STMicroelectronics TDA7515

Overview

TDA7515 from STMicroelectronics is a BICMOS RF front-end IC for AM/FM-DSP car radios with 10.7 MHz IF sampling, integrating VCO, PLL synthesizer, I/Q mixer (FM), AM upconversion preamplifier/mixer, programmable IF-gain stage, and bus-controlled electronic alignment. It supports world-band reception via programmable divider and delivers high-performance RDS decoding via fast PLL.

For engineers reviewing the TDA7515 datasheet, TDA7515 pinout, TDA7515 application, or TDA7515 equivalent, key selection criteria include its LQFP44 package, dual IF output capability (IFOUT1/IFOUT2), 5 V reference voltage (Vref), I²C bus interface (SCL/SDA), and integrated AGC control paths for AM RF, FM RF, and IF stages.

Technical Context

The TDA7515 implements a fully integrated PLL-based frequency synthesizer with programmable divider and 18/100 kHz reference input (Fref±), enabling precise channel tuning across global AM/FM bands. Its I/Q mixer architecture provides image rejection for FM at 10.7 MHz IF, while separate AM RF and IF AGC loops (AMRFAGCin/out, FMIFAGCin, IFAGCTC) support dynamic signal conditioning.

BICMOS process enables on-chip integration of high-linearity mixers (FMIN1/FMIN2, AMIN1/AMIN2), VCO (VCOB/VCOE/VCCVCO/GNDVCO), and three independent op-amp loop filter interfaces (LPAM/SW, LPFM, LPHC) for stable PLL lock and low-phase-noise synthesis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP44 (10 × 10 × 1.4 mm) package with exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected), JEDEC-compliant ECOPACK® lead-free finish, and 0.8 mm pin pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RF front-end applications.

Compared with Si473x and TEF6621, the TDA7515 offers direct analog IF outputs and AM upconversion capability ideal for hybrid analog-digital car radios, whereas alternatives prioritize full digital signal chains and broader standard support at the cost of analog interface flexibility.

Availability

TDA7515 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive AM/FM tuner modules, DSP-based car audio systems, and world-band receiver designs requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for TDA7515 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 microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and analog/mixed-signal products for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The TDA7515 belongs to ST's automotive analog front-end product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability, temperature-stable RF signal conditioning in vehicle infotainment systems with stringent EMI and thermal requirements.

FAQ

Is the TDA7515 still in active production?

No - STMicroelectronics has marked the TDA7515 as obsolete per official documentation (Rev 2, Nov 2006). However, Aetrix Electronics maintains verified legacy stock with full traceability, conforming to original ECOPACK® specifications and tested per datasheet AC/DC parameters.

What reference frequencies does the TDA7515 support for global band operation?

The TDA7515 accepts two reference inputs: Fref+ and Fref−, configured for either 18 kHz (for European/Japanese FM) or 100 kHz (for US FM/AM), enabling single-hardware support across worldwide broadcast standards without external clock switching circuitry.

Can the TDA7515 be used without an external loop filter?

No - the TDA7515 requires external passive components (resistors and capacitors) connected to LPAM/SW, LPFM, LPHC, and LPOUT pins to form the PLL loop filter; omitting them results in unstable VCO operation and failure to lock to target channels.

Does the TDA7515 support RDS decoding natively?

No - the TDA7515 provides the high-fidelity 57 kHz RDS subcarrier within its 10.7 MHz IF output but does not decode RDS data; downstream DSP or dedicated RDS decoder IC (e.g., TDA7512) is required for parsing PI codes, PS names, and RT text.