NXP Semiconductors launches industry's first fully integrated, silicon-based IC solution for satellite LNB

Advanced RF IC increases RF integration and reliability, lowers total cost of ownership

Today NXP Semiconductors, the independent semiconductor company founded by Philips, has announced the next step in bringing affordable, reliable satellite television technology solutions to the world market. NXP is introducing the industry’s first fully integrated down converter for Ku-band digital video broadcasting satellite Low Noise Block (LNB). Manufactured using NXP’s advanced SiGe BiCMOS process, QUBiC4G, this highly integrated IC offers customers the first silicon solution designed for use in the LNB of digital video broadcasting satellite (DVB-S) receivers, which are typically used by commercial satellite television operators and television networks for remote broadcasting. This fully RF tested IC, the TFF1004HN, is far more cost effective than current discrete solutions using GaAs components and dielectric resonator oscillator (DRO). NXP’s TFF1004HN also provides customers increased stability and reliability.

Developed in cooperation with Andrew Corporation, and now ready for implementation in their satellite LNB, the TFF1004HN is already demonstrating its value to leaders in the advanced satellite communications market. “The introduction of the TFF1004HN is a major milestone in satellite receiver technology,” said Ron Schiltmans, engineering manager, Andrew Corporation. “Over the past years, we’ve worked closely with NXP during the definition and development of the TFF1004HN. NXP’s new highly integrated IC offers the benefits of stability and reliability that discrete solutions can not offer, whilst simultaneously maintaining a low total cost of ownership.”

“Manufactured using NXP’s advanced QUBiC4G process, the TFF1004HN eliminates the need for manual local oscillator alignment, saving time, effort and expense,” said Niels Kramer, program manager satellite ICs, NXP Semiconductors.

As part of NXP’s complete low noise block (LNB) chip set, customers will benefit from significant savings in total cost of ownership and guaranteed stability of the local oscillator. In addition, the chip is housed in a small HVQFN24 package that measures only 4x4x0.85 mm, allowing for the smallest total LNB footprint when used as part of the complete NXP LNB solution.

Supporting RF input frequencies between 10.7 and 12.7 GHz, and using a selectable LO operating at 9.75 or 10.6 GHz, the TFF1004HN complies with Asian and European standards. Development of a U.S. compliant TFF1004HN is in progress.

Link: NXP