Single-Conversion Silicon Tuner Enables Superior Reception of Analog and Digital TV Broadcasts

Thursday, February 19th, 2009
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  • The MAX3542 is a single-conversion silicon tuner for hybrid (analog and digital) DVB-T and PAL applications
  • This fully integrated tuner saves space and simplifies design while providing high-performance reception of analog and digital signals
  • The MAX3542 employs a single-conversion architecture to enable superior reception of analog and digital signals. This approach saves space over dual-conversion architectures and provides better performance than direct-to-low-IF schemes
  • The MAX3542 is ideal for TVs, PCs, and set-top boxes

SUNNYVALE, CA — Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) introduces the MAX3542 single-conversion silicon tuner for hybrid (analog and digital) applications. This device employs a single downconversion step from RF to 36MHz to provide artifact-free reception of analog signals and high-quality reception of digital signals. Competing solutions use either a dual-conversion architecture that requires two external filters or a direct-to-low-IF scheme that suffers from poor image rejection. The MAX3542 overcomes these impairments and offers a typical image rejection of 70dB while requiring a single external SAW filter. Offering superior performance and a compact footprint, the MAX3542 is ideal for TVs, PCs, and set-top boxes.

This fully integrated solution is an ideal replacement for canned tuners. The MAX3542 has a standard 36MHz IF that is compatible with most digital and analog demodulators. Additionally, the IC integrates tracking filters, a crystal oscillator circuit, a synthesizer, and an IF VGA to save space and simplify design over canned-tuner implementations. Drawing a mere 230mA (typ) from a single 3.3V supply, the MAX3542 strikes an excellent balance between performance and power consumption.

The MAX3542 is packaged in a 7mm x 7mm, 48-pin, lead-free, flip-chip (fcLGA) package, and is fully specified over the 0°C to +70°C temperature range. Prices start at $4.90 (1000-up, FOB USA). Evaluation kits are available to speed designs.