RF Data Tuner Simplifies Cable Modem Design

Introduced as the industry's most integrated, single-package dual conversion RF data tuner, the AIT1000M6 PicoTuner delivers data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS) performance while eliminating the need for up to 50 off-chip components. The 22 mm x 22 mm device is manufactured using GaAs and silicon CMOS technologies and integrates upconverter, downconverter, dual synthesizer, surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) filter, varactor, DC/DC converter, input filter, tuning circuitry, and all of the passive components required of an RF data tuner front end. With no external components required, the device is touted as a single-chip drop-in alternative to current bulky single conversion tuner boxes and IC-based double conversion tuner solutions. Other features include 5-V operation with 3.3-V devices planned for the future, industrial temperature range, and a typical noise figure of 8.5 dB. ANADIGICS PicoTunerTM is priced under $10 in quantities of 10,000 units. Samples are available in limited quantities.