Avoid “tuner in a can,” yet receive more video
By Bill Schweber -- EDN, March 4, 2004
Microtune's MT2121, a SiGe (silicon-germanium) monolithic device, receives and tunes the 50-MHz to 1-GHz range, making it a good choice for cable set-top boxes and similar applications (Picture). It complies with CableLabs OpenCable requirements and integrates filter functions and input controls for reduced component count and footprint. The built-in preselection filter equalizes the differences in signal strength that inevitably occur across the input-signal band, resulting in better video images and reduced inconsistency. In addition, it boasts an on-chip filter for the out-of-band forward-data channel.
The dual-conversion architecture has both low-noise-amplifier and IF-amplifier blocks. The chip’s decreased phase noise and distortion are key to the successful gigahertz-bandwidth application, although the chip can’t improve the quality of the content itself. The 8×8-mm, 56-lead device dissipates 1.5W and sells for $5.50 (10,000); Microtune also plans during this quarter to introduce a $5000 evaluation kit.
Microtune Inc, 1-972-673-1600, www.microtune.com.
