COFDM Demodulator facilitates DTV broadcast reception.
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Press Release Summary:
DRX 3973D consists of COFDM (coded orthogonal frequency division multiplex) demodulator IC that addresses atmospheric and dynamic interferences with adaptive compensation schemes. It makes reception possible in vulnerable DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcast Terrestrial) regions, as found in fringe signal areas and indoor reception. Features include integrated PGA, progressive channel estimator algorithms, noise cruncher, and integrated microprocessor.Original Press Release:
Micronas Introduces Fourth-Generation COFDM Demodulator Offering Excellent DTV Broadcast Reception Performance
Freiburg, Germany/Nijmegen, The Netherlands-May 25, 2004-Micronas today unveiled the fourth generation of its COFDM (coded orthogonal frequency division multiplex) demodulator IC: The DRX 3973D addresses all types of atmospheric and dynamic interferences with new adaptive compensation schemes and paves the way for excellent reception in the more vulnerable DVB-T regions (Digital Video Broadcast Terrestrial), as found in fringe signal areas and indoor reception.
The new chip meets all international performance requirements including Nordig Unified, DTG and EICTA for DVB-T reception according to ETS 300 744 and targets manufacturers of digital or hybrid TV sets, set top boxes, recording equipment, PC-TV cards and Network Interface Modules.
"A stable DVB-T reception without sudden and unexpected performance losses is key to market acceptance of DVB-T," explains Wladimir Punt, marketing manager digital TV at Micronas Holland in Nijmegen. "Challenging field conditions can be faced as a result of multipath reception, influence of neighbouring analog and digital channels or weak antenna signals. This fourth-generation COFDM demodulator features the highest level of functional integration and front-end flexibility together with exceptional digital reception performance, which makes DVB-T reception available for a wider range of consumers."
In combination with Micronas' DRX 3960A, the DRX 3973D with its integrated PGA (Programmable Gain Amplifier) offers an economic solution, based on only one tuner and one SAW filter, for a hybrid front-end allowing the user to receive either analog or digital broadcasts.
Superior digital and analog adjacent channel performance, QEF better than 40dB I/C with just one SAW filter, is ensured through cutting-edge digital filtering techniques in combination with a high-performance A/D converter and PLL. As a result of parallel broadcasting of analog and digital television and/or the increased amount of digital broadcasting, adjacent channel performance will gain importance for distortion-free reception.
Progressive channel estimator algorithms provide exceptional performance in multipath and dynamic echo conditions, an especially important feature for single-frequency networks and indoor reception.
A state-of-the-art noise cruncher suppresses disturbances radiated by for example cars, electric motors and household appliances.
An integrated microprocessor performs autonomous detection and operation of all possible DVB-T modes without requiring interaction with the host processor.
Sample quantities for customer analysis of the DRX 3973D, which comes in a small footprint PMQFP64 package, will become available in July 2004. Production quantities are planned for shipment in the fourth quarter of 2004.
Background information
The ongoing European launch of digital terrestrial TV broadcasting services sets new challenges for the receiver front-end compared with reception via satellite or cable networks. Impulsive interference from for instance, light switches, electric motors and car ignition systems are prime culprits. Echoes from multipath reception or single frequency transmitter networks, field strength fluctuations and Doppler effects can also cause picture defects, picture freeze or even sporadic blackouts, especially under weak reception conditions - either due to long distance from the transmitter, use of an indoor antenna or mobile reception.
Micronas developed the fourth generation of COFDM (coded orthogonal frequency division multiplex) demodulator ICs in order to capitalize on the inherent advantages of digital TV broadcast, such as higher channel density, more stable reception and improved picture and sound quality.
