RF Front End Targets DBS

The lead member of the SiRX product family emerges as the industry’s first fully integrated, single-chip satellite RF front-end for direct broadcast satellite (DBS). Claiming other accolades in the realm of highest performance, smallest size, and easiest-to-use, the device is suitable for use in all free-to-air and pay-TV DBS equipment including satellite set-top boxes, PC cards, automotive and avionic receivers, DVD recorders, and digital TVs. It integrates a satellite L-band RF tuner, dual-mode DVB-S/DSS digital demodulator, and a step-up supply controller for the low-noise block converter into a single 6 mm x 8 mm CMOS chip. The integration of the LNB supply controller is also said to be an industry first and includes support for DiSEqC 2.x and legacy tone/voltage LNB signaling. The device also supports a hardware blind-scan feature that reduces set-top box installation time for FTA applications where channel locations are unknown. Samples are available now with production set for the second quarter of 2006. Pricing starts at $7.37 each/1,000. SILICON LABORATORIES INC., Austin, TX. (877) 444-3032