Down convertor cuts LNBs down to size

First silicon-based solution designed for use in the low-noise block of digital video broadcasting satellite receivers.

NXP is introducing the industry's first fully integrated down convertor for Ku-band digital video broadcasting satellite low noise blocks (LNBs).

Manufactured using NXP's advanced SiGe BiCMOS process, QUBiC4G, this highly integrated IC offers customers the first silicon solution designed for use in the LNB of digital video broadcasting satellite (DVB-S) receivers, which are typically used by commercial satellite television operators and television networks for remote broadcasting.

This fully RF tested IC, the TFF1004HN, is far more cost effective than current discrete solutions using GaAs components and dielectric resonator oscillators (DROs).

NXP's TFF1004HN also provides customers increased stability and reliability.

Developed in co-operation with Andrew Corporation, and now ready for implementation in that company's satellite LNB, the TFF1004HN is already demonstrating its value to leaders in the advanced satellite communications market.

"The introduction of the TFF1004HN is a major milestone in satellite receiver technology", says Ron Schiltmans, Engineering Manager, Andrew Corp.

"Over the past years, we've worked closely with NXP during the definition and development of the TFF1004HN.

NXP's new highly integrated IC offers the benefits of stability and reliability that discrete solutions can not offer, while simultaneously maintaining a low total cost of ownership".

"Manufactured using NXP's advanced QUBiC4G process, the TFF1004HN eliminates the need for manual local oscillator alignment, saving time, effort and expense", says Niels Kramer, Programme Manager Satellite ICs, NXP Semiconductors.

As part of NXP's complete low noise block (LNB) chipset, customers will benefit from significant savings in total cost of ownership and guaranteed stability of the local oscillator.

In addition, the chip is housed in a small HVQFN24 package that measures only 4 x 4 x 0.85mm, allowing for the smallest total LNB footprint when used as part of the complete NXP LNB solution.

Supporting RF input frequencies between 10.7 and 12.7GHz, and using a selectable LO operating at 9.75 or 10.6GHz, the TFF1004HN complies with Asian and European standards.

Development of a US-compliant TFF1004HN is in progress.

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