STMicroelectronics X-NUCLEO-OUT04A1

Overview

X-NUCLEO-OUT04A1 from STMicroelectronics is an industrial digital output expansion board for STM32 Nucleo platforms, built around the IPS2050H-32 dual high-side smart power switch. It delivers up to 5.7 A per channel at 8–33 V (extendable to 60 V), features 5 kV galvanic isolation via optocouplers, per-channel overload/over-temperature diagnostics, and Arduino UNO R3 + ST morpho connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the X-NUCLEO-OUT04A1 datasheet, X-NUCLEO-OUT04A1 pinout, X-NUCLEO-OUT04A1 application, or X-NUCLEO-OUT04A1 equivalent, this board enables rapid evaluation of high-current digital output modules in PLC I/O subsystems, industrial automation controllers, and safety-critical load switching systems requiring diagnostic feedback and reverse-polarity protection.

Technical Context

The board implements two independent high-side switching channels using the IPS2050H-32 in PSSO24 package, each with integrated current limiting, thermal shutdown, and fault flagging. Control signals are isolated via TLP383 optocouplers (5 kV reinforced isolation), supporting GPIO-driven operation from STM32 Nucleo boards.

Power delivery supports dual input domains: 3.3 V/5 V logic supply from the Nucleo board and 8–60 V industrial load supply. Diagnostic LEDs indicate real-time channel status (green = ON/OFF, red = FLT1/FLT2 active), and jumper J3 configures extended 60 V operation when open.

Key Specifications

Availability

X-NUCLEO-OUT04A1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for programmable logic controller (PLC) I/O module development, industrial HMI interface design, and factory automation equipment prototyping requiring stable component supply and certified EMC performance.

Supply support for X-NUCLEO-OUT04A1 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 specializing in microcontrollers, power management, and industrial analog/mixed-signal solutions, with strong focus on automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

X-NUCLEO-OUT04A1 belongs to ST's X-NUCLEO ecosystem of STM32-compatible expansion boards, designed specifically to accelerate evaluation and integration of industrial-grade power switching, sensing, and connectivity functions into embedded control systems.

FAQ

What microcontrollers is X-NUCLEO-OUT04A1 compatible with?

X-NUCLEO-OUT04A1 is natively compatible with STM32 Nucleo development boards including NUCLEO-F401RE and NUCLEO-G431RB. It connects via Arduino UNO R3 headers (default) or ST morpho headers (optional, unpopulated). The board requires GPIO-controlled optocoupler inputs and does not depend on specific MCU peripherals beyond general-purpose I/O.

Can multiple X-NUCLEO-OUT04A1 boards be stacked?

Yes - up to four X-NUCLEO-OUT04A1 boards can be stacked to create an 8-channel digital output module. Each board operates independently with isolated control and feedback paths. Stacking requires proper mechanical alignment and shared 3.3 V/5 V logic supply; load power must be distributed across individual 8–60 V inputs per board.

What does the red LED indication signify on X-NUCLEO-OUT04A1?

The red LEDs (D11 and D15) indicate active fault conditions per channel: D11 = FLT1 (Channel 1 overload or over-temperature), D15 = FLT2 (Channel 2 overload or over-temperature). These correspond directly to the FLT1/FLT2 open-drain fault flags from the IPS2050H-32, pulled high via onboard resistors and driven by internal protection circuitry.

Does X-NUCLEO-OUT04A1 support reverse polarity protection on the load supply?

Yes - the board includes dedicated reverse polarity protection on the VIN (load supply) input using BAT48JFILM Schottky diode (D2), preventing damage during incorrect wiring of the 8–60 V industrial power source. This protection operates independently of the logic supply and remains active across the full extended voltage range.