Product category:
Analogue and Mixed Signal ICs
News Release from: Analog Devices | Subject: Blackfin
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 27 September 2006
Satellite receivers sport multiple
Blackfins
Broadcast transmission systems manufacturer X-Digital Systems is using the Blackfin processor in its integrated satellite receiver with FM modulator.
Broadcast transmission systems manufacturer X-Digital Systems is using ADI's Blackfin processor in its integrated satellite receiver with FM modulator Using the Blackfin processor, X-Digital is offering a product that allows satellite operators to stream digital audio to a largely untapped market - multidwelling units (MDUs), such as hotels and apartment complexes
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 26 Mar 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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X-Digital's satellite receiver converts digital satellite signals to FM analogue signals that can be picked up by standard consumer audio receivers.
X-Digital's MSL384 satellite receiver provides streaming digital audio using the ADSP-BF531 Blackfin processor as a high-density MPEG 1 Layer 2 Audio decoder.
Each receiver employs 48 Blackfin processors to decode 384 MPEG 1 Layer 2 Audio streams.
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Because of the high volumes needed for each receiver, X-Digital requires a low-cost yet robust processor.
The Blackfin processor addresses the cost concerns, and its processing power - each processor handles eight MPEG 1 Layer 2 Audio streams - combined with its Visual DSP++ 4.0 kernel make the Blackfin processor an ideal solution for X-Digital.
The MLS384 satellite receiver also uses Analog Devices' high-performance analogue technology.
ADI's AD9726 TxDAC is a 16bit, 400Msample/s transmit digital-to-analogue convertor (DAC) that enables the transmission and modulation of 384 audio channels to a coax network inside a MDU.
Also designed into the MLS384 are ADI's ADT7476A for system monitoring and fan control, the ADT75A digital temperature sensor for thermal monitoring, the ADL5330 VGA for cable line driving, and the AD5601 nanoDAC digital-to-analogue convertor for gain control.
"With the MLS384, X-Digital is taking aim at the MDU audio services market".
"Because each Blackfin enables us to process multiple digital audio signals, X-Digital is able to leverage the MLS384 for the high density and low power needed in the MDU market", said Ian Lerner, President, X-Digital Systems.
"In the past, carriers have lost out on this market because of their inability to provide satellite dish installs to every apartment".
"Analog Devices' Blackfin has helped us bring to market a product that makes it possible to deliver digital audio through a consumer-grade FM receiver using existing COAX cable infrastructure".
"The Blackfin processor is at the centre of delivering audio and video to the evolving digital home".
"Companies like X-Digital are broadening the definition of the digital home by developing new and innovative technologies to deliver digital audio to today's consumer", said John Croteau, General Manager, Convergent Platforms and Services Group, Analog Devices.
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