STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IME003V1

Overview

STEVAL-IME003V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board built around the STHV748 4-channel high-voltage ultrasound pulser IC, supporting ±110 V output swing, 16 programmable waveforms, and BNC-connected HV/LV signal monitoring for real-time oscilloscope validation in medical imaging system development.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IME003V1 datasheet, STEVAL-IME003V1 pinout, STEVAL-IME003V1 application, or STEVAL-IME003V1 equivalent, this board enables rapid prototyping of ultrasound transmit beamforming with FPGA-controlled waveform generation, on-board 4 MB serial Flash storage, and configurable load simulation for transducer interface validation.

Technical Context

The board integrates the Xilinx Spartan-6 XC6SLX16 FPGA to generate precise timing sequences for the STHV748's four independent high-voltage channels, each supporting up to 110 V peak-to-peak differential output and fast rise/fall times under capacitive loads typical of piezoelectric transducers.

It features dual power domains (±110 V HV supply + 3.3 V logic), USB-hosted STM32 microcontroller for PC communication and waveform selection, and dedicated analog front-end circuitry including 270 pF/100 V HV coupling capacitors and DFLS1200 Schottky clamping diodes for transient protection.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IME003V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for ultrasound imaging system development, medical device prototyping, and piezoelectric transducer driver validation requiring stable component supply and full reference design traceability.

Supply support for STEVAL-IME003V1 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 medical-grade analog and mixed-signal solutions.

The STEVAL-IME003V1 belongs to ST's Imaging & Ultrasound Evaluation Platform product line, designed to accelerate development of high-fidelity ultrasound transmit chains using their proprietary high-voltage pulser ICs and FPGA-based timing engines.

FAQ

Does STEVAL-IME003V1 include the STHV748 IC pre-mounted?

Yes, the STHV748 is soldered onto the board as the central high-voltage pulser IC (U8), fully populated with associated decoupling capacitors (e.g., C77, C80, C111, C112), HV coupling networks, and thermal shutdown circuitry per its datasheet requirements.

Can users modify or upload custom waveforms to the board?

Yes - the onboard 4 MB serial Flash memory supports user-defined waveform uploads via the USB-connected STM32 microcontroller; the FPGA firmware interprets waveform data and drives the STHV748 channels with precise timing control and channel interleaving.

What is the role of the 25 LEDs on the board?

The 25 LEDs provide real-time visual feedback: 4 monitor HV power rails (±110 V), 4 indicate LV logic states, 16 map to individual FPGA-programmed waveform outputs, and 1 confirms FPGA configuration success - enabling quick fault isolation during testing.

Is external high-voltage supply mandatory for operation?

Yes - the board requires externally supplied ±110 V DC to the dedicated HV input terminals (J15/J21); no internal HV generation is present. The STHV748 operates only when both HV rails are correctly applied and within regulation, as confirmed by THSD and power-good LED indicators.