CMOS UHF Modulators Trim Power Requirements

Based on CMOS technology, the company's 3.3V UHF television modulators promise to lower power, shorten design-to-market cycles, and reduce system requirements for television-related applications including DVD/DVDR players, video games, plus analog, digital, and internet protocol set-top-boxes for satellite, terrestrial, or cable television. The MC44CM373 and MC44CM374 devices combine sound sub-carrier and UHF voltage controlled oscillators and do not require tuned components. They have few critical RF paths, allowing for simple layouts. They operate at frequencies between 460 MHz and 880 MHz and require no external active components. Two versions of the modulators are available: the MC44CM373 world standard version supporting PAL/NTSC/SECAM and the MC44CM374 PAL/NTSC-only version. With initial sampling set for May, prices for the MC44CM373 and MC44CM374 are expected to be $1.08 and $1 each/5,000, respectively. FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR INC., Austin, TX. (800) 521-6274.