STMicroelectronics STEVAL-TDR015V1

Overview

STEVAL-TDR015V1 from STMicroelectronics is a demonstration board built around the PD54008L-E 400–470 MHz LDMOS RF power transistor, designed for evaluation and prototyping of 2-way UHF portable radios. It delivers 8 W output power at 7.2 V supply with 12.0 ± 1.0 dB gain and 56–68% drain efficiency under matched load conditions.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-TDR015V1 datasheet, STEVAL-TDR015V1 test circuit, STEVAL-TDR015V1 layout, or STEVAL-TDR015V1 equivalent, this board serves as a validated reference design for UHF RF power amplifier development-enabling rapid validation of impedance matching networks, thermal behavior, harmonic suppression, and load mismatch tolerance up to 20:1 VSWR.

Technical Context

The board implements a single-stage Class AB RF power amplifier using the PD54008L-E in a grounded-gate configuration with discrete lumped-element matching networks on FR-4 PCB (60 mil, 2 oz Cu). Input and output impedances are tuned across 400–470 MHz per measured ZGS/ZDL data, supporting broadband operation without external tuning.

It operates at fixed 50 mA quiescent drain current and 7.2 V DC supply, delivering linear POUT up to 8 W with second-harmonic suppression of –28 to –44 dBc and third-harmonic suppression of –58 to –61 dBc-meeting spectral mask requirements for land-mobile radio standards.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-TDR015V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for UHF radio development, RF power amplifier validation, and EMI/EMC pre-compliance testing requiring stable component supply and documented reference performance.

Supply support for STEVAL-TDR015V1 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 analog, power, microcontrollers, and RF solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series-designed to accelerate RF power amplifier design by providing fully characterized, application-ready hardware with complete schematics, layout files, and measurement data.

FAQ

What is the recommended DC biasing procedure for the PD54008L-E on this board?

Apply 7.2 V to VDD while setting the gate bias via R2 (10 kΩ potentiometer) to achieve 50 mA quiescent drain current, verified at test point TP1. The Zener diode D1 (5.1 V) protects gate voltage during startup transients. Do not exceed 10 V on VDD or 3 V on gate-source.

Can STEVAL-TDR015V1 be used with 12 V supply instead of 7.2 V?

No-this board is optimized for 7.2 V operation per PD54008L-E's safe operating area and thermal limits. Increasing supply voltage risks exceeding maximum drain-source voltage (V_DSS = 25 V), degrading reliability and potentially causing catastrophic failure due to uncontrolled thermal runaway.

Does the board include thermal management provisions for continuous-wave operation?

Yes-the PD54008L-E is mounted directly to a copper-pour thermal pad connected to internal ground planes and outer-layer thermal vias. For CW operation above 5 W, ST recommends attaching an external heatsink to the transistor tab using thermally conductive adhesive or screw-mount interface per the mechanical drawing (L = 60 mm × W = 30 mm).

Are Gerber files and schematic available for this evaluation board?

Yes-complete design files including schematic (PDF), PCB layout (Gerber RS-274X), bill of materials (BOM), and test reports are provided in Doc ID 18095 Rev 1, downloadable from ST's official website under the STEVAL-TDR015V1 product page without registration or NDA.