STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ILL079V1

Overview

STEVAL-ILL079V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board implementing an inverting buck-boost LED driver topology using the LED6000 monolithic current source IC, delivering 0.5 A constant current to eight series-connected white LEDs (max 30 V total forward voltage) from a 15–30 V input supply, with 500 kHz switching frequency and digital dimming control via the DIM pin.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ILL079V1 datasheet, STEVAL-ILL079V1 pinout, STEVAL-ILL079V1 application, or STEVAL-ILL079V1 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-efficiency, ceramic-capacitor-compatible LED driving for industrial signage, architectural lighting, and automotive interior backlighting where negative output voltage and phase-synchronized multi-channel operation are required.

Technical Context

The board implements a negative-output buck-boost converter using the LED6000's asynchronous switching architecture, where the internal 61 V/3 A MOSFET drives the inductor (L1 = 47 µH) between VIN_1/VIN_2 and LX_1/LX_2 pins, generating regulated negative current through the LED string referenced to VLED− (TP9) and VLED+ (TP4).

Dimming is achieved by applying a logic-level signal to the DIM pin (TP1), with external level-shifting circuitry (Q1, R15–R17); synchronization at 180° out-of-phase is supported via the SYNCH pin (TP2) to reduce input RMS current when cascading multiple boards.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ILL079V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial LED signage, automotive interior lighting, architectural accent lighting, and medical display backlighting requiring stable component supply and fast prototyping support.

Supply support for STEVAL-ILL079V1 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 microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and analog devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The STEVAL-ILL079V1 belongs to ST's LED lighting evaluation platform family, developed to accelerate adoption of high-efficiency, thermally robust, and EMI-optimized LED driver solutions for medium-power solid-state lighting systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum LED string voltage supported by STEVAL-ILL079V1?

The board supports up to 30 V total forward voltage across eight series white LEDs, as confirmed by the schematic's VLED+ (TP4) and VLED− (TP9) net labels, component ratings (D2 = BZX384-C30 Zener clamp), and LED6000's 61 V output capability in inverting configuration.

Can STEVAL-ILL079V1 drive more than eight LEDs?

No - the board is optimized for exactly eight 3.0–3.8 V white LEDs (24–30 V total), constrained by the 30 V Zener clamp (D2), output capacitor voltage rating (C4/C10 = 100 V), and LED6000's practical output swing under 0.5 A load in inverting mode.

Is external synchronization mandatory for normal operation?

No - the SYNCH pin (TP2) is optional; the board operates standalone using the LED6000's internal 250 kHz oscillator (adjusted to 500 kHz via R9/C12). Synchronization is only required when cascading multiple boards to reduce input ripple current.

Does STEVAL-ILL079V1 support analog dimming?

No - the board implements digital (PWM) dimming only, as specified in the data brief and implemented via the DIM pin (TP1) and discrete level-shifter Q1. No analog current-setting or voltage-controlled dimming circuitry is present on the PCB.