STMicroelectronics STEVAL-MKI173V1

Overview

STEVAL-MKI173V1 from STMicroelectronics is a DIL24 socket adapter board designed to evaluate the LSM303AH 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis magnetometer MEMS sensor. It provides full pin access, on-board decoupling (10 µF + 220 nF + 2×100 nF), and 1.8 V logic-level translation for SCL/SDA/INT/CS signals. The board plugs directly into standard DIL24 sockets and is fully compatible with the STEVAL-MKI109V3 motherboard for PC-based sensor evaluation using Unico GUI.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-MKI173V1 datasheet, STEVAL-MKI173V1 pinout, STEVAL-MKI173V1 application, or STEVAL-MKI173V1 equivalent, this adapter enables rapid prototyping of motion-sensing systems requiring dual-voltage domain interfacing (VDD = 2.16–3.6 V, VDDIO = 1.71–1.89 V), interrupt-driven sensor data acquisition, and plug-and-play integration with ST's 32-bit sensor evaluation ecosystem.

Technical Context

The STEVAL-MKI173V1 implements level-shifting circuitry using discrete resistors and dedicated 1.8 V supply routing to isolate the LSM303AH's I²C interface (SCL/SDA) and interrupt outputs (INT1/INT2) from host motherboard voltage domains. It routes all 12 primary LSM303AH pins-including DRDY_MAG, CS, RES (GND), and dual-VDD rails-to a standard 24-pin DIL footprint.

Board-level design includes four solder bridges (SB2–SB5, SB7–SB10) for configurable signal routing and voltage domain selection, plus dual decoupling networks: one for core VDD (10 µF + 220 nF) and another for VDDIO (2×100 nF). No microcontroller or firmware is onboard-the board functions purely as a passive, ready-to-use interface adapter.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-MKI173V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for MEMS sensor evaluation, industrial motion prototype development, and educational embedded systems labs requiring stable component supply and standardized DIL24 interoperability.

Supply support for STEVAL-MKI173V1 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 MEMS sensors, microcontrollers, power management, and automotive ICs.

This adapter belongs to ST's STEVAL sensor evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-prototype for motion-sensing applications by eliminating custom PCB design for basic sensor interfacing.

FAQ

Does STEVAL-MKI173V1 include an embedded microcontroller?

No. The board contains no microcontroller, memory, or firmware. It is a passive hardware adapter that routes and level-shifts LSM303AH signals to a DIL24 socket. Host processing and communication are handled externally-typically by the STEVAL-MKI109V3 motherboard or user-designed host system.

Can STEVAL-MKI173V1 be used with sensors other than LSM303AH?

No. Its layout, pin mapping, decoupling network, and voltage domain configuration are exclusively designed for the LSM303AH. Pin assignments (e.g., DRDY_MAG on pin 7, RES tied to GND on pin 3) and power rail segmentation match only this device's datasheet requirements.

What is the role of solder bridges SB2–SB5 and SB7–SB10?

These eight 0 Ω solder bridges configure signal routing and voltage domain selection: SB2/SB3 enable VDDIO_1V8 for INT1/INT2; SB4/SB5 route SCL/SDA to 1.8 V logic; SB7/SB10 select alternate CS/INT paths; SB8/SB9 control DRDY_MAG output domain. They allow hardware customization without redesign.

Is USB connectivity or GUI software included with STEVAL-MKI173V1?

No. The board itself has no USB interface or software. It requires connection to a compatible host (e.g., STEVAL-MKI109V3) to enable USB communication and Unico GUI operation. ST provides the Unico GUI separately as a free download for Windows-based sensor evaluation.