MaxLinear ISDB-T 1-Seg diversity tuner improves mobile TV reception without external antenna

CARLSBAD, USA: MaxLinear Inc., a leading provider of integrated radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal integrated circuits for broadband communication applications, today announced the MxL751SM, its high performance single-chip diversity tuner and ISDB-T 1-Segment (1-Seg) demodulator for mobile and portable TV applications.

Most mobile TV designs have an external whip antenna to improve reception in dense urban or high-speed environments due to multipath reflections, coverage gaps and doppler effects. These external antennas are expensive, break easily, and prevent waterproofing the handset. Manufacturers have also tried to utilize a single internal antenna, but the loss of sensitivity within the device has required costly, highly complicated design workarounds.

With dual RF inputs, a diversity combiner, and 1-Seg demodulator, the MxL751SM is designed to deliver the sensitivity required to meet these challenges. Now, these portable designs can achieve improved reception using less sensitive and more cost effective dual internal antennas, which reduces system costs and failure rates.

Dynamic switching between diversity and single channel modes is built into the device and all channel filtering is integrated along with providing digital carrier and timing recovery.

Measuring only 3.5mm x 3.5mm in a 44-pin WLCSP package, the MxL751SM features low power consumption through its smart diversity switching, consuming as little as 50mW. The MxL751SM supports a tuning range of 470 MHz to 806 MHz, making it appropriate for mobile devices targeted at Japanese and South American markets, including handsets, portable video devices, personal navigation devices, handheld gaming consoles and netbooks.

The MxL751SM builds on MaxLinear’s MxL7002 and MxL703 tuners, and is the company’s first mobile TV SoC to include an integrated demodulator.

The MxL751SM will be available for sampling by key customers in the fourth quarter of 2009. Contact MaxLinear for ordering information.