STMicroelectronics STEVAL-MKI228KA

Overview

STEVAL-MKI228KA from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation kit comprising the STEVAL-MKI228A sensor board and STEVAL-MKE001AA DIL24 adapter, centered on the ILPS22QS absolute digital barometer with integrated Qvar electrostatic sensing capability, supporting dual full-scale ranges (1260 hPa and 4060 hPa), RoHS-compliant, and fully compatible with the STEVAL-MKI109D platform for MEMS sensor development.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-MKI228KA datasheet, STEVAL-MKI228KA pinout, STEVAL-MKI228KA application, or STEVAL-MKI228KA equivalent, this kit enables rapid prototyping of pressure + electrostatic gesture sensing in gas metering, environmental monitoring, and industrial IoT systems using MEMS Studio GUI or custom firmware on STM32-based host platforms.

Technical Context

The kit implements a hardware interface between the ILPS22QS pressure+Qvar sensor and host microcontrollers via I²C (SCL/SDA) and SPI (CS) protocols, with dedicated 3-pin SMD headers (QVAR1/QVAR2) for external swipe electrode connection and VDDIO/VDD power separation to support mixed-voltage signal conditioning.

It integrates decoupling capacitors (100 nF, 2.2 nF, 10 nF, 2.2 µF) across VDD and VDDIO rails, ESD protection diodes (ESDALCL5-1BM2) on SDA lines, and pull-up resistors (500 Ω) on SCL/SDA, enabling robust communication and electrostatic signal integrity in lab and pre-production validation environments.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-MKI228KA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for gas metering, industrial environmental monitoring, MEMS sensor algorithm development, and electrostatic gesture prototyping requiring stable component supply and validated reference hardware.

Supply support for STEVAL-MKI228KA 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, sensors, power ICs, and analog/mixed-signal devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This kit belongs to ST's Professional MEMS Tools product line - engineered to accelerate evaluation and firmware development for ST's portfolio of motion and environmental sensors, with emphasis on out-of-box usability and ecosystem interoperability.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the STEVAL-MKI228KA kit?

The STEVAL-MKI228KA is an evaluation kit that enables hardware and firmware validation of the ILPS22QS pressure sensor with integrated Qvar electrostatic sensing. It provides complete electrical access to all sensor pins-including dedicated Q+ and Q− terminals-via standardized headers and supports both I²C and SPI communication for integration with STM32-based platforms like the STEVAL-MKI109D.

Does the kit require external programming hardware to operate?

No. The STEVAL-MKI228KA itself is a passive adapter board and does not include an onboard microcontroller. It must be used with a supported host platform such as the STEVAL-MKI109D (which contains a 32-bit STM32 MCU) or an STM32 Nucleo board with X-NUCLEO-IKS4A1. Communication and data acquisition are handled by the host MCU running MEMS Studio or custom firmware.

Can the Qvar functionality be used independently of pressure sensing?

Yes. The ILPS22QS allows independent configuration and readout of its Qvar channel and pressure channel. The STEVAL-MKI228KA exposes both interfaces fully: QVAR1 and QVAR2 headers provide direct access to the Q+ and Q− differential inputs, while pressure data is available over I²C/SPI. MEMS Studio supports simultaneous or separate streaming of both data types.

Is the board compatible with breadboard or standard DIL24 sockets?

The STEVAL-MKE001AA adapter portion of the kit is designed for plug-in use with standard 24-pin DIL sockets, enabling quick mechanical mounting and electrical connection to host platforms. However, the full STEVAL-MKI228KA assembly (including the STEVAL-MKI228A sensor board) is not breadboard-compatible due to its surface-mount layout and header orientation; it is intended for use with ST's evaluation ecosystems.