Over the next several years, forecasts predict that consumers will increasingly embrace satellite radios. To help prepare the radios for such popularity, Silicon Laboratories, Inc. has announced the Si2210 IC. This all-CMOS satellite radio tuner claims to reduce board space and component count by 60% and 70%, respectively. This reduction translates into a significantly lower bill of materials for Satellite Digital Audio Radio Services (SDARS) applications.

The solution houses an RF/IF tuner and the Si2200 RF/IF synthesizer. The Si2200 integrates both RF and IF VCOs, varactors, and loop filters, thereby eliminating the need for external VCO modules. This high level of integration results in ultra low phase and spurious noise while providing a quick settling time.

The Si2210 implements an integrated superheterodyne architecture. As a result, SDARS radio manufacturers should be able to reduce costs while leveraging existing and future baseband-technology platforms. The Si2210 includes a standard SPI digital control interface. It allows the software programmability of satellite radio configurations as well as the continuous monitoring of RF functions.

The product offering features the Si2211 for next-generation baseband processors and the Si2212 for diversity applications. The Si2210-GQ and Si2212-GQ tuners come in a thermally enhanced, 64-pin TQFP. The Si2211-GQ tuner comes packaged in a 48-pin TQFP. The tuner solutions include the Si2200-GM RF/IF synthesizer in a 28-pin QFN. Pricing begins at $8.85 in quantities of 10,000. Complete evaluation boards are available for $150.

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.
4635 Boston Ln., Austin, TX 78735; (512) 416-8500, FAX: (512) 464-9444, www.silabs.com.