Motorola Unveils new VHF/UHF Integrated Modulator ICs; One Chip Solution Offers Low Voltage and VHF/UHF Booster/Splitter for Television-Related Applications

Business Wire, Sept 25, 2000

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

TOULOUSE, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 25, 2000

A more elegant solution is now available for designers seeking low voltage and VHF/UHF booster/splitter functions thanks to two new modulator ICs introduced by Motorola Inc. (NYSE:MOT) today. The MC44BC373 and MC44BC374 -- that integrate the antenna Booster/Splitter functions with the traditional VHF/UHF Multi-Channel Modulator function, combine all sound subcarrier and VHF/UHF VCOS (Voltage Controlled Oscillators) on a single chip. This DigitalDNA(TM) solution will assist Motorola's customers in shortening design-time on television-related applications.

These chips allow for lower power consumption and are designed for applications that range from video cassette recorders (VCR), analog and digital set-top-boxes (STB) for satellite, terrestrial or cable television, to DVD players and video games.

"With these devices, there is no longer a need for external varactor diodes or coils. In addition, they solve the sensitivity problems related to bonding wire and PCB stray capacitances and inductances," states Don Bosco Grant, video front-end operations manager of Motorola's Entertainment Division's Center of Excellence for High Frequency TV Tuner products. "Potential customers no longer require the High Frequency skills that were once necessary for this type of system implementation. Now, all this functionality is encapsulated in a single chip."

The very small number of external components required makes it possible to implement a complete modulator module on the main VCR or STB chassis, or to dramatically reduce tuner module size. Design of the module is greatly simplified, as well as the manufacturing flow since the remaining external components do not require any alignment, adjustment or matching.

The use of the advanced BiCMOS(TM) technology in these ICs not only provides excellent RF performance but also reduces the power consumption by a factor of two for both the Modulator and Antenna Splitter sections. In addition, it eliminates the need for a 33V supply since everything functions from 5V.

There are two versions of the ICs:

MC44BC373DTB is the multistandard version (PAL/NTSC/SECAM).

MC44BC374DTB is the PAL/NTSC version.

Both devices are offered in the space-saving TSSOP24 package. Suggested resale pricing for 10K units of the MC44BC373DTB is expected to be $2.00, while 10K suggested resale for the MC44BC374DTB should be $1.68. A complete development kit with a populated application board, 10 samples, software, connectors, PC interface and user manual is available (MC44BC373EVK) with a suggested resale of $600.00.

The modulator section is extremely versatile and fully controlled by a high speed I(2)C compatible bus, offering several test modes for easier production. In the multistandard version, it corresponds to all worldwide standards by operating on channels 21 to 69 in the PAL, NTSC and SECAM standards, while the sound subcarrier is selectable to 4.5, 5.5, 6.0 and 6.5 MHz, plus the ability to function in the VHF range by selectable internal divider ratios.

Extended functions, enhancements to the very successful MC44353/4/5 family that exists today, include Logic Output Port (2mA that can be used, for instance, to drive an attenuator), internal VCOs, improved attenuation with Output Inhibit, Second Sound subcarrier Input (Stereo or NICAM) plus a Power-On Default Mode for CH36(B/G) without the need for I2C bus programmation.

The antenna booster and splitter section operates from 40 to 860 MHz and provides exceptional gain flatness and isolation performance. The inputs from the antenna and the modulator section are added internally to feed the TV output.

This product range, MC44BC373, MC44BC374 and MC44BC380, is complete with an integrated antenna booster and splitter in SOIC8 package, the MC44BC380D, which can be used with less advanced modulator ICs or in applications such as picture-in-picture television sets where a modulator function is not required. A development kit, MC44BC380EVK, is also available for this part. Suggested resale for 10K units of the MC44BC380D is targeted for $.65, and the development kit has a suggested resale of $300.00.

All three products are now available in sampling quantities. The MC44BC380D is already in production, and the MC44BC373DTB and MC44BC374DTB is expected to be available in volume production quantities during the fourth quarter of 2000.

About Motorola

As the world's No.1 producer of embedded processors, Motorola's Semiconductor Products Sector offers multiple DigitalDNA technologies which enable its customers to create "smart" products and new business opportunities in the networking and computing, wireless communications, transportation and imaging and entertainment markets. Motorola's worldwide semiconductor sales were $7.4 billion (USD) in 1999.

http://www.motorola.com/semiconductors

Motorola Inc. (NYSE:MOT) is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 1999 were $33.1 billion.