STMicroelectronics STEVAL-TDR014V1

Overview

STEVAL-TDR014V1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the RF power performance of the PD55008-E and PD55008S-E LDMOS transistors in common-source configuration. It supports 480–1000 MHz operation at 12.5 V supply, delivers 8 W output power with 17 dB gain at 500 MHz, and features optimized microstrip layout on Rogers RO4350B substrate for high-efficiency RF power amplification in mobile radio applications.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-TDR014V1 datasheet, STEVAL-TDR014V1 pinout, STEVAL-TDR014V1 application, or STEVAL-TDR014V1 equivalent, this page provides verified test circuit implementation details, S-parameter validation data, thermal design guidance, and RF layout best practices specific to PowerSO-10RF-packaged LDMOS devices operating up to 1 GHz.

Technical Context

The board implements a fully matched 50 Ω input/output common-source amplifier using PD55008-E/S-E transistors, with bias network (R1, R3, R4) setting IDQ = 150 mA and VGS ≈ 3.5 V. It incorporates trimmer capacitors (C2, C3, C10, C11) and microstrip impedance transformers (Z1–Z10) for broadband tuning across 480–1000 MHz.

Thermal management relies on the PowerSO-10RF package's low 1.8 °C/W junction-to-case resistance, with copper pour and via stitching beneath the transistor footprint. The board uses 2 oz ED copper on both sides and a 0.030" thick RO4350B dielectric (εr = 3.48) to maintain stable RF performance and minimize loss.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-TDR014V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF power amplifier development, mobile radio front-end prototyping, and broadband transmitter qualification requiring stable component supply and traceable reference design validation.

Supply support for STEVAL-TDR014V1 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 power management, analog, MEMS, and RF solutions for automotive, industrial, and communications markets.

This evaluation board belongs to ST's STEVAL RF power amplifier series, engineered to accelerate RF power stage design by providing fully characterized, layout-optimized reference implementations for their LDMOS transistor portfolio.

FAQ

What RF frequency bands does STEVAL-TDR014V1 support?

The board is validated from 480 MHz to 1000 MHz, with measured S-parameters (Table 10) confirming >15 dB gain and <−10 dB return loss across this range when used with PD55008-E at 12.5 V and IDQ = 150 mA. Performance remains usable up to 1500 MHz with reduced gain.

Can STEVAL-TDR014V1 be used with other LDMOS transistors?

Yes - the board's microstrip matching network and bias architecture are adaptable to similar PowerSO-10RF-packaged LDMOS devices such as PD55003-E/S-E (per Tables 11–14), though component values (e.g., trimmers C2/C3) require retuning for optimal match and stability.

What thermal considerations apply when operating at full 8 W output?

At 8 W POUT, the PD55008-E junction temperature must remain ≤165°C. With RthJC = 1.8 °C/W, a heatsink maintaining TCASE ≤ 70°C is mandatory. The board's copper pour and thermal vias support this, but forced airflow or external heatsinking is recommended for continuous duty.

Where can I find layout files and Gerber data for STEVAL-TDR014V1?

Complete design files - including Gerbers, BOM, schematics, and PCB layout - are provided in the official ST application note AN1294, accessible at www.st.com/rf/. No third-party or modified versions are supported; only ST-validated files ensure RF performance compliance.