STMicroelectronics STEVAL-POE003V1

Overview

STEVAL-POE003V1 from STMicroelectronics is a Class 8 Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3bt-compliant reference design implementing a 5 V / 20 A active clamp forward converter. It integrates the PM8805 PoE-PD interface with dual active bridges and hot-swap MOSFETs, and the PM8804 PWM peak current mode controller for high-efficiency DC-DC conversion in retail point-of-sale terminals.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-POE003V1 datasheet, STEVAL-POE003V1 application, STEVAL-POE003V1 schematic, or STEVAL-POE003V1 alternative evaluation boards, this board delivers verified >92% peak efficiency at 13 A output, supports 41.2–57 V PoE input, and enables rapid validation of high-power PoE-PD systems compliant with IEEE 802.3bt.

Technical Context

The board implements a two-stage architecture: the PM8805 handles IEEE 802.3bt-compliant detection, classification (Class 8), and power extraction across 4-pair PoE, integrating 100 V N-channel MOSFETs with 0.2 Ω total path resistance per bridge and open-drain T0/T1/T2 status signaling. It identifies standard and legacy PSE types and enables safe hot-swap operation.

The PM8804 drives the active clamp forward topology with programmable switching frequency up to 1 MHz, dual 1 A_pk complementary low-side gate drivers, soft start/soft turn-off control, and internal slope compensation enabling stable 80% maximum duty cycle operation - optimized for 48 V input telecom and PoE applications.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-POE003V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-of-sale terminals, retail logistics scanners, smart kiosks, and industrial IoT gateways requiring stable component supply and IEEE 802.3bt PoE-PD validation capability.

Supply support for STEVAL-POE003V1 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, analog ICs, power management devices, and reference designs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

This evaluation board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series, engineered specifically to accelerate development of IEEE 802.3bt-compliant PoE-powered systems by providing fully tested schematics, layout files, and performance data for the PM8804/PM8805 chipset.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the STEVAL-POE003V1 evaluation board?

The STEVAL-POE003V1 is a complete, tested reference design for a Class 8 PoE-PD system. It converts IEEE 802.3bt-compliant 4-pair PoE input (41.2–57 V) into a regulated 5 V / 20 A output using an active clamp forward topology, enabling rapid prototyping of high-power PoE-powered devices without developing the PD interface from scratch.

Does STEVAL-POE003V1 support both 2-pair and 4-pair PoE configurations?

Yes - the integrated PM8805 supports both 2-pair (Type 3) and 4-pair (Type 4) IEEE 802.3bt operation. Its dual active bridge architecture allows simultaneous use of all four pairs for higher power delivery, while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy 2-pair PSEs via automatic PSE type identification and classification signaling.

Can the PM8804 controller on this board be used independently of the PM8805 PoE interface?

Yes - the PM8804 is a standalone PWM peak current mode controller with 75 V input capability, programmable frequency (up to 1 MHz), dual complementary gate drivers, and adjustable slope compensation. Its circuitry on STEVAL-POE003V1 is electrically isolated from the PM8805 section, allowing independent evaluation as a 48 V forward converter controller.

What test points are provided for measuring efficiency and regulation performance?

The board provides dedicated Kelvin test points: TP5/TP6 measure input to the forward converter stage (post-PoE interface), and TP8/TP9 measure output at the 5 V rail. These enable accurate efficiency calculation per DB3653, excluding upstream losses from RJ45 connector J1, transformers T1/T4, and common-mode chokes T7/T8.