STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IPFC02V1

Overview

STEVAL-IPFC02V1 from STMicroelectronics is a 2 kW two-channel interleaved Power Factor Correction (PFC) reference design built around the STNRGPF02 digital controller, supporting CCM boost topology with mixed-signal average current mode control at 60 kHz switching frequency. It delivers >0.98 power factor at 20% load and <5% THD under same conditions, targeting high-efficiency single-phase AC-DC front-end conversion in industrial and server power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IPFC02V1 datasheet, STEVAL-IPFC02V1 application, STEVAL-IPFC02V1 block diagram, or STEVAL-IPFC02V1 schematic integration, this reference design provides validated hardware for evaluating STNRGPF02-based interleaved PFC with analog cycle-by-cycle current regulation, phase shedding, burst-mode operation, and comprehensive protection including OVP, OCP, and thermal monitoring.

Technical Context

The design implements interleaved continuous conduction mode (CCM) boost using two parallel channels driven by the STNRGPF02, with 180° phase shift to reduce input current ripple and effective switching frequency. The inner analog current loop ensures cycle-by-cycle regulation via hardware PI compensation, while the outer digital voltage loop incorporates input voltage and load feed-forward for fast transient response.

Power stage components include STGW20H65FB trench-gate field-stop IGBTs for low conduction and switching losses, and STPSC12065D 650 V SiC Schottky diodes for high efficiency and low reverse recovery loss. Auxiliary supply uses L4931ABD50-TR LDO and ALTAIR05T-800 flyback controller to generate stable 5 V and 13 V rails.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IPFC02V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply development, server front-end design, and high-efficiency AC-DC converter validation requiring stable component supply and full reference schematics.

Supply support for STEVAL-IPFC02V1 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, analog devices, and digital controllers for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

This reference design belongs to ST's Power Management & Analog Reference Design portfolio, created to accelerate adoption of digitally controlled PFC solutions with integrated protection, configurability via eDesignSuite, and hardware-proven performance above 600 W.

FAQ

What is the role of the STNRGPF02 controller on the STEVAL-IPFC02V1 board?

The STNRGPF02 serves as the core digital PFC controller, implementing mixed-signal average current mode control with an analog inner current loop for cycle-by-cycle regulation and a digital outer voltage loop with input voltage and load feed-forward. It drives two interleaved boost channels at 60 kHz, manages phase shedding, burst-mode operation, and monitors protections including OCP, OVP, and thermal faults via dedicated pins like OCP[0]/OCP[1], PFC_FAULT, and TEMP.

Does STEVAL-IPFC02V1 include programming capability for the STNRGPF02?

Yes - the board includes a dedicated control board (STEVAL-IPFC02C1) with a programming port (J5, CON4) and onboard circuitry for configuring the STNRGPF02 via UART (PTX/RTX pins). ST's eDesignSuite software is used to generate configuration files, which are loaded through the programming interface to set parameters such as loop gains, feed-forward coefficients, and protection thresholds.

What protection features are implemented in hardware on this reference design?

Hardware-level protections include overvoltage protection (OVP) on the 400 V bus monitored via resistive divider and comparator, overcurrent protection (OCP) using shunt-based current sensing per channel with fast analog comparators feeding OCP[0]/OCP[1] inputs, thermal protection via NTC thermistor connected to the TEMP pin, and relay-driven AC disconnect for fault isolation. Status LEDs provide real-time visual indication of PFC_OK and fault conditions.

Can STEVAL-IPFC02V1 operate with unbalanced input voltage between L1 and L2?

No - the design assumes standard single-phase 2-wire AC input (L1 and N, or L1 and L2 in 230 V split-phase systems). Input measurement circuits (VIN_L1/VIN_L2) are configured for differential line-to-line sensing but do not support true unbalanced or three-phase operation. The STNRGPF02 firmware and hardware layout are optimized for single-phase interleaved PFC only, with no provision for asymmetrical voltage handling or neutral current monitoring.