STMicroelectronics STEVAL-USBI2CFT

Overview

STEVAL-USBI2CFT from STMicroelectronics is a USB-to-I²C evaluation board built around the FT260Q USB bridge IC, enabling PC-based GUI control of ST wireless charging evaluation boards including STEVAL-WLC98RX, STEVAL-WLC99RX, and STDES-WLC38WA. It provides 1.8 V/2.5 V/3.3 V selectable I²C level-shifting, USB-powered DC output (5 V), and standardized pinout compatibility across ST's Qi-compliant transmitter/receiver platforms.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-USBI2CFT datasheet, STEVAL-USBI2CFT pinout, STEVAL-USBI2CFT application, or STEVAL-USBI2CFT equivalent, this board delivers plug-and-play USB-I²C bridging for rapid prototyping of wireless power receiver/transmitter systems using STSW-WPSTUDIO, with no firmware programming required and configurable voltage-level interfaces.

Technical Context

The board implements a hardware-level USB-to-I²C protocol translation via the FT260Q, supporting standard-mode (100 kbps) and fast-mode (400 kbps) I²C communication. It integrates an LDK120M-R low-dropout regulator to generate stable 3.3 V for I/O logic and includes configurable solder bridges (J3–J5) to set VCCIO at 1.8 V, 2.5 V, or 3.3 V.

USB interface complies with USB 2.0 full-speed (12 Mbps), uses USBLC6-2SC6 ESD protection, and supplies up to 500 mA from VBUS. The board routes SCL, SDA, INT, RTS, CTS, RXD, TXD, and RESETN signals to a 6-pin header (P1) and exposes DIO0–DIO13 pins for extended debugging or custom I/O use.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-USBI2CFT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Qi-compliant wireless charger development, ST WLC IC evaluation, and STSW-WPSTUDIO-based system validation requiring stable component supply and repeatable lab setup.

Supply support for STEVAL-USBI2CFT 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, MEMS, power devices, and wireless charging solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series, engineered specifically to accelerate development and interoperability testing of ST's wireless power ecosystem - especially Qi-compliant transmitters and receivers based on WLC and WBC families.

FAQ

Does STEVAL-USBI2CFT require firmware flashing or driver installation?

No. The FT260Q operates as a CDC-class USB device and enumerates natively on Windows, macOS, and Linux without custom drivers. STSW-WPSTUDIO communicates directly over the virtual COM port; no user firmware programming or bootloader interaction is needed.

How is I²C voltage level selected on STEVAL-USBI2CFT?

Voltage level is set by soldering one of three zero-ohm bridges: J3 for 1.8 V, J4 for 2.5 V, or J5 for 3.3 V. Only one bridge must be closed; others remain open. This configures VCCIO for I²C signal translation to match the target WLC IC's I/O voltage.

Which ST wireless charging boards are mechanically and electrically compatible?

The board supports STEVAL-WLC98RX, STEVAL-WLC99RX, STDES-WLC38WA, STDES-WLC38TWS, and STDES-WBC86WTX via identical 6-pin header layout (SCL, SDA, INT, RESETN, VCC, GND), ensuring mechanical fit and signal mapping alignment without adapters.

Can STEVAL-USBI2CFT power the connected evaluation board?

Yes - it delivers regulated 3.3 V (up to 300 mA) and raw 5 V from USB VBUS (up to 500 mA). The 3.3 V rail powers the FT260Q and level-shifter; VBUS can supply target boards requiring 5 V input, subject to total current draw limits and proper decoupling.