STMicroelectronics STEVAL-PSQ001V1

Overview

STEVAL-PSQ001V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for multi-rail power management targeting CPU, FPGA, and memory subsystems. It integrates the PM6680A dual synchronous buck controller with L5970AD step-down regulators and discrete MOSFETs to deliver five regulated outputs: Vcore (0.9–2.5 V/4 A), Vi/o (0.9–2.5 V/2 A), Vsys (3.3 V/0.4 A), Vaux (2.5 V/0.4 A), and analog rails (5 V/0.8 A, 3.3 V/0.15 A), all with industrial-grade surge protection and input range of 5–36 VDC.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-PSQ001V1 datasheet, STEVAL-PSQ001V1 application, STEVAL-PSQ001V1 schematic, or STEVAL-PSQ001V1 alternative evaluation platforms, this board provides a validated reference design for transient-sensitive, multi-voltage digital power systems requiring fast load-step response, tight output tolerance (±2–4%), and robust industrial input handling.

Technical Context

The board implements a three-stage power architecture: two independent synchronous buck converters (PM6680A channels) for high-current Vcore and Vi/o rails, plus three auxiliary regulators - one L5970AD-based buck for Vsys, one LDO-derived Vaux, and two linear regulators for analog 5 V and 3.3 V supplies. Each main rail uses external MOSFETs (STS7NF60L, STS4DNF60) and custom inductors (15 µH, 4.7 µH, 3.3 µH) optimized for low-duty-cycle, high-peak-current operation.

Transient response is enhanced via dedicated current-sense inputs (CSENSE1/CSENSE2), programmable soft-start, PGOOD monitoring per channel, and SKIP mode operation for light-load efficiency. Input surge protection includes SMAJ33A TVS diodes and RC filtering, meeting industrial 36 V max input with ±10% tolerance and 100 V/1 µs surge immunity per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-PSQ001V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA power validation, CPU voltage-scaling prototyping, and memory subsystem testing requiring stable component supply and traceable reference design implementation.

Supply support for STEVAL-PSQ001V1 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, power ICs, sensors, and analog devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This evaluation board belongs to ST's STEVAL series of application-specific reference designs, developed to accelerate power architecture validation for complex digital SoCs and programmable logic devices operating at sub-1.2 V core voltages.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the STEVAL-PSQ001V1 board?

The STEVAL-PSQ001V1 is a fully assembled, tested evaluation platform demonstrating a complete multi-rail power solution for FPGAs, CPUs, and memory interfaces. It delivers five independently regulated outputs with configurable voltages, industrial input ruggedization, and real-time monitoring signals (PGOOD, EN/SUS) - not a production-ready module but a design verification tool.

Can the Vcore and Vi/o outputs be adjusted dynamically during operation?

No - Vcore and Vi/o output voltages are set statically via solder-jumper configurations (S6, S7, S13–S17, S22–S25) corresponding to fixed resistor dividers on the PM6680A FB pins. No digital interface or DAC control is present; voltage changes require physical reconfiguration before power-up.

Does this board support remote sensing for output voltage accuracy?

No - the design uses local feedback only. Sense traces are not routed separately from power traces; output voltage regulation relies on direct FB pin connection to the output capacitor node, resulting in typical ±3% accuracy under full load without compensation for PCB IR drop.

Is STEVAL-PSQ001V1 still recommended for new designs?

No - STMicroelectronics has marked STEVAL-PSQ001V1 as obsolete (per Rev 1 Data Brief, Feb 2008). While functional for legacy validation, it is not recommended for new designs. Modern alternatives include STEVAL-IPFC01V1 (for digital power controllers) or the STNRG388A-based STEVAL-ILL003V1 for multi-rail FPGA power with digital control and PMBus.