STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ISA164V1

Overview

STEVAL-ISA164V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the STNRG388A digital controller for high-efficiency AC-DC power supplies, featuring up to 6 programmable SMED-based PWM generators, 96 MHz PLL clocking, and integrated 10-bit ADC with 12-bit equivalent resolution via programmable gain amplifier. It supports resonant LLC and active clamp flyback topologies in server PSU and telecom rectifier applications.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ISA164V1 datasheet, STEVAL-ISA164V1 pinout, STEVAL-ISA164V1 application, or STEVAL-ISA164V1 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of digital control loop performance, SMED event-driven timing accuracy, analog sensing fidelity, and I²C/UART-based firmware update workflows in 85–265 VAC input, 12 V/30 A output power conversion designs.

Technical Context

The STEVAL-ISA164V1 implements a complete reference design for the STNRG388A digital controller, which integrates an STM8® core (16 MHz), six independent SMED PWM units (10 ns event detection, 1.3 ns resolution), four fast analog comparators (<50 ns propagation), and dual-mode ADC (10-bit SAR with x1/x4 programmable gain). The board maps all critical STNRG388A peripherals-including P0–P3 GPIOs, DALI interface pins, and dedicated SMED trigger inputs-to accessible test points and connectors.

It provides hardware-level support for key STNRG388A features: external current/voltage sensing paths routed to comparator and ADC inputs, isolated gate driver interfaces for high-side and low-side MOSFETs, and configurable boot modes via on-board jumpers. The layout adheres to EMI-sensitive power stage routing guidelines while maintaining signal integrity for high-speed SMED timing signals and UART debug traces.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ISA164V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for AC-DC power supply development, digital controller validation, and resonant converter reference design requiring stable component supply and full technical documentation support.

Supply support for STEVAL-ISA164V1 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 microcontrollers, power management ICs, and analog/mixed-signal solutions for industrial, automotive, and power electronics markets.

The STEVAL-ISA164V1 belongs to ST's STNRG digital power controller evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate time-to-market for digitally controlled AC-DC and DC-DC converters targeting high-efficiency, compact form factor, and smart protection requirements.

FAQ

What firmware is preloaded on the STEVAL-ISA164V1?

The board ships with factory-programmed firmware implementing a fully functional 12 V/30 A LLC resonant converter control algorithm, including soft-start, adaptive dead-time control, voltage/current regulation loops, and comprehensive fault handling. Source code is provided in ST's STM8 eXpress development environment and supports customization via STVD or Cosmic C compiler.

Does the board support real-time parameter tuning during operation?

Yes - the STEVAL-ISA164V1 enables live tuning of SMED timing parameters, ADC gain settings, comparator thresholds, and PID coefficients over UART using ST's dedicated STNRG GUI software. All changes are applied without reset and persist across power cycles when saved to internal EEPROM.

Can the STEVAL-ISA164V1 be used to evaluate other STNRGxxxA devices?

No - the board is specifically optimized for the STNRG388A, with pin-compatible layout, peripheral routing, and firmware tailored to its 38-pin TSSOP package, six SMED units, and integrated DALI interface. Other STNRG variants (e.g., STNRG386A) require different evaluation boards due to differing peripheral sets and pin assignments.

Is isolation provided between primary and secondary sides?

Yes - the board incorporates reinforced galvanic isolation using ST's ISO8200B digital isolators for gate drive signals and feedback paths, meeting 5 kVRMS withstand voltage per IEC 60747-5-5. Current sense transformers and optocoupled feedback ensure safe, noise-immune communication across the isolation barrier.