Single-Chip FM Tuner suits portable computing equipment.

Press Release Summary:



Offered in 5 x 5 mm TFBGA40 chip-scale package, model TDA7701 has adjustment-free design and works with FM radio broadcast standards worldwide. Tuner, programmed and controlled via built-in I2C and SPI buses, features stereo audio and automatic station search. Suited for use in portable entertainment products, chip reduces component count by incorporating 425 kHz IF stage with built-in channel selection filters and VCO with built-in varicaps.



Original Press Release:



STMicroelectronics Announces Tiny One-Chip FM Tuner; Targets Cell Phones, Portable Computers, and Consumer Audio Devices



Features include low-cost, chip scale package, trim-free operation, and high- quality stereo audio

GENEVA, Feb. 24 -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM) today announced the availability of its model TDA7701 single-chip FM tuner for portable entertainment and computing equipment. Offered in an ultracompact chip-scale package, the highly integrated chip features low-voltage, low current operation; low cost; a minimum of required external components; high- quality stereo audio; automatic station search; and an adjustment-free design.

Among the devices that are well served to host the FM tuner are cellular phones, digital music players, personal stereo and CD players, and portable computers. The tuner works with FM radio broadcast standards worldwide, and is programmed and controlled via its built-in I2C and SPI buses.

To meet the challenging electrical requirements of portable operation, the FM tuner operates from a low-voltage, low-current source: 2.4 to 3.2V dc at 12mA. And to conserve space, the chip comes in a 5 by 5mm TFBGA40 chip-scale package having two rows of 300-micron diameter balls on 500-micron centers. The tuner chip further accommodates mobile designs by operating from a range of cell phone clock frequencies.

In addition, the chip cuts the external component count, and therefore cost, by eschewing IF (Intermediate Frequency) filters, ceramic capacitors, and varicaps. These advantages are achieved by the chip's low-frequency 425kHz IF stage sporting built-in channel selection filters and a VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) with built-in varicaps.

Key function blocks integrated into the chip include a phase-locked loop with automatic search function, low-noise amplifier with image rejection mixer, and FM demodulator with adjustment-free decoder. A subsequent version being planned will include an RDS (radio data system) decoder with group and block synchronization.

Among the noteworthy performance specifications of the single-chip tuner are a 60dB maximum S/N (signal-to-noise) ratio, 3dB/microvolt usable sensitivity at 30dB S/N ratio; 40dB selectivity at +/-300kHz, 30dB stereo separation, and 0.5 percent THD (total harmonic distortion).

The TDA7701 single-chip FM tuner sells for $2.50 each in quantities of 1,000, and is available now in production volumes quantities. An evaluation kit, including a hardware platform and software with API (application programming interface) functions and a friendly graphics user interface for demonstration, development, and validation is also available.

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 2004, the Company's net revenues were $8.76 billion and net earnings were $601 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com/ .

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