Sharp introduces most compact terrestrial tuner module

Monday, June 28th, 2010

Sharp Develops and Will Introduce New Tuner Unit for Terrestrial Digital and Analog Broadcasting; Industry’s Thinnest Profile and Most Compact Size*1

Sharp Corporation (Tokyo:6753) has developed and will introduce the new VA1N2WF2121 tuner unit for terrestrial digital and analog broadcasting, to be used in LCD TVs and digital video recorders. This unit features the industry’s thinnest profile (5 mm) and most compact size (4.44 cc).

Industry's Thinnest Profile and Most Compact Size

LCD TVs and digital video recorders typically incorporate multiple tuners to provide the functionality to receive multiple channels simultaneously. At the same time, consumers are seeking thinner, more stylish designs in these products.

This unit features a new silicon tuner IC that fully integrates the components that make up the tuner circuitry in a monolithic semiconductor device. This enables the industry’s thinnest profile (approximately 50% thinner than the previous model*2) and most compact size (approximately 70% smaller than the previous model*2). In addition, a built-in digital signal processor and low-noise amplifier improves reception performance and contributes to an improved viewing experience in areas with poor signal quality. Further, combining compatibility with both digital and analog terrestrial broadcasts for all regions of the world into a single unit eliminates the need to design separate receiving circuits to accommodate each broadcast system, leading to greater efficiencies in design and production.

Product name                 Tuner unit for terrestrial digital and analog broadcasting
Model name                   VA1N2WF2121
Sample price (tax included)  20,000 yen
Mass production date         August 30, 2010
Monthly production           500,000 units

Major Features

  1. Newly developed silicon tuner IC enables the industry’s thinnest profile (5 mm) and most compact size (4.44 cc).
  2. Improved reception performance thanks to digital signal processor and low-noise amplifier.
  3. Worldwide multi-standard compatibility supporting all terrestrial digital and analog broadcasting systems around the globe.

Specifications

Model name                     VA1N2WF2121
Target area                    Worldwide
Receiving frequency spectrums  VHF, UHF, CATV full-band compatibility; 45 to 862 MHz
Output                         Digital: IF signal output (4 to 57 MHz)
                               Analog: CVBS signal output, SIF signal output
Noise figure*3                 4.5 dB (typ.)
Phase noise                    -90 dBc/Hz (at 10 kHz offset)
Channel selection system       PLL frequency synthesizer
Power supply voltage           1.8 V/3.3 V DC
Power consumption (typ.)       Digital: 0.93 W
                               Analog: 0.99 W
Outside dimensions, volume*4   30 x 29.6 x 5 mm, 4.44 cc

*1 Except for protrusions, including connecting parts. For tuner units for terrestrial broadcasting; as of June 28, 2010; based on Sharp research.
*2 Compared to Sharp’s previous VA1E2ED2001 tuner unit (package size 30.9 x 55.8 x 9.5 mm).
*3 A measure of degradation of the signal-to-noise ratio.
*4 Except for protrusions, including connecting parts.