Broadband amp aids in-car TV diversity reception

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Nov 14, 2002

Delphi Corp's Fuba Automotive subsidiary is to use Microtune's MT1110 broadband amplifier in its redesigned Gen ll TV diversity reception system.

Delphi Corp's Fuba Automotive subsidiary is to use Microtune's MT1110 broadband amplifier in its redesigned Gen ll TV diversity reception system.

The MT1110 amplifier, ruggedised for automotive applications, enables improved video reception quality in Delphi/Fuba's mobile TV/multimedia system.

It delivers robust, cost-effective amplifier performance, while providing for seamless integration in and interfacing to Delphi/Fuba's existing Gen II platform architecture.

The MT1110 will debut this year in Gen ll TV diversity reception systems slated for two European models, with future migration planned for the US market.

"This MT1110 design win marks a significant milestone for Microtune and for our expanded efforts in the transportation electronics market", said Douglas J Bartek, Chairman and CEO of Microtune.

"First, it extends the successful Delphi/Fuba collaboration that was announced last year when we teamed to develop a compact, high-performance TV tuner for Fuba's innovative mobile TV reception system.

Second, the MT1110 represents the first design-in of a Microtune RF silicon amplifier component into a vehicle application, demonstrating the flexibility of our RF integrated circuits to support multiple markets.

In the process, we provide customers like Delphi/Fuba significant competitive advantage".

With its Gen ll TV diversity reception system, Fuba integrates four in-glass antennas and its ScanDiv technology with multiple Microtune MT1110 amplifiers and MT5102 in-car TV tuners into a receiver subsystem.

This multiple-antenna, multiple-tuner configuration automatically switches to the best video antenna and signal path, helping avoid signal disturbances in the mobile environment and enabling superior colour TV reception.

The MT1110 is designed for applications that require excellent linearity and low noise.

With extremely low distortion, 75ohm matched I/O impedances, and 5V operation, the MT1110 conditions the RF signal received from multiple antennas and boosts it for distribution across the multiple tuners.

Developed in a cost-effective silicon germanium process, the MT1110 delivers superior price/performance compared with alternative solutions.

The Fuba Gen II TV diversity receiver system is designed to support international television standards, including Pal, NTSC and Secam.

With the Microtune tuners and MT1110 amplifiers, it provides a versatile platform that can deliver a variety of TV formats today, while evolving to future telematics, wireless Internet and digital broadband services.