STMicroelectronics STEVAL-TCS001V1

Overview

STEVAL-TCS001V1 from STMicroelectronics is a demonstration board built around two STMPE2401 24-bit I²C port expanders, featuring LCD display, 4×4 keypad, rotary controller, dedicated navigation keys, and six PWM outputs-all controlled via I²C by an ST72F63B USB microcontroller acting as master. It supports standalone operation and PC GUI mode with dual power (USB or external supply) and multiple power-saving modes.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-TCS001V1 datasheet, STEVAL-TCS001V1 pinout, STEVAL-TCS001V1 application, or STEVAL-TCS001V1 equivalent, this board serves as a validated hardware reference for evaluating STMPE2401-based I²C peripheral expansion in embedded human-interface designs requiring low-pin-count host control, dynamic power management, and multi-modal user input.

Technical Context

The board implements a master–slave I²C architecture where the ST72F63B microcontroller manages two STMPE2401 port expanders-each providing 24 configurable GPIOs, interrupt-driven key scanning, and programmable PWM generation. All user inputs (keypad, rotator, directional keys) are captured and reported via I²C to either the onboard LCD or the Windows PC GUI.

Power management includes configurable sleep, standby, and wake-up modes synchronized across both STMPE2401 devices; the GUI exposes register-level control of clock gating, auto-timeout, and interrupt masking to validate low-power system behavior under real-time event triggers.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-TCS001V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded HMI evaluation, I²C peripheral expansion prototyping, and low-power interface validation requiring stable component supply and documented reference design integration.

Supply support for STEVAL-TCS001V1 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, analog ICs, power devices, and sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series-engineered to accelerate development of human-interface subsystems using ST's port expander, microcontroller, and power management portfolio.

FAQ

Is STEVAL-TCS001V1 still in production?

No-STEVAL-TCS001V1 is marked obsolete by STMicroelectronics as of its December 2008 release. It remains available through authorized legacy distributors and Aetrix Electronics' extended-life inventory for design continuity and legacy system support.

What software tools are required to operate the board?

The board requires ST's proprietary Windows-based GUI application (provided on the original CD or archived ST resource pages) and the ST7 USB core library. No third-party IDE or compiler is needed for basic GUI operation; firmware updates require STVD or COSMIC ST7 toolchain.

Can the STMPE2401 devices be replaced with newer ST port expanders?

Direct replacement is not supported-the board's layout, firmware, and GUI are specifically designed for STMPE2401 register maps and timing. Newer alternatives like STMPE811 or STMPE1601 require hardware redesign and full firmware revalidation due to differences in I/O configuration, interrupt handling, and power control registers.

Does the board support Linux or macOS host operation?

No native support exists-the provided GUI and USB stack are Windows-only (XP/Vista compatible). Communication is possible on Linux/macOS only via custom USB HID or raw I²C bridge implementation, requiring reverse-engineering of the ST7's USB descriptor and command protocol.