A new RF tuner from Maxim Integrated Products is a triple-band, dual-mode mobile TV and digital radio in a fully RF-tested die. It supports implementation of system-in-package (SIP) designs for terrestrial digital multimedia broadcast (T-DMB) and ultra-small, digital audio broadcast (DAB) modules. Using RF-tested dice reduces costs through higher module yield, making it well suited for fixed or mobile DAB and T-DMB applications.
The MAX2170E/W contains all the necessary blocks to implement a low-IF TV/radio tuner, except for a crystal and the L-band filtering required by some applications. The tuner is capable of receiving VHF band-III, L-band, and FM broadcasts with a minimum of external components. An integrated low-noise, L-band front end (with a noise figure of 3 dB) eliminates the need for an external, low-noise amplifier circuit. When tuning VHF frequencies, its on-chip tracking filter rejects out-of-band interference. The tracking filter also doubles as an FM band-select filter. Sensitivity is -99 dBm at L-band frequencies, -100 dBm at VHF-III frequencies, and -109 dBm at FM frequencies.
The tuner operates from a 2.7- to 3.5-V supply and consumes 150 mW (typ) in L-band, low-power mode. It is fully specified over the -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C temperature range. Prices start at $3.50 each in 1000-piece lots.