STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ILL063V1

Overview

STEVAL-ILL063V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the LED5000 monolithic 3 A constant-current LED driver IC, implementing a floating boost topology to drive high-brightness LEDs from 5.5 V to 48 V input with ±3% current accuracy, 850 kHz switching, and PWM dimming support. It targets automotive front lighting and industrial high-intensity LED arrays.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ILL063V1 datasheet, STEVAL-ILL063V1 pinout, STEVAL-ILL063V1 application, or STEVAL-ILL063V1 equivalent, key selection factors include its floating boost architecture, 200 mV current sense threshold, ceramic-capacitor compatibility, thermal shutdown behavior, and inhibit-driven zero-current mode.

Technical Context

The board implements the LED5000 IC in a non-inverting floating boost configuration where the output voltage exceeds input (V_OUT > V_IN), enabling high-side LED string biasing without ground-referenced sensing limitations. The peak current mode control ensures stable regulation across wide input and load transients.

It uses a 22 µH XAL6060 power inductor, 0.28 Ω current-sense resistor (setting ~714 mA per 200 mV), and supports external PWM dimming via the DIM pin at U1 Pin 2. Inhibit (INH) at Pin 3 enables full system standby with near-zero quiescent current.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ILL063V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive headlamp prototyping, industrial UV curing systems, and architectural LED signage requiring stable component supply and rapid design validation.

Supply support for STEVAL-ILL063V1 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 analog, MCU, power, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STEVAL-ILL063V1 belongs to ST's LED lighting evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of high-efficiency, thermally robust constant-current LED drivers for demanding illumination applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum LED string voltage supported by STEVAL-ILL063V1?

The board supports LED string voltages up to 55 V, determined by the LED5000's 60 V absolute maximum SW pin rating and the selected 50 V output capacitor (C3). With 48 V input, the floating boost topology allows V_OUT = V_IN + V_SW, enabling safe operation with strings up to ~52 V under nominal conditions.

Can STEVAL-ILL063V1 drive multiple parallel LED strings?

No - the board is configured for single-string constant-current operation using one sense resistor (RS1). Driving parallel strings would require individual current regulation per string to avoid thermal runaway; this board lacks multi-channel sensing or independent feedback paths.

Does the board support analog dimming in addition to PWM?

No - the LED5000 IC and STEVAL-ILL063V1 schematic implement only digital PWM dimming via the DIM pin. There is no provision for analog dimming (e.g., DC voltage or current injection into FB or COMP); the feedback loop is optimized for fixed-current regulation with PWM duty-cycle control.

What is the purpose of the "floating GND" annotation on the schematic?

The "floating GND" label indicates that the LED cathode node (VLED–) is not tied to system ground but floats at a potential near V_IN, as required by the boost topology. This enables high-side LED string connection while maintaining accurate current sensing referenced to the switch-node potential, not system ground.