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The Perfect FM Radio Circuit using TDA7000 IC

Here we are going to see how we can build a very simple, yet perfect FM radio circuit using one single IC called TDA7000. This IC already has everything inside it, so we do not need to do too much headache wiring around it.

First of all, before we build, we must understand what each pin is doing, otherwise circuit will not work properly.

TDA7000 IC internal view

Understanding the Pinout:

Pin 1: This pin is for the mute switch. If we want to mute the radio then we have to connect this pin to ground through a switch and 10k resistor. Otherwise keep it high (+4.5V) to keep radio ON.

Pin 2: This is our audio output pin. After all the processing inside the IC, the final audio comes out from this pin. We have to connect a capacitor and resistor network here to filter and match the load properly.

Pin 3: This is the connection for an internal part called de-emphasis network. Basically it helps in making the audio softer and clear by reducing high frequency noise. We connect small capacitors here.

Pin 4 and 5: These pins are for the internal oscillator. We connect capacitors here to stabilize the internal frequencies so that tuning becomes proper.

Pin 6: This is the main power supply pin. We give +4.5V or +5V DC here for the IC to work.

Pin 7: This pin is for VCO tank circuit. We connect capacitors and inductors here (LC network) to decide the FM tuning range.

Pin 8 and 9: These two pins help in external tuning circuit. We put capacitors here that combine with the internal circuit to allow better reception.

Pin 10: This pin connects to ground. It is the negative supply line.

Pin 11: This is one more ground pin internally separated for better noise cancellation.

Pin 12: This is the input pin for RF signal. Here we give the antenna signal through a matching circuit of capacitors and small resistors.

Pin 13, 14, 15, 16: These pins are connected to different capacitors and filters. They help the IC to internally filter and process the RF signals properly. Just follow the schematic and put the capacitors correctly.

Pin 17 and 18: These are connected to external capacitors to complete the RF processing section.

How the FM Radio Works:

Ok now after knowing the pin functions, let us understand what happens inside the IC when we power it ON.

PCB Layouts

TDA7000 PCB design

Simple Step-by-Step Construction:

Once all connections are done, then just power ON and slowly adjust the trimmer capacitor to catch FM stations.

Important Tips:

Use short wires for capacitor and coil connections.

Keep the antenna wire away from noisy electronics.

Supply voltage should be very clean, better use a battery pack.

Tuning coil and trimmer should be properly adjusted to get maximum clear stations.

That's it!

Now your TDA7000 FM Radio is ready and blasting cool music from the air!

Parallel Capacitor Values around L1 (Tuned Tank Circuit)

So in the TDA7000 FM radio, the tank circuit is made by one coil (L1) and some capacitors around it.

This part is very very important because it decides which FM station range you will catch.

Here is the basic connection again (rough idea):

Between pin 6 (Vcc) and pin 7 (tank):  
→ L1 (56nH) is connected in series.  
→ Parallel to L1 we connect CP (tuning capacitor) and CW, CS capacitors.

Now about the capacitor values:

SymbolRough ValuePurpose
CP (parallel cap)22 pF to 47 pFMain tuning cap (with trimmer)
CW (fixed cap)10 pF to 22 pFFrequency setting support
CS (fixed cap)10 pF to 22 pFFrequency setting support
CD (parasitic cap)Small around 2 pF to 5 pFFine adjusting

Example Setup (for 88 MHz to 108 MHz FM Band):

L1: 56nH (small air core coil, around 2 or 3 turns, having 5mm diameter, using 22SWG magnet wire)

CP: 39pF trimmer or 47pF fixed capacitor

CW: 18pF

CS: 18pF

CD: 3pF

Note: If you use a trimmer for CP (like 10pF to 50pF adjustable) then you can nicely sweep across the full FM band.

L1 and CP mainly decide the resonance frequency, other caps (CW, CS) slightly help to fine adjust.

Super Simple Tip:

If you dont want to calculate too much then just do this:

Make L1 = 56nH (2 or 3 turns, 5mm dia)

Connect 33pF or 47pF across it (CP)

Put a 10pF cap in parallel (CW)

Then add a trimmer capacitor (10 to 30pF range) to fine tune.

This will easily catch almost all the FM stations from 88MHz to 108MHz.

Complete Parts List for TDA7000 FM Radio Receiver

Sl. No.ComponentValue / Part NumberQuantityNotes
1ICTDA70001Main FM radio IC
2Capacitor (C1)4.7 µF / 16V (Electrolytic)1Audio coupling at output
3Capacitor (C2)0.1 µF (104) Ceramic1Power supply decoupling
4Capacitor (C3)10 µF / 16V (Electrolytic)1Audio filter / gain stage
5Capacitors (C4, C5)10 pF to 22 pF Ceramic2De-emphasis or detector filter
6Capacitor (CP)33 pF to 47 pF Ceramic1Tuning tank capacitor (parallel)
7Capacitor (CW)10 pF to 22 pF Ceramic1Tank support
8Capacitor (CS)10 pF to 22 pF Ceramic1Tank support
9Capacitor (CT)10–30 pF Trimmer1For FM fine tuning
10Capacitor (C6)1 nF (102) Ceramic1RF decoupling
11Coil (L1)56nH (2–3 turns, 5mm dia)1Main tank inductor
12Resistor (R1)10k1Mute pull-up
13Resistor (R2)100 ohm to 1k1Audio load matching
14Antenna75cm wire or telescopic1Simple FM antenna
15Audio AmplifierLM386 / Any small amp1To hear loud audio
16Speaker or Earphone8 ohm / 32 ohm1Output device
17Power Supply4.5V or 5V DC (battery)1Clean regulated DC

How to Integrate IC TDA7000 to an Amplifier Circuit

If you want to hear the FM sound from the above explained TDA7000 IC based FM radio then you will need to integrate an amplifier circuit with this IC, which can drive a small 8 ohms loud speaker.

As shown in the following figure, we can use an LM386 amplifier IC for enabling the FM audio to be heard through a loud speaker. The complete circuit diagram of a TDA7000 FM radio with amplifier circuit is shown in the following figure:

How to Integrate IC TDA7000 to an Amplifier Circuit

As can be seen, the FM audio output from pin#2 of the TDA7000 is connected with the pin#3 of the LM386 amplifier IC, through a 10k potentiometer which acts like a volume control.

Extra Notes:

Sources:

Datasheet TDA7000

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