STMicroelectronics STUW81300-EVB

Overview

STUW81300-EVB from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the STuW81300 wideband RF/microwave PLL fractional-integer frequency synthesizer with integrated VCOs and LDOs, supporting 50 MHz to 13.6 GHz output, 10–250 MHz reference input, and register-level control via USB interface. It enables lab-based characterization of frequency agility, phase noise, and low-power mode behavior in microwave signal generation systems.

For engineers reviewing the STUW81300-EVB datasheet, STUW81300-EVB pinout, STUW81300-EVB application, or STUW81300-EVB equivalent, this kit provides direct register read/write access, real-time GUI feedback, reference clock configuration, charge pump current tuning, and low-power mode validation - all critical for RF synthesizer evaluation and system integration.

Technical Context

The STUW81300-EVB implements full hardware interfacing between a Windows PC and the STuW81300 IC via USB-to-SPI bridge, enabling real-time register manipulation without external programming hardware. It supports both fractional-N and integer-N PLL modes, with on-board LDOs supplying clean 1.8 V and 3.3 V rails to the device under test.

Board-level design includes SMA-connected RF input/output paths, calibrated reference clock injection, and thermal management for sustained high-frequency operation. The STSW-RFSOL003 GUI maps all 128+ device registers with field-level descriptions and live value updates upon hover or selection.

Key Specifications

Availability

STUW81300-EVB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF test bench setup, microwave transceiver development, and PLL loop stability analysis requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for STUW81300-EVB 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 communications markets.

The STuW81300 product line targets high-frequency wireless infrastructure and test equipment, delivering integrated wideband synthesis with minimal external components and deterministic phase noise performance.

FAQ

Does STUW81300-EVB require external power beyond USB?

No. The board draws 5 V exclusively from the USB port and uses on-board LDOs to generate regulated 1.8 V and 3.3 V supplies for the STuW81300 IC. No external power adapter or bench supply is needed for standard operation or register access.

Is STSW-RFSOL003 software included with the board or downloaded separately?

STSW-RFSOL003 is not shipped with the STUW81300-EVB hardware. It must be downloaded free-of-charge from www.st.com under the STuW81300 product page. The GUI installer includes drivers, documentation, and firmware update capability for the evaluation board's USB interface.

Can STUW81300-EVB evaluate both fractional-N and integer-N PLL modes?

Yes. The STSW-RFSOL003 GUI exposes all mode-select bits and divider configuration fields required to switch between fractional-N and integer-N operation. Both modes are fully supported and validated per the STuW81300 datasheet, including spurious tone measurement and lock-detection feedback.

What RF measurement capabilities does the board enable out of the box?

The board provides direct SMA access to reference input, main RF output, and auxiliary VCO output ports - enabling immediate connection to spectrum analyzers or phase noise analyzers. On-board matching and biasing allow characterization of output power, harmonics, phase noise floor, and frequency settling time without additional adapters or amplifiers.