STMicroelectronics EVAL-FDA903D-SA

Overview

EVAL-FDA903D-SA from STMicroelectronics is a stand-alone evaluation board for the FDA903D 1-channel, 45W Class D digital audio power amplifier in PowerSSO-36 Slug Down package. It supports 3.3–18V supply, features configurable I²C/I²S interface, hardware mute and enable control, and an output LC filter optimized for 4Ω loads at 14.4V.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-FDA903D-SA datasheet, EVAL-FDA903D-SA pinout, EVAL-FDA903D-SA application, or EVAL-FDA903D-SA equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of FDA903D thermal performance, THD+N, PSRR, and programmable gain/limiting behavior in real-world audio subsystems.

Technical Context

This module implements the FDA903D in standalone mode with dual feedback configurations: traditional (pre-LC filter) and demodulated (post-LC filter), selectable via zero-ohm resistor placement on R5–R8. It integrates discrete power stage components including STS10P4LLF6 MOSFETs and Coilcraft XAL5050-103ME inductors.

The board provides full access to all FDA903D control signals-EN1–EN4 for I²C address selection (up to 8 addresses), MUTE for hardware muting, and CD/DIAG for fault reporting-alongside dedicated test points (TP1–TP4) for VCC, GND, THSENS, and thermal monitoring.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-FDA903D-SA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio subsystem validation, Class D amplifier reference design verification, and automotive infotainment prototyping requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EVAL-FDA903D-SA 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and analog/mixed-signal devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

EVAL-FDA903D-SA belongs to ST's FDA (Fully Digital Amplifier) product line, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, low-EMI, digitally configurable audio amplification in space-constrained and thermally demanding environments.

FAQ

Does EVAL-FDA903D-SA support FDA803D as well?

Yes - the board is mechanically and electrically compatible with both FDA803D and FDA903D devices, as confirmed by UM2447 Section 1 (Board Summary) and Table 1. Both ICs share identical PowerSSO-36 Slug Down packaging, pinout, and functional register map, enabling direct substitution without hardware modification.

What LC filter components are installed by default?

The board ships with XAL5050-103ME 10 µH inductors (L1/L2) and 5 nF/10 nF/100 pF capacitors (C7/C9/C11/C14/C16) configured for optimal 14.4V operation into 4Ω loads. The BOM explicitly lists these values in Table 3, and Figure 3 schematic confirms their placement in the output filter network.

How is I²C communication enabled on this board?

I²C is routed to J10 (20×2 header), with dedicated SCL/SDA pins and GND. Operation requires external pull-up resistors (not populated by default); the user manual states that GUI control is supported via ST interface board or FTDI adapters, and firmware implementation is user-responsible per Section 3.1.2.1.

Can the board operate without a host controller?

Yes - it functions in "standalone" mode using hardware-configured ENx pins for fixed I²C address and MUTE pin for on/off control. No processor or host is required for basic playback; however, advanced features like dynamic EQ, limiting, or diagnostics require I²C register writes per FDA903D datasheet Section 7.2.