STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ILL061V1

Overview

STEVAL-ILL061V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for high-brightness 4×4 RGB LED matrix control, implementing local dimming and open/short diagnostics via the LED1642GW PWM driver IC and STM32 microcontroller. It operates from a polarity-independent 6–28 V DC supply, supports real-time error simulation, and includes a GUI for advanced configuration.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ILL061V1 datasheet, STEVAL-ILL061V1 pinout, STEVAL-ILL061V1 application, or STEVAL-ILL061V1 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of RGB LED array driving with per-LED current control, fault detection, and SPI-based programmable pattern generation in automotive interior lighting and architectural signage prototypes.

Technical Context

The board integrates the LED1642GW 16-channel constant-current PWM driver (max 100 mA/channel, 12-bit dimming resolution) controlled via SPI by an STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller. Local dimming is implemented through independent channel-level PWM timing synchronized across three color planes (R/G/B).

Diagnostics include real-time open-circuit and short-circuit detection per LED string, configurable via jumper settings on each RGB sub-array. Power is conditioned by an L7981 DC-DC converter generating stable 3.3 V and 4.5 V rails for logic and LED biasing respectively.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ILL061V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive interior lighting, architectural LED signage, industrial HMI displays, and smart ambient lighting systems requiring stable component supply and rapid prototyping capability.

Supply support for STEVAL-ILL061V1 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 markets.

This evaluation board belongs to ST's STEVAL lighting solutions product line, developed to accelerate design-in of intelligent LED drivers with integrated diagnostics and local dimming for human-centric and adaptive lighting applications.

FAQ

What firmware is preloaded on the STM32 microcontroller?

The board ships with factory-programmed firmware supporting basic pattern playback, SPI communication with the LED1642GW, USB enumeration as a virtual COM port, and real-time diagnostic reporting. Source code and Keil/IAR project files are provided in the ST SW package STSW-LLL009.

Can the LED1642GW channels be reconfigured for non-RGB layouts?

Yes - the LED1642GW supports flexible channel mapping via its internal register set. The board's schematic routes all 16 outputs to discrete RGB strings, allowing reassignment of channels to monochrome arrays, white+amber configurations, or mixed-color topologies using custom firmware.

Does the board support external synchronization of PWM frames?

No - the PWM frame timing is generated internally by the STM32's TIM2 peripheral and distributed to all LED1642GW devices via shared PWCLK, CLK, and LE signals. External sync input is not routed; frame rate is software-configurable up to 1 kHz.

Is the L7981 DC-DC converter adjustable for different LED forward voltages?

Yes - the L7981 output voltage is set by an external resistor divider on the FB pin. The board uses fixed resistors for 4.5 V (LED bias) and 3.3 V (logic), but the feedback network can be modified to support 3.0–5.0 V outputs for varying LED string configurations.