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Anadigics Inc of Warren, NJ, USA has launched three new active splitters for use in CATV set-top boxes with multiple tuners. The APS3608, APS3611 and APS3623 all incorporate highly linear, low-noise amplifiers to drive multiple output paths, each providing a very low distortion connection to either an analog or digital video tuner.

“These products are integral to RF front-end solutions, including those that support MoCA [Multimedia over Coax Alliance] functionality,” says Ron Michels, senior VP and general manager of Anadigics’ Broadband Business. MoCA allows consumers to tap into unused bandwidth available through existing in-home coaxial wiring. “This extra bandwidth enables the seamless networking of multiple entertainment devices,” he adds.

APS3608 is a three-way active splitter with differential inputs and outputs and integrated gain control. Typical noise figure at 5.5dB gain is 5dB. The three output paths can be controlled individually, with each providing 29dB of gain control range. The gain profile is flat over the 50-1100MHz operating frequency band. The device delivers second- and third-order distortion performance with CTB/CSO of -70dBc (typical), and cross modulation (XMOD) of -67dBc (typical).

The APS3611 is a two-way active splitter with single-ended inputs and outputs that operates to 870MHz, and has a frequency/gain profile designed to compensate for in-band attenuation caused by MoCA line filters. The device has a low noise figure of 5dB, a fixed gain of 3dB, and a current adjust pin for optimizing distortion performance. Intermodulation distortion performance is similar to the APS3608, with a CTB of -74dBc, CSO of -67dBc, and XMOD of -66dBc.

The highly linear, low-noise APS3623 is a three-way active splitter with single-ended inputs and outputs, optimized for compatibility with MoCA bands over 1GHz, and supporting both analog and digital channel line-ups. With a CTB of -77dBc and a CSO of -65dBc, linearity/distortion performance device is best in class, the firm claims.

Both the APS3611 and APS3623 were designed for MoCA-enabled set-top boxes, but also support multiple-tuner TV, TV tuner card and broadband media center applications.

The APS3608, APS3611 and APS3623 are available at price of $3.54, $2.02 and $2.29, respectively, in quantities of 5000 units.

*Anadigics has also launched the AIT1032, a fully integrated 1GHz tuner that enables crystal-clear video in CATV set-top boxes, DVRs, PC TV tuner cards, and other tuner-on-board applications.

Incorporating the upconverter, downconverter, VCO, synthesizer, RF and IF amplifier, and RF and IF gain control functions into a single 7mm x 7mm x 1mm 48-pin surface mount package, the device provides the low noise and low distortion performance required for video in CATV systems that combine digital and analog channel lineups together using a densely loaded spectrum.

“AIT1032 is a complete RF tuner solution which employs such a high degree of integration that it significantly reduces the amount of external circuitry required, while at the same time providing a robust, high-performance solution that minimizes sensitivity to board layout variations,” says Michels. “As the industry moves toward a fully digital video delivery, the performance of this double conversion tuner will enable set-top box designers to make the transition from analog to digital architectures without dramatically changing their product designs.”

The AIT1032 provides two 45MHz IF outputs: one for analog signals and one for digital signals. The digital output offers 78dB (typical) conversion gain, with an adjustable IF amplifier stage having 45dB of gain control range. The analog output provides 65dB conversion gain via a fixed IF output amplifier. The single RF input contains a low-noise amplifier with 35dB of gain control range. On-chip oscillator tank circuits that reduce component count and eliminate post-assembly manual adjustment. The AIT1032 is optimized to avoid interference in MoCA-enabled applications.

The AIT1032 operates from a single +5V supply and is available with a full reference design. Pricing is $4.31 in quantities of 5000 units.

See related item:

Anadigics launches linear PAs for CATV set-top boxes and distribution systems

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