STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ILL089V1

Overview

STEVAL-ILL089V1 from STMicroelectronics is an automotive-grade evaluation board implementing a 1 A step-down LED driver based on the ALED6000 monolithic current source, operating from 4.5 V to 60 V input, supporting digital dimming via the DIM pin, and featuring 500 kHz switching frequency with ceramic output capacitor compatibility.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ILL089V1 datasheet, STEVAL-ILL089V1 schematic, STEVAL-ILL089V1 application, or STEVAL-ILL089V1 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-efficiency, thermally protected, synchronized buck LED driving in automotive lighting systems requiring precise current regulation and EMI-aware layout.

Technical Context

The board implements a non-synchronous buck topology using the ALED6000 IC, which integrates a 61 V Power MOSFET and supports adjustable current limit (via ILIM pin) and programmable switching frequency (250 kHz–1.5 MHz). It delivers constant 1 A LED current with <250 mV RSENSE voltage drop and pulse-skipping light-load management.

180° out-of-phase synchronization between two boards reduces input RMS current ripple; VBIAS switchover and BOOT-driven high-side gate drive enable low dropout operation up to ~100% duty cycle, critical for automotive headlamp dimming across wide battery voltage ranges.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ILL089V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive exterior lighting, industrial status illumination, and DC-powered architectural LED systems requiring stable component supply, validated reference design, and production-ready layout practices.

Supply support for STEVAL-ILL089V1 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 analog, microcontroller, power, and sensor solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The STEVAL-ILL089V1 belongs to ST's LED driver evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate qualification of ALED6000-based lighting designs meeting AEC-Q100 Grade 2 requirements and ISO 7637-2 transient immunity standards.

FAQ

What is the maximum LED string voltage supported by STEVAL-ILL089V1?

The board supports LED string voltages up to 55 V, derived from the ALED6000's 61 V VIN rating minus typical diode forward drop and PCB trace losses. With 47 µH inductor and optimized layout, it reliably drives 15–18 white LEDs in series under nominal 12 V/24 V automotive input conditions.

Can STEVAL-ILL089V1 be used with analog dimming?

No - the ALED6000 on this board only supports digital (PWM) dimming via the dedicated DIM pin. Analog dimming is not implemented; the FB pin is configured for current-sense feedback only, and no DAC or bias-adjust circuitry is present on the board.

Does STEVAL-ILL089V1 include EMI filtering components?

No - the board omits dedicated input EMI filters (e.g., common-mode chokes or Y-capacitors) to maintain flexibility for system-level filtering. Input capacitance consists of C2 (4.7 µF/100 V) and C4/C14 (1 µF/100 V + 33 µF), sufficient for lab validation but requiring external filtering per CISPR 25 Class 5 in production automotive modules.

Is the ALED6000 on STEVAL-ILL089V1 pre-configured for 1 A output?

Yes - the current sense resistor R11 is fixed at 0.24 Ω, setting the LED current to 1 A based on the ALED6000's 250 mV internal reference (I_LED = 0.25 V / R_SENSE). No solder jumpers or configuration resistors are required to achieve nominal operation.