Product category:
Analogue and Mixed Signal ICs
News Release from: Analog Devices | Subject: ADA4302-4
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 29 October 2004
RF splitter enables multichannel set-top
boxes
A new active RF splitter delivers low noise and distortion in the smallest footprint for simultaneous TV viewing, recording, Internet access and picture-in-picture.
Analog Devices has developed an active RF splitter IC that uses innovative four-way signal-splitting technology to resolve design challenges in multituner cable set-top boxes (STBs) and advanced televisions that need to simultaneously deliver video or data content to multiple applications, enabling features such as picture-in-picture capability and personal video recording By dividing an input into four outputs without degrading the signal quality, the device enables the lowest noise and distortion, while reducing design work and overall system cost
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 14 Sep 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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The lower noise and distortion levels allow systems to be sensitive to smaller signals, resulting in fewer signal interruptions and clearer pictures.
Unlike some existing solutions that require 20% more components to split the signal and amplify power while maintaining signal integrity, the ADA4302-4 active RF splitter offers these functions with a 2dB lower noise figure and 16dB better CSO (composite second order distortion), all within a compact (4 x 4mm), single-chip solution.
"For cable set-top box manufacturers to achieve functionality beyond just receiving and decoding digital broadcast signals, RF system designers require advanced signal splitting technology", said Curt Ventola, Product Line Director, Analog Devices.
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"For example, an STB equipped with Analog Devices' ADA4302-4 can receive one incoming signal and divide and deliver it to four tuners, or three tuners and a cable modem, enabling a consumer to simultaneously view one televised program, set a digital video recorder for recording another program, use a cable modem to access the Internet, and run picture-in-picture settings".
Today, manufacturers of STBs use multiple tuners to provide program viewing with simultaneous recording and cable modem operation.
The advent of multi-tuner applications, combined with the growing consumer demand for digital cable and interactive voice and data services, is driving the need for components that split a signal into multiple outputs while maintaining signal integrity and amplifying signal power.
"An estimated 70% of all North American households currently subscribe to cable television services", said Vamsi Sistla, Director of Broadband Research for ABI Research, an industry analyst firm.
"The convergence of STB and computing technologies is creating opportunities for smaller manufacturers to gain ground and as such, advances in component-level technology are becoming increasingly important".
"Enhanced functionality will not only drive innovation, but will also help manufacturers further differentiate themselves through advanced features or low price".
STB manufacturers depend on analogue components to meet distortion and noise requirements and ensure that signals are received and processed properly.
The ADA4302-4 active RF 1:4 splitter receives one incoming analogue or digital video signal, boosts its strength by 4.5dB, divides it into four differential outputs, and delivers each to a separate tuner or modem without degrading the signal quality.
The ADA4302-4 can also be configured for applications that require fewer than four outputs.
Within an RF system, as the part splits a signal it strikes a unique balance between two fundamental performance tradeoffs - voltage noise and harmonic distortion - to maintain linearity.
It receives downstream video channels and has a noise figure of only 4.5dB.
The device also sustains signal integrity by maintaining a CTB (composite triple beat) better than 70dBc and a CSO better than 80dBc.
The ADA4302-4 is fabricated on Analog Devices' advanced SiGe (silicon germanium) complementary bipolar process.
It also complements other Analog Devices products used in the STB signal chain, including upstream cable amplifiers (such as the AD8324) and MxFE (mixed-signal front-end) devices (such as the AD9877, AD9878 and AD9879).
Analog Devices' active splitter is suitable for use in STB and other advanced television systems such as HDTV, as well as STV (standard definition television) display formats.
It also can be integrated into televisions with built-in digital tuners and can be used in graphics and PC TV tuner cards.
The ADA4302-4 is available in a tiny 4 x 4mm LFCSP (lead frame chip-scale package), priced at $2.60 per unit in 1000-piece quantities.
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