STMicroelectronics STEVAL-MKI116V1

Overview

STEVAL-MKI116V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the LSM6DSOX 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), integrating a 3-axis gyroscope and 3-axis accelerometer in a single LGA-14 package. It supports I²C and SPI digital interfaces, operates from 1.71 V to 3.6 V, and delivers output data rates up to 6.6 kHz for accelerometer and 6.7 kHz for gyroscope - enabling real-time motion sensing in compact wearable and IoT edge devices.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-MKI116V1 datasheet, STEVAL-MKI116V1 pinout, STEVAL-MKI116V1 application, or STEVAL-MKI116V1 equivalent, this board provides validated hardware reference design, firmware examples (including STM32Cube expansion packages), and sensor fusion-ready configuration for rapid prototyping of orientation-aware systems such as smart glasses, AR/VR controllers, and predictive maintenance sensors.

Technical Context

The STEVAL-MKI116V1 implements direct connection between the LSM6DSOX IMU and an onboard STM32L476VG microcontroller via dedicated I²C and SPI buses, with configurable interrupt routing and embedded FIFO management. It includes on-board voltage regulation (3.3 V LDO), solder jumpers for interface selection, and a 4-pin SWD debug header compatible with ST-LINK/V2-1.

Designed for sensor characterization and algorithm development, the board exposes all LSM6DSOX functional modes - including low-power, high-performance, and machine learning core (MLC) operation - with preloaded firmware supporting real-time streaming over USB Virtual COM Port and configurable sensor output formats (LSB/g, LSB/dps).

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-MKI116V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial predictive maintenance, consumer AR/VR motion tracking, wearable health monitoring, and robotics stabilization requiring stable component supply and validated reference designs.

Supply support for STEVAL-MKI116V1 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 analog, MEMS, power, and microcontroller solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STEVAL-MKI116V1 belongs to ST's SensorEval family of evaluation boards, engineered specifically to accelerate development of motion-sensing applications using their high-accuracy, low-power IMUs and integrated development ecosystem.

FAQ

What software tools are required to use STEVAL-MKI116V1?

Users need STM32CubeIDE or Keil MDK-ARM for firmware development, STM32CubeMX for initialization code generation, and the X-CUBE-MEMS1 expansion package for sensor drivers and example projects. USB CDC virtual COM port functionality requires no additional drivers on Windows 10/11, macOS, or Linux.

Does STEVAL-MKI116V1 support the LSM6DSOX's Machine Learning Core (MLC)?

Yes - the onboard STM32L476VG runs preconfigured MLC firmware that enables on-sensor pattern recognition. Example applications include tap detection, activity classification, and gesture recognition, with MLC decision outputs accessible via UART or I²C registers without host CPU intervention.

Can STEVAL-MKI116V1 be powered from an external 3.3 V source?

No - the board lacks a direct 3.3 V power-in option. Power must be supplied via the micro-USB connector (5 V) or the ST-LINK/V2-1 debug probe's 5 V VBUS line. The onboard LDO regulates down to 3.3 V for both sensor and MCU; applying 3.3 V externally risks damaging the regulator or bypassing protection circuitry.

Is the LSM6DSOX on STEVAL-MKI116V1 calibrated at factory?

Yes - each LSM6DSOX device is factory-calibrated for zero-g offset and sensitivity (gain) across temperature. Calibration coefficients are stored in internal non-volatile memory and applied automatically during startup; users may perform additional user calibration via register writes if higher precision is required for specific mechanical mounting conditions.