STMicroelectronics STEVAL-TDR016V1

Overview

STEVAL-TDR016V1 from STMicroelectronics is an RF power amplifier evaluation board built around the PD55015E N-channel enhancement-mode lateral MOSFET, operating at 155–165 MHz with 30 W output power, 14.7 dB gain, and 60–72% efficiency under 20 V supply. It serves as a reference design for VHF marine radio transmitters requiring high thermal stability and 20:1 load mismatch tolerance.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-TDR016V1 datasheet, STEVAL-TDR016V1 pinout, STEVAL-TDR016V1 application, or STEVAL-TDR016V1 equivalent, this board provides validated RF PA layout, thermal management guidance, and performance characterization across frequency, supply voltage (13.6 V / 20 V), and harmonic suppression (H2: –29 to –25 dBc; H3: –52 to –50 dBc) for marine-band deployment.

Technical Context

The board implements a common-source Class AB RF power amplifier stage using a single PD55015E PowerSO-10RF packaged MOSFET, biased at IDQ = 150 mA with VDD = 20 V. Input/output matching networks are optimized for 155–165 MHz operation and include integrated harmonic filtering.

Thermal design uses copper pour and mounting provisions compliant with PowerSO-10RF mechanical data (L = 60 mm, W = 30 mm), supporting case temperature operation from –20 °C to +85 °C. Load mismatch resilience (20:1 VSWR) is achieved via robust gate drive and drain decoupling without external protection circuitry.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-TDR016V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for marine radio transmitters, VHF communications infrastructure, RF test bench validation, and ruggedized mobile radio development requiring stable component supply and proven thermal performance.

Supply support for STEVAL-TDR016V1 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 analog, MCU, power, and RF solutions for industrial, automotive, and communication markets.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series-engineered to accelerate RF power amplifier prototyping and compliance validation for maritime, land-mobile, and broadcast applications.

FAQ

What is the primary RF transistor used on the STEVAL-TDR016V1 board?

The board integrates one PD55015E N-channel enhancement-mode lateral MOSFET in PowerSO-10RF package. This device is specifically qualified for VHF RF power amplification, with 25 W maximum power dissipation, 24 V absolute max drain voltage, and optimized transconductance for 155–165 MHz operation.

Can STEVAL-TDR016V1 operate from 13.6 V supply?

Yes - the board is characterized at both 13.6 V and 20 V supply voltages. At 13.6 V, it delivers up to 18 W output power with ~55% efficiency and 13.5 dB gain, enabling compatibility with automotive/marine 12 V nominal systems while maintaining linearity and harmonic control.

Does the board include input/output connectors and biasing circuitry?

Yes - it features SMA female connectors for RF input and output, plus dedicated screw terminals for VDD and ground. Biasing is implemented with fixed-gate voltage and source degeneration, set for IDQ = 150 mA at 20 V; no external adjustment components are required for baseline operation.

Is thermal management documentation provided with the board?

Yes - the official datasheet (Doc ID 18030) includes mounting indications for PowerSO-10RF, PCB copper area recommendations, and thermal resistance data. The board layout uses 2 oz copper and thermal vias aligned to the MOSFET pad per ST's PowerSO-10RF mechanical guidelines.