Sharp to Introduce Receiver Tuner Module for One-Seg Digital Broadcasts

TOKYO — Sharp Corporation will introduce into the Japanese market a new receiver tuner module for One-Seg digital terrestrial broadcasts capable of receiving two One-Seg programs simultaneously. Mass production of the model VA3A5JZ923 will begin on March 30, 2009.

In Japan, the percentage of mobile handset shipments with the capability to receive One-Seg programs exceeded 85% in December 2008. Now, manufacturers are seeking new added-value receiver functions in their efforts to differentiate their handsets in a competitive market environment.

The VA3A5JZ923 combines two tuner ICs with two OFDM demodulation ICs to allow two One-Seg broadcast programs to be received simultaneously, enabling such features as dual-screen display, or background recording of another program on a different channel.

In addition, the VA3A5JZ923 supports diversity techniques to improve reception performance. In diversity mode, when receiving only a single broadcast channel, the signals received from the two tuners are combined to provide the optimal (most stable) video reception in the mobile environment. This enables a higher reception sensitivity of 112dBm (a 3dB improvement over its predecessor). Plus, Sharps proprietary high-density surface mount technology makes possible a compact package design measuring only 9.0×9.0x1.25 mm.