STMicroelectronics STEVAL-MKI234KA

Overview

STEVAL-MKI234KA from STMicroelectronics is a ready-to-use evaluation kit for the LSM6DSV16BX 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), integrating accelerometer, gyroscope, Qvar electrostatic sensing, and AI-enabled sensor fusion-designed specifically for true wireless stereo (TWS) hearables and bone conduction user interfaces. It features full DIL24 socket-compatible pinout, on-board decoupling capacitors, and three configurable Qvar electrodes (swipe/finger/generic).

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-MKI234KA datasheet, STEVAL-MKI234KA pinout, STEVAL-MKI234KA application, or STEVAL-MKI234KA equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of Qvar-based gesture detection, low-power motion tracking, and sensor-fused audio spatialization in compact hearable form factors.

Technical Context

The kit implements the LSM6DSV16BX as a complete IMU subsystem with dual supply rails (VDD = 1.71–3.6 V, VDDIO = 1.71–3.6 V), supporting I²C, SPI, and TDM digital interfaces. Its Qvar sensing path includes dedicated analog front-end circuitry with selectable electrode configurations via solder-jumper options (R17/R19 vs R20/R21).

It is mechanically and electrically compatible with the STEVAL-MKI109D host platform and the X-NUCLEO-IKS4A1 expansion board, enabling seamless integration into ST's MEMS Studio GUI environment for real-time sensor data visualization, AI model deployment, and firmware customization.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-MKI234KA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for TWS earbud development, AR smart glasses motion control, and bone conduction headset UI prototyping requiring stable component supply and rapid MEMS sensor evaluation.

Supply support for STEVAL-MKI234KA 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 industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This kit belongs to ST's Professional MEMS Tools product line-engineered to accelerate development of motion-aware, AI-enhanced, and ultra-low-power wearable systems using validated hardware-software co-design platforms.

FAQ

Does STEVAL-MKI234KA require external programming hardware?

No. The board itself is not programmable-it hosts the LSM6DSV16BX sensor only. Programming and data acquisition are performed via the connected STEVAL-MKI109D (with its onboard STM32 MCU) or X-NUCLEO-IKS4A1, using ST's MEMS Studio GUI or custom firmware over USB virtual COM port.

What Qvar electrode configurations are supported out-of-the-box?

The kit ships with two default Qvar electrode boards: STEVAL-MKE001A (swipe mode) and STEVAL-MKE002A (finger mode), plus STEVAL-MKE003A for generic differential Q+ / Q− sensing. Configuration is selected by populating specific 0 Ω or 10 MΩ resistors (R17–R21) per schematic Figure 4.

Can STEVAL-MKI234KA operate independently without STEVAL-MKI109D?

No. It lacks an embedded microcontroller or USB interface. It must be mated with STEVAL-MKI109D (for PC-connected evaluation) or X-NUCLEO-IKS4A1 (for Nucleo-based development) to provide power, communication bridging, and sensor data streaming capability.

Is MEMS Studio software required to use this evaluation kit?

MEMS Studio is optional but strongly recommended: it provides real-time waveform visualization, Qvar calibration tools, MLC decision tree configuration, and one-click firmware download. Raw sensor data can also be accessed via UART/USB using custom Python/C applications leveraging ST's Unico-GUI SDK or HAL drivers.