STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IME014V1B

Overview

STEVAL-IME014V1B from STMicroelectronics is a 16-channel high-voltage pulser evaluation kit built around the STHV1600 IC for ultrasound imaging systems. It integrates a pulser module (STEVAL-IME014V1), power supply module (STEVAL-IME014V1D), and STM32 Nucleo microcontroller module, delivering four preset waveforms, USB programmability, and oscilloscope-accessible HV/LV outputs under 100 Ω/300 pF load conditions.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IME014V1B datasheet, STEVAL-IME014V1B pinout, STEVAL-IME014V1B application, or STEVAL-IME014V1B equivalent, this kit supports rapid prototyping of ultrasound transmit beamforming circuits, waveform timing validation, HV driver characterization, and master/slave multi-kit synchronization in clinical or portable imaging platforms.

Technical Context

The kit implements a complete ultrasound transmit chain: the STHV1600 provides 16 independent high-voltage (±100 V) pulser channels with fast rise/fall times (<25 ns), while the integrated power supply module generates four regulated HV rails (±100 V, ±40 V) and one LV rail (3.3 V), all derived from a 7–12 V input. The STM32 Nucleo module executes precompiled firmware (STSW-IME014FW) and hosts the STSW-IME014GUI interface.

Signal routing supports full digital control via USB (DF+/DF−, D+/D−), trigger synchronization (TRIGGERP/TRIGGERN), serial data streaming (DATAIN0P–DATAIN3P/N, CLKSERP/CLKSERN), and real-time status monitoring (INT, LOSC_FSEL[0:2], TXON). All HV outputs (HVP0–HVP1, HVM0–HVM1) and 16 LV outputs (LVOUT0–LVOUT15) are accessible via dedicated test points and connectors.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IME014V1B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for ultrasound imaging development, medical device prototyping, and academic research requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term evaluation kit availability.

Supply support for STEVAL-IME014V1B 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, analog ICs, power management devices, and sensors for automotive, industrial, and medical applications.

This kit belongs to ST's Imaging & Ultrasound Evaluation Platform product line, engineered specifically to accelerate time-to-demonstration for high-channel-count ultrasound transmitters using ST's STHV series HV pulsers and STM32 real-time control architecture.

FAQ

What firmware is preloaded on the STM32 Nucleo module?

The STEVAL-IME014V1B ships with STSW-IME014FW - compiled, ready-to-run firmware that implements all four preset waveforms, USB command parsing, HV/LV output sequencing, and status LED feedback. No toolchain setup or flashing is required to begin evaluation.

Can the HV outputs drive capacitive loads typical of piezoelectric transducers?

Yes - each HV channel is characterized with a 100 Ω series resistor and 300 pF parallel capacitor (per IEC 61275 ultrasound testing standards), matching typical transducer impedance profiles. Load networks can be removed or modified via solder jumpers for custom transducer evaluation.

Is an external oscilloscope required to observe output waveforms?

Yes - HV and LV outputs are routed to labeled test points (e.g., HVP0, LVOUT7) and 2.54 mm header pins (J7, J8, J9) for direct oscilloscope probing. No onboard display or digitizer is included; signal visualization relies on external lab equipment.

Does the kit support custom waveform generation beyond the four presets?

Yes - the STSW-IME014GUI software allows full reconfiguration of pulse amplitude, width, delay, polarity, and channel enable patterns. Waveform tables can be imported/exported as CSV files, enabling alignment with proprietary beamforming algorithms or research-specific excitation sequences.