STMicroelectronics STEVAL-ISV012V1

Overview

STEVAL-ISV012V1 from STMicroelectronics is a demonstration board implementing a 5 W solar battery charging solution for single-cell Li-ion/Li-Po batteries, integrating the SPV1040 MPPT boost converter (0.3–5.5 V input, up to 95% efficiency, 2 A current limit) and L6924D linear charger (1% voltage accuracy, 1 A max charge current, quasi-pulse mode, JEITA-compliant thermal control) powered by a 400 mW PV panel.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-ISV012V1 datasheet, STEVAL-ISV012V1 pinout, STEVAL-ISV012V1 application, or STEVAL-ISV012V1 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of solar-powered battery charging systems with embedded MPPT and adaptive quasi-pulse charging under variable irradiance and temperature conditions.

Technical Context

The board implements a two-stage architecture: the SPV1040 performs DC-DC boosting and real-time MPPT using a proprietary "perturb & observe" algorithm, accepting inputs as low as 0.3 V from partial or shaded solar cells; its output feeds the L6924D, which operates in quasi-pulse mode to minimize power dissipation when driven by current-limited solar sources.

L6924D's closed-loop thermal regulation dynamically adjusts charge current based on NTC/PTC feedback, while its multifunction STATUS pin provides host-processor-readable state signals (e.g., charge complete, fault), and its programmable thresholds (pre-charge voltage, termination current, timer) support full-cycle battery management per JEITA standards.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-ISV012V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for solar-powered portable electronics, off-grid sensor nodes, and low-power IoT edge devices requiring stable component supply and validated reference designs for energy harvesting.

Supply support for STEVAL-ISV012V1 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 microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and analog/mixed-signal products for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This evaluation board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series, developed specifically to accelerate prototyping and system-level validation of energy-harvesting and battery-management subsystems using ST's proprietary power management ICs.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the STEVAL-ISV012V1 support from solar panels?

The board accepts input voltages from 0.3 V to 5.5 V via the SPV1040 boost converter, enabling direct connection to single-cell photovoltaic modules-even under low-light, partial-shading, or cold-start conditions where panel output drops below 1 V. This eliminates the need for multi-cell panel stacks or auxiliary start-up circuitry.

How does the quasi-pulse charging mode improve solar charging efficiency?

Quasi-pulse mode allows the L6924D to operate intermittently-charging only when solar panel output exceeds battery voltage plus MOSFET drop-reducing average power dissipation versus continuous linear charging. This extends usable daily charging time under weak or variable irradiance while maintaining Li-ion safety compliance.

Can the STEVAL-ISV012V1 be used with batteries other than single-cell Li-ion/Li-Po?

No-the board is strictly designed for single-cell (3.0–4.2 V) Li-ion or Li-Po chemistries. The L6924D's fixed 4.1 V / 4.2 V output options, JEITA thermal profile, and pre-charge thresholds are calibrated for these chemistries; use with LiFePO₄, NiMH, or multi-cell stacks would require hardware modification and firmware revalidation.

Does the board include battery temperature monitoring capability?

Yes-it features a dedicated NTC/PTC thermistor interface connected to the L6924D's TEMP pin, enabling real-time battery temperature sensing. The IC uses this input to enforce JEITA-compliant charge current derating or suspension outside 0–45 °C (configurable), ensuring safe charging across environmental operating ranges.