1998-01-15 , E/IC-845/650

Philips Semiconductors today introduced the  TDA8060, the world's first 'Zero-IF' QPSK down-converter IC for digital satellite broadcast receivers. This important new IC is a major technological breakthrough in satellite receiver design, completely removing any need for intermediate frequency (IF) stages. By directly processing the output signal from the satellite dish, and therefore eliminating the added cost and complexity of a satellite frequency mixer-oscillator, band pass filter and IF amplifier, the TDA8060 allows receivers for DVB and DBS broadcast systems world-wide to be implemented with only three low- cost integrated circuits instead of the five or more ICs that are currently being used.

"In terms of reduced manufacturing costs, the TDA8060 not only reduces the component count of set-top boxes," said product marketing manager Philippe Hermant, "it also eliminates all the circuit alignment problems associated with IF stages." "The overall saving in manufacturing costs can be as high as 30%," he added.

In addition to reducing equipment size and cost, the TDA8060's unique Zero-IF feature provides set-top boxes with a number of significant performance advantages. Because there are no intermediate frequencies involved, there is no possibility of these frequencies interfering with other signals in the receiver. This results in a reduction in the number of errors that occur in the MPEG digital video and audio information extracted from the broadcast signal, particularly under poor signal conditions. The benefit for the viewer is better picture and sound quality.

The absence of IF signals in a TDA8060-based receiver also makes it easier for set-top box manufacturers to meet the stringent EMC requirements that apply in many parts of the world. IF frequencies are a common source of radiated interference that can adversely affect nearby equipment such as telephones, radios and TV sets, requiring conventional receivers to incorporate 'tin-box' screening around their IF stages. The Zero-IF TDA8060 simplifies screening requirements considerably, further reducing manufacturing cost and complexity.

The TDA8060 covers all the frequency bands in use throughout the world for both digital video broadcasting and direct broadcast satellite systems, allowing manufacturers to produce a single printed circuit board design that can be customized to any of the existing digital satellite broadcast standards. It is also compatible with the SMA-TV standard that is currently emerging in the USA.

Fabricated in the company's advanced QUBIC BiCMOS process, the TDA8060 is a major breakthrough in the extension of Zero-IF principles to RF frequencies in the 950 MHz to 2200 MHz range. It is yet another example of Philips Semiconductors' leadership in RF tuner design for the emerging digital broadcast revolution.

The TDA8060 is supplied in a space-saving 24-lead SSOP surface-mount package and costs in the region of US$ 2 in high volume. It is manufactured in Philips Semiconductors' facility in Caen, France, where it was also designed.

Philips Semiconductors, a division of Philips Electronics NV, headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, is the ninth largest semiconductor supplier in the world and the fourth largest supplier of discretes in the world. Philips Semiconductors' innovations in digital audio, video, and mobile technology position the company as a leader in the consumer, multimedia and wireless communications markets. Sales offices are located in all major markets around the world and are supported by systems labs.