STMicroelectronics STEVAL-TDR013V1

Overview

STEVAL-TDR013V1 from STMicroelectronics is a UHF RFID reader demonstration board built around the PD84002 LDMOS transistor, operating in the 860–960 MHz band with 2 W RF output power, 13.9 ± 0.5 dB power gain, and 60–63% drain efficiency at 7.2 V supply. It supports 2-way radio applications and features 20:1 load mismatch tolerance and BeO-free thermal design.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-TDR013V1 datasheet, STEVAL-TDR013V1 pinout, STEVAL-TDR013V1 application, or STEVAL-TDR013V1 equivalent, this evaluation board enables rapid prototyping of UHF RFID reader front-ends requiring stable high-efficiency RF amplification, impedance-matched layout validation, and thermal management verification under real-world VSWR stress.

Technical Context

The board implements a single-stage Class AB RF power amplifier using the PD84002 LDMOS device biased at 100 mA quiescent drain current. Input and output matching networks are optimized for 50 Ω systems across 860–960 MHz, with measured input return loss better than –10 dB and harmonic suppression of –31 dBc (2nd) and –62 dBc (3rd) at 2 W output.

Thermal design employs FR-4 PCB with 2 oz copper layers, dedicated thermal pad, and via array per ST's mechanical guidelines to sustain case temperatures from –20 °C to +85 °C. The board uses discrete Murata C0G/X5R capacitors and Coilcraft inductors, with SMA connectors for RF I/O and calibrated test points for bias monitoring.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-TDR013V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for UHF RFID reader development, 2-way radio transceiver prototyping, and RF power amplifier characterization requiring stable component supply, repeatable layout reference, and validated thermal performance.

Supply support for STEVAL-TDR013V1 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 analog, MCU, power, and RF solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series, developed specifically to accelerate RF system validation and reduce time-to-demonstration for UHF RFID infrastructure and wireless communication applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the STEVAL-TDR013V1 board?

The STEVAL-TDR013V1 is a fully assembled and tested demonstration board for evaluating the PD84002 LDMOS transistor in UHF RFID reader transmitter stages. It delivers 2 W RF output from 860–960 MHz with matched input/output networks, thermal vias, and bias circuitry - enabling immediate RF performance measurement without custom PCB design.

Does the board include RF input and output connectors?

Yes, the board features SMA female connectors for both RF input and RF output, each impedance-matched to 50 Ω. These connectors allow direct connection to signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and antennas during testing and integration into larger reader systems.

Can the STEVAL-TDR013V1 be used with other LDMOS transistors?

No - the board is specifically laid out and tuned for the PD84002's SOT-89 package, pinout, and RF characteristics. Substituting other transistors would require redesign of matching networks, biasing, and thermal layout due to differences in gain, capacitance, and thermal resistance.

What documentation accompanies the STEVAL-TDR013V1?

The board ships with STMicroelectronics' official datasheet (Doc ID 18013 Rev 1), including electrical specifications, impedance data, typical performance curves, test circuit schematic, PCB layout drawings, and thermal via design guidelines - all essential for design reuse and compliance verification.