STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ILL073V1

Overview

STEVAL-ILL073V1 from STMicroelectronics is an automotive-grade RGB LED driver evaluation board featuring a 4×4 (16-element) high-brightness RGB LED matrix, local dimming control via three ALED1642GW PWM drivers (one per color channel), and real-time open/short fault detection. It operates from 6–28 V DC with polarity-independent input and supports both standalone operation (via on-board buttons and potentiometer) and GUI-controlled mode via USB-UART bridge.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ILL073V1 datasheet, STEVAL-ILL073V1 pinout, STEVAL-ILL073V1 application, or STEVAL-ILL073V1 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of ALED1642GW-based RGB lighting architectures, STM8A firmware development, and diagnostics integration for adaptive front lighting systems (AFS) and dynamic rear lighting (DRL/CHMSL).

Technical Context

The board implements a distributed PWM architecture: each ALED1642GW drives 16 constant-current outputs (16× RGB = 48 total LEDs), with independent 8-bit PWM resolution per channel and programmable current up to 50 mA per output. The STM8AF microcontroller provides SPI-based configuration, pattern sequencing, and fault reporting logic.

Power management includes an A7986A synchronous step-down DC-DC converter (input 6–28 V, output 4.5 V @ 2 A) and an LF33CDT low-dropout regulator (3.3 V @ 0.8 A) for digital logic. Fault simulation is implemented via jumper-selectable open-circuit and short-circuit paths across individual LED strings.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ILL073V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting prototyping, LED driver IC validation, and embedded firmware development requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for STEVAL-ILL073V1 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, specializing in automotive, industrial, and power management solutions with broad IP and manufacturing scale.

This evaluation board belongs to ST's STEVAL automotive lighting reference design series, developed specifically to accelerate adoption of ALED1642GW in adaptive headlamp and signaling applications requiring high-reliability diagnostics and local dimming.

FAQ

Does STEVAL-ILL073V1 support CAN communication?

No. Although the onboard STM8AF microcontroller has CAN_TX and CAN_RX pins exposed on J11, the board does not include CAN transceiver circuitry, termination resistors, or firmware support for CAN protocol. Communication is limited to SPI (between MCU and LED drivers) and UART (via USB bridge).

What software tools are required to configure the board?

The official STSW-ILL073 GUI software (Windows-only) is required for full pattern programming, PWM parameter tuning, and real-time diagnostics visualization. Firmware updates and low-level development require STVD or Cosmic IDE with SWIM interface via J12 connector.

Can the board drive non-RGB LED configurations?

Yes - by reconfiguring the ALED1642GW drivers via SPI, the board can drive monochrome or multi-color (e.g., RGBW) arrays up to 48 channels. However, the default hardware layout and GUI presets assume 16 RGB elements (48 total outputs), and no additional current-setting resistors or thermal pads are provided for non-standard configurations.

Is the A7986A DC-DC converter adjustable?

Yes - the A7986A output voltage is set to 4.5 V by resistor divider R25 (220 kΩ) and internal 0.8 V reference, but the feedback node (FB pin) is accessible on U4 Pin 5. Adjusting R25 allows output voltage tuning between ~3.3 V and 5.5 V, subject to A7986A's 2 A continuous rating and thermal limits.