STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ILL054V1

Overview

STEVAL-ILL054V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the LED2001 monolithic step-down DC-DC converter, configured as a 4 A constant-current LED driver with PWM dimming capability in QFN-8 (VFQFPN8) package. It operates from 3.0 V to 18 V input, delivers ±7% output current accuracy, uses 850 kHz fixed-frequency synchronous rectification, and includes thermal shutdown and internal current limiting.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ILL054V1 datasheet, STEVAL-ILL054V1 pinout, STEVAL-ILL054V1 application, or STEVAL-ILL054V1 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-current LED lighting designs requiring precise current regulation, compact layout, and analog/PWM brightness control under real thermal and load conditions.

Technical Context

The board implements the LED2001 IC in buck topology with integrated high-side switch and synchronous rectifier, enabling efficient constant-current drive up to 4 A DC. Its 850 kHz switching frequency allows use of small ceramic output capacitors and compact 22 µH shielded inductors like XAL6060-22 µH.

Current regulation is achieved via a 150 mΩ, 1% sense resistor (RS) setting feedback voltage at 100 mV, yielding ±7% output current accuracy. DIM pin accepts 100–500 Hz PWM signals for linear LED brightness control without color shift.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ILL054V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for architectural lighting, automotive exterior lighting, and industrial status illumination requiring stable component supply, repeatable evaluation results, and fast prototyping turnaround.

Supply support for STEVAL-ILL054V1 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, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and analog devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The STEVAL-ILL054V1 belongs to ST's LED lighting evaluation platform family, developed specifically to accelerate adoption of high-efficiency, high-current LED drivers in space-constrained and thermally demanding lighting systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum LED string voltage supported by STEVAL-ILL054V1?

The board supports LED string voltages up to approximately 15 V, determined by the LED2001's maximum V_OUT capability (V_IN – V_SW dropout), with 18 V max input and typical forward drop across internal switches. Measured V_LED+–V_LED− on the board reaches 14.2 V at 4 A with thermal derating applied.

Can STEVAL-ILL054V1 be used with non-constant-current LED loads?

No - the board is strictly configured for constant-current operation using the LED2001's dedicated FB pin and 150 mΩ sense resistor. It lacks voltage-regulation feedback components and is not designed for constant-voltage LED modules or general-purpose DC-DC conversion.

Does the DIM pin accept analog (DC) brightness control?

No - the DIM pin is digital-only and requires a clean 0–5 V PWM signal (100–500 Hz). Applying analog DC voltage may cause unstable current regulation or disable switching; the LED2001 datasheet specifies no analog dimming mode and no internal DAC or reference for DC control.

Is the QFN-8 footprint on STEVAL-ILL054V1 compatible with other LED2001 variants?

Yes - the board uses the VFQFPN8 (3 × 3 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package matching the LED2001TR and LED2001DT part variants. Pinout matches datasheet Table 2: SW, PGND, VINA, DIM, VIN/SW, AGND, FB, NC, EP - all electrically and mechanically identical across these orderable versions.