STMicroelectronics STHVUP32

Overview

STHVUP32 from STMicroelectronics is a 32-channel monolithic high-voltage ultrasound pulser IC with integrated transmit beamformer, designed for ultra-portable medical ultrasound imaging systems. It delivers ±100 V output waveforms in 3- or 5-level configurations, supports programmable source/sink currents up to ±800 mA (3-level) or ±400 mA (5-level), and features on-chip 23 Ω clamping and TR switches compliant with receiver multiplexing.

For engineers reviewing the STHVUP32 datasheet, STHVUP32 pinout, STHVUP32 application, or STHVUP32 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 200 MHz clock frequency, 5 ns delay resolution for beam steering, embedded 32-state waveform memory, QSPI control interface, and FCBGA168 package thermal performance in low-power portable imaging platforms.

Technical Context

The STHVUP32 integrates 32 independent high-voltage analog channels, each with four HV P/N-MOSFET half-bridges, a 23 Ω clamping-to-ground circuit (0.64 A peak), and a dedicated T/R switch for XDCR signal isolation. Its digital core operates at up to 200 MHz and manages delay profiles, waveform sequencing, and global protection logic.

Beamforming is implemented via per-channel programmable delays (5 ns–20 µs range, 5 ns resolution) and configurable output states (32 stored per channel). Waveform definition uses a compression algorithm supporting up to four distinct waveforms per channel, while power management enables dynamic current scaling (±200/400/600/800 mA in 3-level mode).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STHVUP32 is housed in a 11.5 mm × 10.5 mm × 1.35 mm FCBGA168 package with 0.8 mm ball pitch and optimized thermal resistance for high-density portable probe assemblies.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-voltage ultrasound pulser applications.

Compared with TX7332 and AD9412, STHVUP32 uniquely integrates beamforming delay, clamping, and T/R switching into a single FCBGA168 device-reducing BOM count by ≥7 components and enabling true single-chip 32-channel portable probe designs.

Availability

STHVUP32 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable ultrasound probes, phased-array beamforming systems, point-of-care imaging devices, and ultrasound elastography equipment requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for STHVUP32 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, specializing in automotive, industrial, and medical-grade analog and mixed-signal ICs.

The STHVUP32 belongs to ST's high-voltage medical imaging product line, engineered specifically to replace discrete HV pulser + FPGA beamformer combinations in battery-powered, handheld ultrasound systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum safe operating temperature for STHVUP32?

The STHVUP32 incorporates thermal protection circuitry that triggers shutdown at 125 °C junction temperature. Its FCBGA168 package achieves 12.5 °C/W thermal resistance (θ_JA) under standard 4-layer board conditions, enabling sustained 32-channel pulsing at 1 kHz PRF without active cooling in handheld enclosures.

Does STHVUP32 require external level shifters for QSPI communication?

No. The QSPI interface (SCK, IO0–IO3) operates natively at 3.3 V logic levels, matching standard microcontroller or FPGA I/O voltages. Internal level translators isolate the digital core from HV domains, eliminating need for external level-shifting components or isolation buffers.

How is waveform compression implemented in STHVUP32 memory?

Waveform compression uses run-length encoding on state transitions across the 32 output channels. Each 32-bit word stores one time step, with shared state bits reducing memory footprint by ~60% versus raw storage-enabling full 32-state patterns for all channels within the embedded SRAM block.

Can STHVUP32 operate in standalone mode without host processor intervention?

No. The device requires continuous QSPI configuration for delay tables, waveform states, and operational modes. However, once programmed, it executes fully autonomous TX/RX sequences triggered by a single edge on the TRIG pin-no runtime host interaction needed during scanning.