.

Can STEVAL-ILL051V2 drive multiple parallel LED strings?

No - the board is configured for single-string constant-current operation using one sense resistor (RS). Driving parallel strings would require individual current-setting resistors per string and separate feedback paths, which the board's fixed layout and LED2000's single FB pin do not support.

Is the DIM pin compatible with 3.3 V logic-level PWM signals?

Yes - the DIM pin has TTL-compatible input thresholds (VIH ≈ 2.0 V, VIL ≈ 0.8 V), allowing direct interface with 3.3 V microcontrollers without level-shifting. The internal pull-down ensures safe off-state when unconnected.

Does STEVAL-ILL051V2 include EMI filtering components?

No - the board omits dedicated EMI filters (e.g., common-mode chokes or π-filters) to maintain flexibility for user-specific compliance testing. Input capacitance (C1, C3) and layout focus on stability and thermal performance, not certified EMC performance out-of-box.