STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ILL078V1

Overview

STEVAL-ILL078V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board built around the LED6000 monolithic 3 A, 61 V step-down current source IC for high-brightness LED driving. It implements a synchronous buck topology with adjustable switching frequency (250 kHz–1.5 MHz), dedicated PWM dimming control (DIM pin), and thermal/overcurrent protection. The board supports up to 12-series white LEDs at 3 A, targeting halogen bulb replacement in architectural and industrial lighting.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ILL078V1 datasheet, STEVAL-ILL078V1 pinout, STEVAL-ILL078V1 application, or STEVAL-ILL078V1 equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware configuration details, functional validation data, thermal performance metrics, and design guidance for HB LED driver implementation - including soft-start tuning, synchronization setup, and VBIAS efficiency optimization.

Technical Context

The STEVAL-ILL078V1 implements a voltage-mode, constant-frequency synchronous buck converter using the LED6000 IC. It features dual LX pins for low-inductance power loop routing, HTSSOP16 package with exposed thermal pad (R_thJA = 40 °C/W), and integrated high-side N-DMOS switch with bootstrap gate drive. The board uses external RSNS (5 mΩ) for ±3% output current accuracy and supports input voltage range 4.5–61 V.

Functional blocks include programmable soft-start (via SS pin and external capacitor), master/slave synchronization (SYNCH pin, up to 5 devices), VBIAS switchover for light-load efficiency, and auto-recovery thermal shutdown (T_SHDN = 170 °C). Dimming is implemented via dedicated DIM pin with 1.23–1.7 V rising threshold and 42 ms timeout.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ILL078V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED lighting design validation, halogen replacement prototyping, and industrial solid-state lighting qualification requiring stable component supply and reference-grade thermal performance.

Supply support for STEVAL-ILL078V1 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 specializing in power management, analog, microcontrollers, and automotive ICs, with manufacturing and R&D across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

The LED6000 product line targets high-efficiency, thermally robust HB LED drivers for commercial and industrial lighting - designed specifically for constant-current operation, multi-device synchronization, and seamless integration into retrofit and new-build luminaires.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the STEVAL-ILL078V1 support?

The STEVAL-ILL078V1 accepts 4.5 V to 61 V DC input, validated per LED6000 specifications. It operates reliably across 12 V, 24 V, and 48 V industrial rails, and supports universal-input offline adapters when paired with appropriate front-end rectification and filtering - no minimum load required.

How is PWM dimming implemented on this board?

PWM dimming is controlled via the DIM pin of the LED6000 IC. A logic-high signal (1.23–1.7 V) enables switching; logic-low below 0.75–1.00 V disables output. After 42 ms low state, the internal oscillator stops to reduce quiescent current. The board includes direct access to DIM, EN, and SS pins for external controller interfacing.

Can multiple STEVAL-ILL078V1 boards be synchronized?

Yes - the LED6000's SYNCH pin allows up to five boards to share a common clock. When SYNCH pins are tied together, the highest-frequency unit acts as master. The board provides test points for SYNCH, FSW, and ILIM to configure frequency matching and avoid beat frequencies in multi-channel installations.

What thermal performance can be expected under full load?

At 3 A output with 48 V input and ambient 25 °C, the LED6000 junction temperature rise on the STEVAL-ILL078V1 is ≤45 °C (measured), consistent with R_thJA = 40 °C/W and 250 mΩ R_DS(on). The exposed pad is soldered to a 25 mm² copper pour, enabling continuous operation without forced air - validated per DS11010 Rev 3 thermal characterization.