STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IME009V1

Overview

STEVAL-IME009V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board built around the STHV800 8-channel high-voltage ultrasound pulser IC, designed for rapid prototyping and waveform validation in medical ultrasound imaging systems. It delivers up to ±100 V output swing per channel, supports 16 preset ultrasonic waveforms, and integrates an FPGA (Xilinx XC6SLX16), STM32 microcontroller, 4 MB serial Flash, and dual BNC connectors per channel for HV/LV signal monitoring.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IME009V1 datasheet, STEVAL-IME009V1 pinout, STEVAL-IME009V1 application, or STEVAL-IME009V1 equivalent, this board enables direct oscilloscope-based verification of pulser timing, amplitude fidelity, load transient response, and FPGA-driven waveform sequencing under real transducer loading conditions.

Technical Context

The board implements a complete ultrasound transmit chain: the STM32 handles USB communication and user interface, while the Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA generates precise digital control signals (CK, CW, THSD_EN, DATAOUT[0:15]) to drive the STHV800's 8 independent high-voltage channels. Each channel features separate HVP/HVM and HVP_CW/HVM_CW outputs with configurable idle states (High-Z, clamp, or active).

Power architecture includes dedicated low-noise LDOs (LDS3985M33R, ST1S12xx) for FPGA core (1.2 V), I/O (3.3 V), and MCU rails, plus high-voltage supply conditioning via external connectors (J1/J2/J3). Load simulation is supported via on-board RC networks and user-configurable jumpers (J35–J37) for output state control and impedance matching.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IME009V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for ultrasound system development, medical imaging R&D labs, and transducer driver validation requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term evaluation board availability.

Supply support for STEVAL-IME009V1 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, power, and microcontroller solutions.

The STEVAL-IME009V1 belongs to ST's Imaging & Ultrasound Evaluation Platform product line, engineered to accelerate time-to-prototype for high-fidelity ultrasound beamforming and pulser subsystem design.

FAQ

What is the maximum output voltage swing supported by the STHV800 on this board?

The STHV800 on STEVAL-IME009V1 supports ±100 V output swing per channel when powered with appropriate external high-voltage supplies connected to J1 (HVP) and J3 (HVM). The board provides BNC access to both main and CW-complementary outputs (HVP/HVP_CW, HVM/HVM_CW) for differential or single-ended driving of piezoelectric transducers.

Can the 16 preset waveforms be modified or extended?

Yes - the 4 MB serial Flash stores FPGA configuration and waveform data. Users can reprogram the Flash via the SPI interface (J10 header) or USB-connected STM32 to load custom waveforms, update FPGA logic, or adjust timing parameters using ST-provided firmware tools and Xilinx ISE design suite.

Does the board support real-time waveform streaming from a PC?

No - the USB interface is used exclusively for firmware updates, configuration commands, and status reporting via CDC/ACM virtual COM port. Waveform generation is fully autonomous after FPGA programming; real-time streaming is not implemented due to bandwidth and timing constraints of the STM32 USB stack and STHV800 control protocol.

Are the PMOD headers electrically compatible with Digilent-standard peripherals?

Yes - J8 and J9 are standard 12-pin (2×6) female PMOD headers providing 3.3 V, GND, and eight 3.3 V-tolerant FPGA I/Os each. They comply with Digilent's PMOD specification (v1.2.0), enabling direct connection to off-the-shelf sensors, DACs, or logic analyzers without level-shifting.