Third-Generation Demodulator Eyes Terrestrial DTV Market

Meeting stringent NorDig II specifications with a single SAW filter, the MT352 third-generation demodulator claims to provide the fastest channel auto scan and lowest power rating to the terrestrial DTV industry. The device allows terrestrial DTV signals to be received through existing analog TV aerials. An on-chip control engine promises to significantly reduce the software overhead needed for automatic channel scan and acquisition allowing the device to auto scan the UHF band in six seconds, as opposed to several minutes. Said to consume 2X to 4X less power than comparable devices, the demodulator consumes just 220 mW. It incorporates a unique active impulse noise filter that suppresses or blocks the effects of short and strong impulsive noise interference caused by electrical devices and automobile traffic. In addition, the MT352 helps to reduce the bill of material and save board space in front-end STB and digital TV tuner designs by using a single SAW filter for performing adjacent channel filtering. Designed in 0.18 µm CMOS technology and available in a 64-pin LQFP measuring 10 mm x 10 mm, price is $6 each/250,000. An evaluation system that includes an application board is also available. ZARLINK SEMICONDUCTOR INC., Ontario, Canada. (613) 592-0200.