STMicroelectronics STEVAL-IPP004V1

Overview

STEVAL-IPP004V1 from STMicroelectronics is a PRIME-compliant power line communication (PLC) evaluation module designed for CENELEC A band metering applications. It integrates the STM32F103RFT6 ARM Cortex-M3 MCU and ST7590 narrow-band PLC modem, delivering 128 kbps OFDM data rate with AC/DC bus coupling, USB interface, and galvanic isolation from mains voltage.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-IPP004V1 datasheet, STEVAL-IPP004V1 pinout, STEVAL-IPP004V1 application, or STEVAL-IPP004V1 equivalent, this board supports rapid prototyping of smart metering systems, interoperable PRIME network deployment, isolated PLC signal conditioning, and firmware development for ST7590-based modems with dual power supply and digital interface flexibility.

Technical Context

The module implements PRIME v1.3.6 PHY/MAC stack over CENELEC A band (3–95 kHz), using ST7590's integrated analog front-end with programmable gain amplifier, zero-crossing detection, and 12-bit ADC for PA_IN+/PA_IN− inputs. The STM32F103RFT6 handles MAC layer processing, USB CDC virtual COM port bridging, and GPIO-controlled modem reset/data indication signaling.

Signal coupling employs transformer-isolated differential PA_OUT and RX_IN paths with B82462G4474M000 common-mode choke and STPS1L30A Schottky diodes; DC bus interface uses MORSV-508-2P connector while AC coupling supports L/N line injection via TDK SRW13EP-X07S002 transformer and SM6T15CA transient protection.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-IPP004V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering infrastructure, AMI field testing, PRIME protocol validation, and industrial PLC gateway development requiring stable component supply and full-stack communication module evaluation.

Supply support for STEVAL-IPP004V1 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 devices, and sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

This evaluation board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series, purpose-built to accelerate development of PRIME-compliant smart grid solutions with validated hardware reference designs and open-source firmware examples.

FAQ

What communication protocols does STEVAL-IPP004V1 support?

The board implements the full PRIME v1.3.6 specification including PHY and MAC layers over CENELEC A band. It does not support G3-PLC, IEEE 1901.2, or HomePlug standards. Firmware is provided for PRIME stack integration with STM32 HAL libraries and USB CDC host interface.

Can the STM32F103RFT6 be replaced with an STM32F4 MCU?

Yes - the board layout supports direct replacement with 64-pin STM32F2 or STM32F4 series MCUs (e.g., STM32F407VGT6), requiring only minor assembly changes: removal of R25/R42/R43/R44 and reconfiguration of JP7/JP8 jumpers for alternate GPIO mappings and clock routing.

Does STEVAL-IPP004V1 include firmware source code?

ST provides complete firmware package including PRIME MAC layer implementation, ST7590 driver, USB CDC interface, and example applications for metering data exchange. Source code is delivered as part of the STSW-PLCLIB software library under ST's standard license terms.

What safety certifications apply to the PLC coupling section?

The board meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity (4 kV line-to-earth) and IEC 61000-4-4 EFT/burst (2 kV) requirements per its schematic-level design. It is not certified to UL/EN 62368-1 as a standalone product; end-equipment certification remains the responsibility of the system integrator.