Single Chip Tuner Lowers Satellite TV Costs

With an eye on cost concerns, the STB6000 single-chip silicon tuner is designed to replace discrete-component tuners in set top boxes that receive digital TV or web-based material via satellite. The device is offered in a 32-lead package that requires few external components and is said to eliminate the need for special RF expertise as the RF processing circuitry is integrated. Although the tuner is a standalone block, it is designed for use with the company's STV0299 multi-standard demodulator. Programming of the STB6000 is via a two-wire serial interface. Input frequency range is 950 MHz to 2.15 GHz with support for symbol frequency rates from 1 to 45 Msymbols/s. Other features include an integrated local oscillator, PLL, differential I/Q outputs, and a buffered XO output. In production volumes, price is $2 each. STMICROELECTRONICS INC., Lexington, MA. (781) 861-2650.