STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ILL084V1

Overview

STEVAL-ILL084V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board implementing a floating boost LED driver using the LED6000 monolithic current source IC, delivering 0.5 A constant current to up to 15 series-connected high-power LEDs from an 18–36 V input. It features digital dimming control via the DIM pin, 500 kHz switching frequency, ceramic-capacitor compatibility, and 180° out-of-phase synchronization capability for multi-board configurations.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ILL084V1 datasheet, STEVAL-ILL084V1 pinout, STEVAL-ILL084V1 application, or STEVAL-ILL084V1 equivalent, this board serves as a validated reference design for industrial LED lighting systems requiring stable current regulation, thermal/overcurrent protection, and scalable multi-channel synchronization.

Technical Context

The board implements a floating boost topology centered on the LED6000 - a 61 V asynchronous switching regulator with integrated 0.5 Ω power MOSFET and internal 250 kHz oscillator adjustable up to 1.5 MHz. Its VBIAS pin enables switch-over operation, while pulse-skipping light-load management maintains efficiency across output current range.

Current regulation relies on a 250 mV R_SENSE threshold and external ILIM resistor; feedback is taken from the LED string cathode (VLED−) via FB pin. Synchronization is achieved through the SYNCH pin, enabling two boards to operate 180° out-of-phase to reduce input RMS current ripple.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ILL084V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial LED signage, architectural accent lighting, and machine vision illumination systems requiring stable component supply, rapid prototyping validation, and repeatable thermal performance under continuous drive.

Supply support for STEVAL-ILL084V1 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 microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and analog/mixed-signal devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The STEVAL-ILL084V1 belongs to ST's LED lighting evaluation platform family, developed specifically to accelerate adoption of high-efficiency, thermally robust LED driver solutions for commercial and industrial solid-state lighting systems.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the STEVAL-ILL084V1 support, and how is it regulated?

The board accepts 18 V to 36 V DC input, directly powering the LED6000's VIN pins. Regulation is handled by the LED6000's internal asynchronous boost controller, which maintains constant 0.5 A LED current regardless of input variation within this range, using fixed-frequency current-mode control and external compensation (COMP pin).

Can the STEVAL-ILL084V1 drive more than 15 LEDs, and what limits the maximum string voltage?

No - the board is configured for up to 15 LEDs based on the LED6000's 61 V maximum output capability and the selected 47 µH inductor and 100 V output capacitors. Exceeding 15 LEDs risks exceeding the IC's voltage rating or causing instability due to reduced duty cycle margin and increased conduction losses.

How is digital dimming implemented, and what PWM specifications are supported?

Digital dimming is implemented by applying a logic-level PWM signal to the DIM pin, which directly modulates the LED6000's internal current reference. The board supports PWM frequencies from 100 Hz to 20 kHz with >100 ns minimum pulse width; no external filtering is required, and dimming linearity is maintained across 0.1%–100% duty cycle.

Is synchronization between multiple STEVAL-ILL084V1 boards possible, and how is it wired?

Yes - two boards can be synchronized 180° out-of-phase using the SYNCH pin (Pin 7). One board operates as master (SYNCH left unconnected or pulled high), the other as slave (SYNCH tied to master's FSW pin via 22 kΩ resistor), ensuring interleaved switching and reduced input current ripple as confirmed in the schematic and data brief.