Dual-Mode VHF-to-UHF LNA is designed for portable systems.

Press Release Summary:



Supplied in 6-pin CST package, TA4029CTC low noise amplifier (LNA) promotes performance optimization in portable systems equipped with built-in TV tuner. Pass-through mode allows strong signals to bypass LNA to prevent degradation of received signal quality, while LNA mode amplifies weak signals to improve reception sensitivity. Another feature, LNA shutdown capability, reduces power consumption by shutting down LNA in pass-through mode.



Original Press Release:



Toshiba Adds VHF-to-UHF Dual-Mode Low Noise Amplifier for Portable Systems with Built-In TV Tuners



LNA for Portable Systems Amplifies Weak Signals to Improve Reception Sensitivity While Pass-Through Mode Allows Strong Signals to Bypass Amplifier

IRVINE, Calif., March 24 -- Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC)*, a committed leader that collaborates with technology companies to create breakthrough designs, today announced a VHF-to-UHF dual- mode RF amplifier IC for use with portable systems with a built in TV tuner, such as mobile phones, handheld game consoles, portable audio players, radios, portable DVD players, automotive televisions and TV antennas, and PCs with a TV tuner or PC capture boards. The Toshiba TA4029CTC low noise amplifier (LNA) supports two modes: a pass-through mode that allows strong signals to bypass the LNA to prevent the degradation of the received signal quality, and LNA mode that amplifies weak signals to improve reception sensitivity. This dual mode helps widen the dynamic range of reception sensitivity.

Radio receiving conditions change continually on portables and automotive systems, so an LNA is typically used to obtain better images from very weak signals. However, this can cause the received signal to become too strong near a transmitting station, and as a result, the strong signals amplified by an LNA become distorted, degrading reception quality. To address this issue, the TA4029CTC acts as a closed switch for a strong signal, passing the signal through without amplification. The device also includes LNA shutdown capability, which reduces power consumption by shutting down the LNA in pass- through mode.

The TA4029CTC supports mode switching with a logic IC, and can be directly driven by a demodulator IC. This IC accepts a wide supply voltage of 2.3V to 3.3V to match the supply voltage of the RF tuner and demodulator ICs. The supply current is also adjustable with an external resistor, independent of the power supply voltage.

The TA4029CTC is packaged in a Toshiba's 6-pin CST package, a chip scale series developed to support the need for smaller and thinner packages in mobile handsets.

Pricing and Availability

Samples of the Toshiba TA4029CTC VHF-to-UHF dual mode low noise amplifier are available now, priced at $0.50 each in sample quantities.
  Electrical Characteristics  (Ta = 25 degrees C)

Characteristics Symbol Test Conditions Min. Typ. Max. Unit
LNA ON Mode
Mode Control Voltage V(M) -- 0 -- 0.5 V
Current Consumption Icc(1) V(M) = 0 V -- 4 6 mA
Power Gain Gain(1) V(M) = 0 V, 8 13 -- dB
Z(S) = ZI =
50 ohms,
f = 1GHz
Noise Figure NF(1) V(M) = 0 V, -- 1.2 1.6 dB
Z(S) = ZI =
50 ohms,
f = 1GHz
Input IP3 IIP3 V(M) = 0 V, -- -5 -- dBmW
Z(S) = ZI =
50 ohms,
f = 1GHz,
Pin = 30
dBmW,
delta f = 1MHz
LNA OFF Mode (Pass-Through Mode)
Mode Control Voltage V(M) -- 1.5 -- 3.3 V
Circuit Current Icc(2) V(M) = 2.5 -- -- 3 uA
Power Gain Gain(2) V(M) = 2.5 V, -2 dB
Z(S) = ZI
= 50 ohms,
f = 1GHz

Toshiba's Discrete Products

Since 1986, Toshiba Corp. has ranked as the top discrete supplier on a worldwide basis, based on annual revenue from international shipments of total discrete products. According to the most recent annual report from market research firm Gartner Dataquest (San Jose, CA), Toshiba remained the top discrete semiconductor supplier. (Source: "2006 Worldwide Semiconductor Market Share Report," Gartner, released April 2007). More specifically, Toshiba is a leading supplier in a number of discrete product categories, including power transistors, rectifiers and thyristors, LMOS logic, CMOS logic, optoelectronics, small signal diodes and transistors. The company's discrete devices are designed to meet the growing demand for high-performance and lower voltages in today's wireless telecommunications and consumer electronics applications, while emphasizing its strength in the automotive and industrial markets.

*About TAEC

Through proven commitment, lasting relationships and advanced, reliable electronic components, Toshiba enables its customers to create market-leading designs. Toshiba is the heartbeat within product breakthroughs from OEMs, ODMs, CMs, distributions and fabless chip companies worldwide. A committed electronic components leader, Toshiba designs and manufactures high-quality flash memory-based storage solutions, discrete devices, displays, advanced materials, medical tubes, custom SoCs/ASICs, digital multimedia and imaging products, microcontrollers and wireless components that make possible today's leading cell phones, MP3 players, cameras, medical devices, automotive electronics and more.

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, Japan's largest semiconductor manufacturer and the world's fourth largest semiconductor manufacturer (iSuppli, World's Top Semiconductor Supplier Rankings in 2006). For additional company and product information, please visit http://www.toshiba.com/taec/.

Information in this press release, including product pricing and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current and believed to be accurate on the date of the announcement, but is subject to change without prior notice. Technical and application information contained here is subject to the most recent applicable Toshiba product specifications. In developing designs, please ensure that Toshiba products are used within specified operating ranges as set forth in the most recent Toshiba product specifications and the information set forth in Toshiba's "Handling Guide for Semiconductor Devices," or "Toshiba Semiconductor Reliability Handbook." This information is available at www.chips.toshiba.com, or from your TAEC representative.

Reader inquiries: Tech.Questions@taec.toshiba.com.

Photos and application circuit example available for download at http://www.toshiba.com/taec/news/press_releases/2008/mwrf_08_520.jsp

See Us at CTIA Wireless 2008, North Hall, Booth 5065

CONTACT: Agency, Jan Johnson of MultiPath Communications, +1-714-633-4008, jan@multipathcom.com; or Company, Poloi Lin of Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc., +1-949-623-3098, poloi.lin@taec.toshiba.com; or Reader inquiries: Tech.Questions@taec.toshiba.com

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