Date: 17/09/2010

Satellite silicon tuner from NXP for both FTA and operator STB applications

NXP Semiconductors has launched the TDA20142, a satellite silicon tuner for free-to-air (FTA) and operator satellite set-top box (STB) applications.

"Until now, silicon tuners have been designed for either the FTA market or the operator market, but not both. The TDA20142 is creating a new category of satellite silicon tuner - one that is exceptionally suited for both FTA and operator applications - while delivering outstanding performance in both," said Tim Kirstein, satellite RF product marketing manager, NXP Semiconductors. "The flexibility and cost-effectiveness of the TDA20142 is made possible by NXP's expertise in High Performance Mixed Signal technologies, as well as our long heritage in developing quality high-performance tuners."

FTA tuners require high sensitivity whereas operator tuners require high linearity. The TDA20142 has a low Noise Figure of typically 5.5 dB to satisfy the requierments for FTA application and , has as IIP3 of +10dBm to satisfy the requirements operator applications. The TDA20142 addresses both high and low ends of the power spectrum and has a range of approximately 100dB.

TDA20142 integrate an external Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) for FTA applications. The TDA20142 also integrates a flexible crystal oscillator and buffered clock output with optional dividers. This feature allows sharing crystal clocks between multiple ICs. The TDA20142 allows set-top box manufacturers to use a single reference design for all single satellite applications eliminating the need to source and stock LNAs and multiple types of tuners. The TDA20142 provides an alternative to expensive silicon tuners to FTA broadcasters moving from standard definition to high-definition satellite, while also enabling operators to receive low-power signals and serve markets with marginal reception.

Availability: Sampling now