Compact CATV tuners for digital cable set-top boxes

27 August 2003 Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT

Murata has developed compact digital CATV tuners intended for digital cable set-top boxes (STBs). The product size is as compact as 50 x 41 x 12 mm - approximately 40% of its conventional models - which is achieved by the use of dedicated ICs in the 1st and 2nd mixers and an optimised circuit configuration.

The number of components used in the CAPTU3000 series is reduced to about 30% of that of our conventional tuners. Furthermore, since the series incorporates a diplexer circuit (used for differentiating between upload and download signals in bi-directional data communication.) for bi-directional communication, and a splitter circuit (used for signal distribution to cable modem tuners and sub video tuners) for signal distribution to other tuners, it meets the trend towards STBs with more miniaturisation and diversified functions. It also contributes to a reduction in the space occupied by the front-end, and to simplified circuit design.

Using a low-distortion, low-noise amplifier circuit that takes advantage of Murata's microwave technologies, the design improves the distortion characteristics of the splitter circuit (mutual modulation distortion: 70 dB or less). Therefore, the series reduces image quality deterioration due to signal distribution, thus providing high-resolution images.

The series offers an extensive product lineup, enabling selection of models matching the specifications of various digital cable broadcasts throughout the world. It is also applicable to the terrestrial digital broadcasts of North America.

The digital cable STB market anticipates the spread of highly functional models that will provide two-way communication via the Internet, plus hard disk recording in addition to the conventional TV reception. Designs of more compact STBs, with multifunctional models incorporating several tuners (main video + sub video + cable modem), are being developed.

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