Date: 19/02/2009

Single-conversion silicon tuner for analog & digital TV reception

Maxim Integrated Products introduced the MAX3542 single-conversion silicon tuner for hybrid (analog and digital) applications. This device employs a single down-conversion step from RF to 36MHz to provide artifact-free reception of analog signals and also for the reception of digital signals. The MAX3542 offers a typical image rejection of 70dB while requiring a single external SAW filter. The MAX3542 is ideal for TVs, PCs, and set-top boxes.

This new solution is an ideal replacement for canned tuners. The MAX3542 has a standard 36MHz IF that is compatible with most digital and analog demodulators. Additionally, the IC integrates tracking filters, a crystal oscillator circuit, a synthesizer, and an IF VGA to save space and simplify design over canned-tuner implementations. It draws only a 230mA (typ) from a single 3.3V supply.

The other old solutions use either a dual-conversion architecture that requires two external filters or a direct-to-low-IF scheme that suffers from poor image rejection.

Package: 7mm x 7mm, 48-pin, lead-free, flip-chip (fcLGA) package
Price: start at $4.90 (1000-up, FOB USA).

For more information, go to www.maxim-ic.com