STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ISA206V1

Overview

STEVAL-ISA206V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the L6986H 38 V, 2 A synchronous step-down switching regulator, designed for automotive body electronics and industrial 12 V–24 V bus applications. It supports cold-cranking (100% duty cycle), operates from 4 V to 38 V input, delivers 3.3 V output by default, and features selectable low-consumption mode (30 µA IQ) or low-noise mode.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ISA206V1 datasheet, STEVAL-ISA206V1 pinout, STEVAL-ISA206V1 application, or STEVAL-ISA206V1 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of L6986H performance in cold-crank robustness, light-load efficiency, EMI-sensitive infotainment power rails, and voltage sequencing across multi-rail systems.

Technical Context

The board implements the L6986H's peak-current-mode control architecture with programmable switching frequency (250 kHz–2 MHz), adjustable soft-start, and embedded output voltage supervisor. It supports synchronization across the full fSW range and includes overvoltage protection, thermal shutdown, and internal current limiting.

Configurable operating modes include Low Consumption Mode (LCM) for <30 µA quiescent current at light load and Low Noise Mode (LNM) enforcing forced PWM under all load conditions-critical for meeting CISPR 25 Class 5 EMI requirements in automotive infotainment.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ISA206V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC I/O power supplies, infotainment domain controllers, and cold-crank tolerant sensor interface designs requiring stable component supply and fast design validation.

Supply support for STEVAL-ISA206V1 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, designing and manufacturing analog, MCU, power, and sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The STEVAL-ISA206V1 belongs to ST's ST evaluation board portfolio targeting power management IC validation, specifically enabling rapid prototyping of high-reliability DC-DC converters for harsh automotive environments.

FAQ

What is the default output voltage and operating mode of the STEVAL-ISA206V1?

The board is factory-configured for 3.3 V output in Low Consumption Mode (LCM) with 500 kHz switching frequency, high ISKIP current setting, and switchover disabled. All parameters are user-adjustable via solder jumpers and external resistors per the DB3890 schematic.

Can the STEVAL-ISA206V1 be synchronized to an external clock?

Yes-the L6986H on the board supports full-range synchronization (250 kHz–2 MHz) via the SYNCH pin. An external clock signal applied to TP3 (SYNCH) overrides internal oscillator timing, enabling deterministic phase alignment in multi-regulator systems.

Does the board support output voltage sequencing for multi-rail systems?

Yes-the L6986H integrates output voltage sequencing capability. The STEVAL-ISA206V1 exposes the SS/INH and RST pins (TP1 and TP2), allowing controlled startup timing and reset coordination with other power rails using external timing circuitry or microcontroller GPIO.

What EMI mitigation features are implemented on the STEVAL-ISA206V1?

The board includes VIN_EMI filtering (L3: MPZ2012S221A ferrite bead), optimized layout with split ground planes (SGND/PGND), shielded inductors (L1/L2), and optional Low Noise Mode (LNM) forcing constant-frequency PWM-reducing broadband noise and aiding CISPR 25 Class 5 compliance.