STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ILL064V1

Overview

STEVAL-ILL064V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the LED5000 constant-current LED driver IC, implementing a BB- (boost-buck) topology to deliver up to 3 A DC output current with ±3% accuracy over temperature. It operates from 5.5 V to 48 V input, uses 850 kHz fixed-frequency peak current mode control, and supports PWM dimming for precise brightness control in high-power LED lighting systems.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ILL064V1 datasheet, STEVAL-ILL064V1 schematic, STEVAL-ILL064V1 application, or STEVAL-ILL064V1 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of LED5000-based 3 A constant-current drivers in architectural lighting, industrial signage, and automotive exterior lighting where ceramic-capacitor compatibility, thermal shutdown, and short-circuit protection are critical.

Technical Context

The board implements the LED5000 IC in BB- (boost-buck) configuration, enabling wide VIN-to-VOUT flexibility while maintaining precise constant-current regulation. Its 850 kHz switching frequency allows compact magnetics and full compatibility with low-ESR ceramic output capacitors.

Peak current mode control ensures fast transient response and inherent cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection. The 200 mV typical current sense threshold minimizes power loss in the sense resistor, directly supporting high-efficiency operation at 3 A output.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ILL064V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver validation, lighting system prototyping, and production-ready thermal design verification requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for STEVAL-ILL064V1 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 analog, microcontroller, power, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL lighting evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of high-efficiency, thermally robust LED drivers for commercial and industrial solid-state lighting applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the STEVAL-ILL064V1 board?

The STEVAL-ILL064V1 is a fully assembled evaluation board designed to demonstrate and validate the LED5000 constant-current LED driver IC. It implements a BB- (boost-buck) topology to regulate up to 3 A of output current with ±3% accuracy, supporting PWM dimming and operating across a 5.5 V–48 V input range. It is not a standalone IC but a reference design for lighting system development.

Does the board support analog dimming or only PWM dimming?

The board supports PWM dimming only, as implemented by the LED5000 IC. There is no analog (DC) dimming capability-brightness control is achieved exclusively via externally applied PWM signals to the DIM pin. The IC does not include an internal DAC or current-reference scaling for analog adjustment.

Can ceramic capacitors be used on the output without stability issues?

Yes-the LED5000 IC is explicitly designed for ceramic output capacitor compatibility. Its peak current mode architecture and internal compensation ensure stable regulation with low-ESR ceramic capacitors, eliminating the need for bulk electrolytic types and reducing footprint and aging concerns.

What protection mechanisms are implemented on the board?

The board inherits all protections of the LED5000 IC: output short-circuit protection, thermal shutdown (triggering at ~150 °C junction temperature), and an inhibit pin that disables switching and reduces quiescent current to near-zero. No external circuitry is required to enable these functions.