STMicroelectronics expands family of RF LDMOS power transistors

STMicroelectronics has expanded its STPOWER family of RF LDMOS transistors, comprised of three different product series – the IDCH, IDDE, and IDEV –  optimized for RF power amplifiers (PAs) in a variety of commercial and industrial applications. The STPOWER LDMOS devices are designed to handle high RF power, and feature high efficiency, low thermal resistance, and a short conduction-channel length with a high breakdown voltage.

The new STPOWER LDMOS IDCH and IDDE devices are 28-V/32-V common-source N-channel enhancement-mode lateral field-effect RF power transistors. The IDCH devices provide output power from 8 W to 300 W and are specifically designed for applications up to 4 GHz, including 2.45-GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM), wireless infrastructure, satellite communications, and avionics and radar equipment. The LDMOS devices are suitable for all types of modulation formats.

The IDDE series devices offer 10 W to 700 W for broadband commercial, industrial, and scientific applications at frequencies up to 1.5 GHz. The devices can withstand a load voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of 10:1, through all phases. They are suitable for all typical modulation formats, and for most classes of RF PA operation including Class A, Class AB, and Class C. Their high efficiency minimizes the energy needed to deliver the required output power, said STMicro, resulting in lower operating costs and reduced heat dissipation, which simplifies thermal management and enables more compact systems.

The third new family is the IDEV series, featuring a 50-V common-source, N-channel-enhancement-mode, lateral field-effect, RF power transistor technology. Offering output power from 15 W up to 2.2 kW, the IDEV portfolio is designed for ISM applications at frequencies up to 250 MHz, including driving high-power CO2 lasers, plasma generators, MRI systems, broadcast FM-radio transmitters in the 88-MHz to 108-MHz range, and avionics and radar applications up to 1.5 GHz. They are suitable for all typical modulation formats and for PA operation in Class A, Class AB, and Class C.

The rugged IDEV series is capable of up to 2.2 kW continuous-wave (CW) output power, from HF (3 MHz to 30 MHz) frequencies up to 250 MHz. Delivering high power from a single ceramic package, these devices reduce the total number of RF power transistors needed in high-power applications such as broadcast transmitters, said STMicro, and with power efficiency greater than 82% the devices minimize system power demand.

In total, the three series add 30 new STPOWER RF LDMOS devices in various industry-standard packages. Prices range from $15 to $100.