STMicroelectronics X-NUCLEO-IKA01A1

Overview

X-NUCLEO-IKA01A1 from STMicroelectronics is a multifunctional analog expansion board for STM32 Nucleo development platforms, built around four operational amplifiers (TSZ124IPT, TSU104IPT, TSV734IPT) and supporting seven predefined analog configurations including instrumentation amplifier, current sensing (with Micro-USB port monitoring), photodiode/UV sensing, buffer, full-wave rectifier, constant-current LED driver, and window comparator. It features a prototyping area and Arduino UNO R3 pin compatibility.

For engineers reviewing the X-NUCLEO-IKA01A1 datasheet, X-NUCLEO-IKA01A1 pinout, X-NUCLEO-IKA01A1 application, or X-NUCLEO-IKA01A1 equivalent, this board delivers validated analog front-end functionality for rapid prototyping of sensor signal conditioning, LED/current actuation, and comparator-based decision logic in embedded systems using STM32 MCUs.

Technical Context

The board implements analog signal conditioning via discrete op-amp circuits rather than integrated ICs - TSZ124IPT (micropower, 120 µV max input offset) enables high-accuracy current sensing and instrumentation amplifier topologies; TSU104IPT (nanopower, 900 nA supply current) supports ultra-low-power buffer and comparator functions; TSV734IPT (micropower, rail-to-rail I/O) drives LED loads and photodiode transimpedance stages. All op-amps operate from 2.7 V to 5.5 V.

Circuit configuration is selected via solder jumpers (JP1–JP7) and potentiometers (P1, P2), enabling hardware-defined function switching without firmware changes. Power is sourced exclusively through the Arduino UNO R3 connectors (5 V and 3.3 V rails), with ESD protection (ESDALC6V1-1M2, ESDALCL6-2SC6) on USB and analog input paths.

Key Specifications

Availability

X-NUCLEO-IKA01A1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for STM32-based sensor interface development, analog front-end validation, LED driver prototyping, and educational lab environments requiring stable component supply and rapid hardware iteration.

Supply support for X-NUCLEO-IKA01A1 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 management devices, and MEMS sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The X-NUCLEO series targets rapid STM32 ecosystem expansion with plug-and-play, firmware-supported boards focused on analog signal conditioning, motor control, connectivity, and sensor interfacing - enabling faster proof-of-concept and firmware integration.

FAQ

Does X-NUCLEO-IKA01A1 require external power or firmware to operate?

No external power is required - it draws 5 V and/or 3.3 V directly from the host STM32 Nucleo board's Arduino UNO R3 connectors. Firmware is optional: the board functions as a passive analog circuit; however, ST's X-CUBE-ANALOG1 firmware library provides ready-to-use drivers and configuration examples for all seven analog modes.

Can X-NUCLEO-IKA01A1 be stacked with other X-NUCLEO boards?

Yes - it uses standard Arduino UNO R3 pin headers and follows ST's mechanical stacking guidelines. Stacking is electrically safe when no conflicting signals (e.g., duplicate I²C addresses or shared analog reference pins) are introduced; users must verify signal routing and power loading across multiple boards.

What is the maximum measurable current in USB current-sensing mode?

In high-side Micro-USB current sensing mode, the board uses a 20 mΩ shunt resistor and TSZ124IPT op-amp with 12 kΩ/100 Ω gain network, delivering ~2.4 V output per 20 mA input - enabling precise measurement up to ±20 mA with resolution limited by ADC input range and op-amp offset (≤120 µV).

Is the window comparator configuration hardware-configurable only, or does it require code?

The window comparator is fully hardware-defined using TSU104IPT op-amps, fixed resistors (39 kΩ, 10 kΩ), and jumper JP3 to select reference voltage source (Vana or internal Vref). No firmware is needed for basic operation; however, X-CUBE-ANALOG1 includes GPIO-interrupt handlers to detect comparator output transitions in software.