STMicroelectronics STA5630
- Part No.:
- STA5630
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- RF Front End (LNA + PA)
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
STA5630.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF FRONT END GPS 32VFQFPN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,704
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Product details
Overview
STA5630 from STMicroelectronics is a fully integrated GPS/Galileo RF front-end IC that down-converts the 1575.42 MHz L1 signal to 4.092 MHz IF, features a 3-bit ADC (SIGN/MAG0/MAG1), operates from a 1.8 V supply, consumes <25 mW, and delivers a buffered 16.368 MHz GPS_CLK for baseband timing in battery-powered navigation receivers.
For engineers reviewing the STA5630 datasheet, STA5630 pinout, STA5630 application, or STA5630 equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-mode reference clock support (10–52 MHz TCXO input), configurable MODE pin default settings (16.368 MHz or 26 MHz), integrated LDOs for 1.2 V domain distribution, and RF/IF chain test points (TP_IF_P/TP_IF_N) for production validation.
Technical Context
The STA5630 implements a direct-conversion RF architecture with an integrated LNA, RFA, image-reject mixer, complex IF filter, and digital integrator. It supports two power-on default modes via the MODE pin and allows full configuration-including VGA gain control-via SPI interface.
Its 3-bit ADC outputs SIGN, MAG0, and MAG1 bits directly to baseband processors; magnitude bits feed internal gain control loops while SIGN serves as MSB. The chip generates GPS_CLK (16.368 MHz) from TCXO inputs (10–52 MHz) and provides buffered TCXO_CLK output for system synchronization.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Input Frequency | 1575.42 MHz GPS L1 band only; no multi-band support. |
| IF Output Frequency | 4.092 MHz fixed IF; enables simplified baseband filtering and sampling. |
| ADC Resolution | 3-bit (SIGN + MAG0 + MAG1); provides coarse but low-power digitization for GPS correlation. |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V main supply (V18_IN); all internal domains regulated to 1.2 V via on-chip LDOs. |
| Power Consumption | <25 mW typical; enables extended battery life in portable GNSS receivers. |
| Reference Clock Range | 10–52 MHz TCXO input; supports common oscillator frequencies across consumer and automotive modules. |
| Ambient Temp Range | −40 °C to +85 °C; qualified for industrial and automotive-grade operation (STA5630A variant). |
Pinout & Package
STA5630 is housed in a VFQFPN32 (5 × 5 × 1.0 mm) package with exposed thermal pad (EP = GND). All supply pins are segregated by functional domain (RF, IF, DIG, IO, VCO, ADC, MIXER) to minimize noise coupling.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 TP_IF_P | RF/IF chain test point (positive) | Enables production-level RF path verification without de-soldering. |
| 11 LNA_IN / 13 CHIP_EN / 14 MODE | LNA analog input / digital enable / mode select | LNA_IN accepts DC-coupled antenna signals; CHIP_EN powers down entire chip; MODE sets boot clock mode. |
| 16 GPS_CLK / 24 TCXO_CLK | Digital clock outputs | GPS_CLK = 16.368 MHz for baseband sampling; TCXO_CLK = buffered reference for system sync. |
| 17–19 SIGN, MAG0, MAG1 | 3-bit ADC digital outputs | Direct interface to GNSS baseband processor; no external ADC required. |
| 20–23 SPI_CLK, SPI_NCS, SPI_DI, SPI_DO | 4-wire SPI interface | Configures VGA gain, selects operating mode, reads status; 1.8 V I/O domain. |
| 27 TCXO_IN | Analog reference clock input | DC-coupled 10–52 MHz TCXO input; drives internal PLL and clock generation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated LNA + RFA + Mixer + Filter | Reduces external component count to ≤2 SAW filters; eliminates discrete gain stages. |
| On-chip LDO regulation (seven 1.2 V rails) | Removes need for external low-noise regulators; simplifies PCB layout and BOM. |
| MODE pin boot configuration | Hardware-selectable default clock mode (16.368 MHz or 26 MHz); avoids SPI initialization delay at power-up. |
| RF/IF test points (TP_IF_P/N) | Supports in-circuit RF performance validation during manufacturing test. |
| CMOS 65 nm process | Enables high integration density and ultra-low power consumption for portable GNSS. |
Applications
| Portable Navigation Devices | Automotive Telematics Units |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld GPS loggers and fitness trackers using passive patch antennas. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RF front-end providing digitized IF samples and GPS_CLK timing reference to low-power baseband SoC. Use Value: <25 mW power draw extends battery life beyond 20 hours; minimal external components reduce PCB area and cost. | Use Scenario: In-vehicle infotainment systems with remote active GPS antenna. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end accepting active antenna signal at LNA_IN or RFA_IN; supplies synchronized GPS_CLK and TCXO_CLK to MCU and modem. Use Value: Dual-clock outputs eliminate need for external clock buffers; −40 °C to +85 °C rating ensures cold-start reliability. |
| Smartphone Ancillary GNSS | Asset Tracking Modules |
Use Scenario: Secondary GNSS receiver in dual-SIM smartphones requiring independent timing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone GPS front-end interfacing to application processor via SPI and 3-bit ADC bus. Use Value: MODE pin enables fast boot without firmware intervention; TCXO_CLK output synchronizes cellular and GNSS timing domains. | Use Scenario: Battery-powered IoT asset trackers deployed in logistics containers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power RF front-end feeding IF data to ultra-low-power microcontroller with integrated correlator. Use Value: Integrated LDOs and 1.8 V operation reduce quiescent current; QFN-32 package supports automated optical inspection. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar GPS RF front-end applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX2769CTM+ | 3.3 V supply; 4-bit ADC; no integrated LDOs; requires external regulators. | Higher power (≈45 mW); broader frequency support (GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou). | Select when multi-constellation support and higher ADC resolution outweigh power and BOM cost concerns. |
| GN101L (u-blox) | Integrated baseband + RF; single-chip GNSS receiver; no external ADC interface. | Eliminates need for host-side correlator; not pin-compatible or functionally interchangeable. | Select when full GNSS SoC integration is preferred over modular RF+baseband partitioning. |
Compared with MAX2769CTM+ and GN101L, the STA5630 offers lowest power and simplest BOM for GPS-only applications requiring external baseband processing and flexible clock sourcing - ideal where battery life and PCB area are constrained.
Availability
STA5630 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable navigation devices, automotive telematics units, and asset tracking modules requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial lifecycle support.
Supply support for STA5630 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, sensors, power ICs, and analog/mixed-signal products for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The STA5630 belongs to ST's GNSS RF front-end product line, engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, cost-sensitive GPS/Galileo receivers where integration, supply simplicity, and production testability are critical design priorities.
FAQ
What reference clock frequencies does the STA5630 support?
The STA5630 accepts TCXO reference clocks from 10 MHz to 52 MHz via the TCXO_IN pin. It internally generates a precise 16.368 MHz GPS_CLK for baseband sampling and provides a buffered copy of the input TCXO as TCXO_CLK. Default boot modes are set for 16.368 MHz or 26 MHz via the MODE pin.
How is gain controlled in the STA5630 RF chain?
Gain is controlled through two mechanisms: automatic gain control (AGC) using the MAG0/MAG1 bits to adjust internal VGA, and manual SPI-based gain programming. The LNA and RFA stages can be enabled or bypassed independently, and the MODE pin selects between hardware-default and SPI-configurable gain profiles at startup.
Does the STA5630 support Galileo E1 signal reception?
Yes - the STA5630 is explicitly specified as GPS and Galileo compliant. Its RF front-end is tuned for the 1575.42 MHz L1/E1 band shared by both constellations, and its 4.092 MHz IF output and 16.368 MHz sampling clock align with standard Galileo E1 baseband processing requirements.
What is the purpose of the TP_IF_P and TP_IF_N pins?
TP_IF_P (Pin 1) and TP_IF_N (Pin 32) provide differential access to the RF/IF receiver chain output before ADC digitization. They enable production-level RF path testing - including gain, noise figure, and linearity verification - without requiring probe access to internal nodes or removing the IC from the board.
STA5630 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- RF Type:
- GPS
- Frequency:
- 1.575GHz
- Features:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-QFN (5x5)
STA5630 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for STA5630 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for STA5630 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for STA5630 reliable?
The price and inventory of STA5630 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for STA5630 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for STA5630?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for STA5630 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for STA5630?
STA5630 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your STA5630 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for STA5630?
For technical support, including STA5630 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your STA5630 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that STA5630 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All STA5630 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that STA5630 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of STA5630?
All STA5630 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with STA5630, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The STA5630 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for STA5630:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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