STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ISB038V1T

Overview

STEVAL-ISB038V1T from STMicroelectronics is a wireless power transmitter evaluation board based on the STWBC-WA controller IC, designed for ultra-compact wearable applications including smartwatches and IoT sensors. It delivers up to 1 W (scalable to 3 W) via a 20 mm transmitter coil using half-bridge topology, supports Qi-compliant digital control, and integrates UART/I²C interfaces for firmware customization and peripheral connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ISB038V1T datasheet, STEVAL-ISB038V1T pinout, STEVAL-ISB038V1T application, or STEVAL-ISB038V1T equivalent, this page provides verified hardware specifications, board-level electrical performance, GUI-based configuration workflow, and integration guidance for wearable wireless charging development.

Technical Context

The board implements a Qi-compliant 110–205 kHz resonant inverter with analog current sensing (ISENSE), wave symbol detection (WAVE_SNS), and active foreign object detection logic. Its STWBC-WA core executes real-time digital control loops for voltage regulation, thermal monitoring (NTC_TEMP), and presence detection using configurable GPIOs and comparator inputs.

Power delivery is managed through dual-drive outputs (DRIVEOUT[0]/[1]) for half-bridge operation, with optional DRIVEOUT[2]/[3] support for full-bridge reconfiguration. All analog inputs (CPP_INT_0–3, VMAIN, ISENSE) are referenced to VDDA and operate within 0–1.2 V range, ensuring compatibility with low-voltage sensing circuits.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ISB038V1T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable device development, Qi-compliant wireless charging validation, and ultra-low-power IoT sensor prototyping requiring stable component supply and documented reference design support.

Supply support for STEVAL-ISB038V1T 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, analog, and wireless solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

This evaluation board belongs to ST's Wireless Charging Reference Design portfolio, engineered specifically to accelerate development of compact, Qi-certifiable transmitters for battery-constrained wearables and medical devices.

FAQ

What firmware tools are required to configure STEVAL-ISB038V1T?

The board requires ST's STWBC GUI software (Windows only, .NET Framework 4+) for parameter tuning, real-time monitoring, and firmware download via USB-to-UART. STVP is used only for low-level SWIM-based erasure or recovery when UART programming fails. Both tools are freely available from ST's official website.

Can STEVAL-ISB038V1T be used without the STWBC-WA GUI?

No - the board relies on preloaded firmware that communicates exclusively through the STWBC GUI. While UART and I²C interfaces are exposed, their register-level access and command structure are undocumented outside the GUI framework; direct custom firmware development is not supported by ST for this evaluation board.

Does STEVAL-ISB038V1T include Foreign Object Detection (FOD)?

Yes - FOD is implemented in firmware using analog current (ISENSE) and voltage (VMAIN) measurements combined with symbol detection (WAVE_SNS). The GUI displays FOD status and allows threshold adjustment, though hardware-level FOD circuitry is not discrete; it depends entirely on STWBC-WA's internal algorithm and calibration.

What are the physical dimensions and PCB layer count of the board?

The STEVAL-ISB038V1T is a 2-layer PCB measuring 35 mm × 35 mm, optimized for minimal footprint and ease of integration into wearable form factors. Its layout separates high-current LC tank traces from sensitive analog inputs (ISENSE, WAVE_SNS) and isolates switching noise from UART/USB signal paths.