STMicroelectronics STEVAL-MKI159V1

Overview

STEVAL-MKI159V1 from STMicroelectronics is a DIL24 socket adapter board for the LSM9DS1 9-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), providing full pin access, on-board decoupling capacitors (100 nF, 10 µF, 10 nF), and direct plug-in compatibility with STEVAL-MKI109V2/V3 motherboards for rapid sensor evaluation in embedded motion-sensing applications.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-MKI159V1 datasheet, STEVAL-MKI159V1 pinout, STEVAL-MKI159V1 application, or STEVAL-MKI159V1 equivalent, this adapter enables immediate LSM9DS1 integration with ST's Unico GUI, supports I²C/SPI interface validation, and delivers verified power supply conditioning for VDD and VDD_IO rails in prototyping environments.

Technical Context

The board implements a passive breakout architecture with no active logic or level-shifting circuitry - all signals are routed 1:1 from LSM9DS1 pins to DIL24 header terminals. It supports dual-supply operation (VDD = 2.4–3.6 V for sensor core, VDD_IO = 1.8–3.6 V for digital interface) and includes dedicated decoupling per supply rail.

Designed exclusively for evaluation, it lacks onboard regulation or firmware; functionality depends entirely on host motherboard (e.g., STEVAL-MKI109V2/V3) for MCU bridging, USB communication, and GUI interaction. No standalone operation is possible.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-MKI159V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for MEMS sensor evaluation, IMU-based motion prototype development, and industrial-grade inertial system validation requiring stable component supply and documented ST reference design support.

Supply support for STEVAL-MKI159V1 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 microcontrollers, sensors, power ICs, and analog/mixed-signal devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

This adapter belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) product line - purpose-built to accelerate customer evaluation of ST MEMS sensors by providing standardized, motherboard-integrated breakout solutions with validated signal integrity and power delivery.

FAQ

Does STEVAL-MKI159V1 include an onboard microcontroller or firmware?

No. The board contains only passive components and routing traces. It has no MCU, memory, or embedded code. Operation requires connection to a supported motherboard (e.g., STEVAL-MKI109V2/V3) that provides processing, USB interface, and Unico GUI communication capability.

Can STEVAL-MKI159V1 be used independently without a motherboard?

No. It lacks power regulation, USB connectivity, and host interface logic. It functions solely as a sensor breakout and must be mated with a compatible STEVAL-MKI109V2 or STEVAL-MKI109V3 motherboard to enable data acquisition, visualization, or firmware control via PC.

What interfaces does the LSM9DS1 support when used with this adapter?

The adapter preserves all native LSM9DS1 interfaces: I²C (SCL/SDA), SPI (CS_M/CS_A/G, SDO_M/SDO_A/G, SDA/SDI), and interrupt signaling (INT1_M, INT2_A/G, DRDY_M). No protocol translation or multiplexing is performed on-board.

Is the STEVAL-MKI159V1 pinout identical to the LSM9DS1 LGA-24 package?

Yes - the DIL24 header replicates the exact LSM9DS1 pin order and function mapping as defined in the LSM9DS1 datasheet (e.g., Pin 1 = VDD, Pin 2 = SCL/SPC, Pin 3 = VDD_IO, etc.), enabling direct signal correlation during schematic review and debug.