Silicon Tuner offers single-chip solution.
Press Release Summary:
Housed in 32-lead package, STB6000 replaces discrete component tuners in set-top boxes used for receiving digital TV or web-based material via satellite. It has integrated RF processing circuitry and is programmed via 2-wire serial interface. Input frequency range is 950-2,150 MHz, and unit supports symbol frequency rates from 1-45 Msymbols/second. Chip includes integrated local oscillator and phase locked loop, differential I/Q outputs, and buffered XO output.
Original Press Release:
New Single-Chip Silicon Tuner from STMicroelectronics Will Further Reduce the Cost of Satellite TV Connections
Set-Top Box front end is a partner for ST's widely used STV0299 satellite demodulator
Geneva, April 27, 2004 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) announced today a new single-chip silicon tuner, the STB6000, which is designed to replace complex discrete component tuners in Set-Top Boxes (STBs) used for receiving digital TV or web-based material via satellite. Cost savings will be achieved in STB production through the lower component count and simplified printed circuit board design.
ST is the world's largest supplier of silicon chips for set-top boxes1, including satellite, cable and terrestrial services. Price is the overriding factor for consumers in these markets and the new device will help STB manufacturers to further reduce their costs by replacing the discrete tuner circuitry of existing products with a single 32-lead package, requiring minimal supporting components. In addition it will eliminate the need for specialist RF expertise as the RF processing circuitry is integrated onto the chip.
Whilst the tuner is a standalone functional block, it is intended to form part of a co-ordinated chip-set with ST's well established STV0299 multistandard demodulator, which is very widely used in satellite TV applications. Like the STV0299, the STB6000 is programmed through a simple two-wire serial interface.
"By introducing the STB6000 our customers can now use ST silicon products to process the broadcast signal at every stage in satellite STBs," said Armando Caltabiano, General Manager of the Satellite and Terrestrial Business Unit of ST's Set Top Box Division. "The pairing of the STB6000 and STV0299 perfectly complements our range of MPEG decoders and gives us an opportunity to increase our share of the satellite STB front-end market."
The STB6000, which has been developed in co-operation with RFMagic Inc., is suitable for use in satellite STBs throughout the world; it supports the DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting), DIRECTV and VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) protocols. The tuner will be of interest to NIM (Network Interface Module) manufacturers - who supply assembled and set up tuner/demodulator modules to STB producers - as well as to those producers who assemble their own on-board tuners; currently around half of the STBs produced worldwide contain third party modules.
The input frequency range of the new device is 950MHz to 2150MHz, ensuring that it meets the requirements of satellite broadcasters worldwide; it supports symbol frequency rates from 1 to 45 Msymbols/second. The chip includes fully integrated Local Oscillator (LO) and Phase Locked Loop (PLL), differential I/Q outputs, and a buffered XO output for clocking other devices. It has low power consumption, and will assist STB manufacturers in meeting EU power directives.
The STB6000 is available now in production volumes with US pricing at $2.00. A databrief is available on-line at http://st.com/stonline/books/pdf/docs/10258.pdf
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. . In 2003, the Company's net revenues were $7.24 billion and net earnings were $253 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
1 InStat/MDR - MPEG Video IC Market: Larger than Ever - June 2003 (Report number IN030573MI) iSuppli 2001 Consumer Electronics Semiconductors: Market Share and Supplier Analysis
