Date: 31/03/2010

Single-chip STB IC for receiving cable signals

The new single STB chip from ST Microelectronics decodes and processes cable TV signals. The STi5197L is designed for cable STBs so that OEMs can develop basic zapper STB products quickly.

The STi5197L includes a QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) cable demodulator and is software compatible with ST's popular STi5197 chip with same architecture.

"The STi5197L addresses the MPEG-2 zapper set-top-box market, where we still see strong demand for high-quality and cost-effective solutions," said Yu Lee, Vice-President of the Consumer Segment, Greater China and South Asia Region, STMicroelectronics. "This new chip will bring further cost reductions for manufacturers, and provide high-quality digital viewing while respecting low power requirements."

The STi5197L supports DVB-C, including ITU-T J83 Annexes A/B/C. The chip also supports all smart-card-based security systems and includes a built-in smart-card interface supporting pay-TV services. The device's USB interface and integrated Ethernet interface enables manufacturers to build hybrid STBs. An integrated audio subsystem provides digital and analog outputs and supporting MP3 and Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding.

"The digital migration story still has a long time to run," said Mr Cui Wei, General Manager of Inspur. "We see a strong market requirement for standard-definition set-top boxes, both premium and basic boxes. ST's solutions provide high-performance CPUs, higher integration and support our requirements for low power. With the STi5197L, we can produce very competitive solutions, while optimizing our development resources. Our products are well placed to drive digital migration and to bring high-quality digital TV solutions to our customers."

Package: 15x15mm low-profile fine-pitch BGA (LFBGA) package.
For more info visit www.st.com