STMicroelectronics STEVAL-PCC017V1

Overview

STEVAL-PCC017V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board implementing a USB-to-RS-232 isolated bridge for motor control systems, featuring an STM32 microcontroller as the core interface controller, opto-isolation on SPI/USART/GPIO lines, magnetic isolation for I²C, 8-pin configurable serial interface (SPI/I²C/UART), and 6 user-accessible GPIOs-all powered via USB Mini-B.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-PCC017V1 datasheet, STEVAL-PCC017V1 pinout, STEVAL-PCC017V1 application, or STEVAL-PCC017V1 equivalent, this board serves as a ready-to-deploy isolated communication tool for rapid prototyping of motor drive monitoring, configuration, and command interfaces without low-level MCU firmware development.

Technical Context

The board implements bidirectional galvanic isolation between host PC (USB side) and target motor control hardware using discrete optocouplers for SPI, USART, and GPIO signals, plus a dedicated magnetic isolator for I²C bus integrity. Isolation voltage rating is 2.5 kVRMS per IEC 60747-5-5.

Power architecture separates USB-derived 5 V (VDD_U) for the STM32 and isolator input side from externally supplied target-side VDD_T (3.3 V or 5 V) powering the isolated output peripherals and slave device interface-enabling independent domain voltage management and noise decoupling.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-PCC017V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control commissioning, industrial drive diagnostics, embedded system debug interfaces, and RS-232 legacy equipment integration requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for STEVAL-PCC017V1 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 designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power management ICs, sensors, and analog/mixed-signal devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series-engineered to accelerate development of motor control, power conversion, and industrial communication subsystems by providing validated, application-focused hardware reference platforms.

FAQ

Does STEVAL-PCC017V1 support RS-232 voltage levels directly?

No. The board provides isolated UART logic-level signals (3.3 V CMOS), not ±12 V RS-232 voltage swings. An external MAX3232 or equivalent level shifter is required to interface with standard RS-232 ports. The "RS-232" in its description refers to functional protocol compatibility-not physical layer compliance.

What is the maximum data rate supported on the isolated UART channel?

The isolated UART channel supports up to 1 Mbps, limited by the bandwidth of the onboard high-speed optocouplers (e.g., ACPL-M61T or equivalent) and STM32 USART peripheral timing. Stable operation at 921.6 kbps has been verified in ST's validation test reports for DocID025857 Rev 1.

Can the 6 GPIOs be used for PWM or analog input?

No. These GPIOs are digital-only, software-configurable as push-pull outputs or Schmitt-trigger inputs. They lack hardware PWM generators or ADC channels-functionality is strictly bit-banged via STM32 firmware. No analog signal acquisition or generation capability is implemented on this board.

Is external power (VDD_T) mandatory for operation?

Yes. VDD_T (3.3 V or 5 V) must be supplied to the target-side isolation barrier to power optocoupler outputs and interface peripherals. Without VDD_T, the isolated side remains unpowered and no communication passes through-even if USB power is present. This ensures true galvanic separation and prevents back-powering risks.