STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IME013V1

Overview

STEVAL-IME013V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board built around the STHV800 8-channel, 3-level high-voltage ultrasound pulser IC, delivering ±100 V output swing with 30 ns pulse rise/fall time and integrated LV/HV driver stages for medical ultrasound imaging transducers. It supports waveform storage in up to four memory locations and enables real-time oscilloscope monitoring via eight BNC connectors.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IME013V1 datasheet, STEVAL-IME013V1 pinout, STEVAL-IME013V1 application, or STEVAL-IME013V1 equivalent, this board provides a ready-to-use platform for evaluating high-voltage pulser timing, multi-channel synchronization, USB-based waveform programming, and transducer excitation control in diagnostic ultrasound systems.

Technical Context

The board integrates an STM32F427 microcontroller for waveform generation, memory management, and USB interface control, coordinating with the STHV800's digital input logic (INx_0/INx_1), clock (CK), and control signals (CW, THSD). All eight channels operate synchronously with independent LVOUT and HV drive paths.

High-voltage supply rails (+HV, –HV, +HVP_CW, –HVM_CW) are externally connected via dedicated screw terminals, while low-voltage outputs (LVOUT_1–LVOUT_8) and transducer return paths (XDCR_1–XDCR_8) route through isolated BNC jacks. On-board regulators (LT3032, LD1117) provide stable ±5 V and 3.3 V rails for analog/digital domains.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IME013V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for ultrasound imaging system development, medical device prototyping, and high-voltage transducer driver validation requiring stable component supply and rapid evaluation turnaround.

Supply support for STEVAL-IME013V1 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 products for automotive, industrial, and medical applications.

This evaluation board belongs to ST's Imaging & Medical Evaluation Platforms product line, engineered to accelerate ultrasound subsystem validation by integrating high-fidelity HV pulsing, precise timing control, and intuitive PC-based configuration.

FAQ

What software is required to operate the STEVAL-IME013V1?

The board uses ST's dedicated Ultrasound Pulser GUI, compatible with Windows 7/10/11, which communicates over USB to configure pulse width, delay, amplitude, and memory location selection. No additional drivers are needed beyond standard WinUSB stack; firmware is preloaded on the STM32F427.

Can the STEVAL-IME013V1 drive commercial ultrasound transducers directly?

Yes - it delivers ±100 V into 100 Ω loads with <30 ns edge rates and supports both bipolar and unipolar excitation modes. Transducer connections use isolated BNC jacks (XDCR_1–XDCR_8) with matched 270 pF compensation capacitors to minimize ringing and ensure signal fidelity.

Does the board support external trigger synchronization?

No - the STEVAL-IME013V1 lacks dedicated hardware trigger inputs. Timing is internally generated by the STM32F427 and distributed to all STHV800 channels via synchronous CK/CW signals; external sync requires modifying the firmware and adding GPIO routing.

What safety precautions apply when using the high-voltage outputs?

Users must connect HV supplies only through insulated screw terminals rated for ≥150 V, verify grounding of all BNC shields before powering, and avoid probing live HV nodes with standard 1× oscilloscope probes. The board includes overtemperature shutdown (THSD pin) and current-limiting resistors (56 Ω series) on all LV/HV outputs.