Microtune(R), Inc. unveiled a new low-power multi-standard cable tuner engineered to deliver superior performance, extended frequency and power efficiency for next-generation voice and data services. The MT2068 is a complete broadband tuner with integrated first intermediate frequency (IF) filter, low-noise amplifier and fully integrated automatic gain control. It features low phase noise and high linearity–technical parameters that are required to ensure not only minimum distortion in voice applications, but also reliability in high-speed Internet connections. The new MicroTuner™ MT2068 draws less than 900 mWatts of power consumption.

The MT2068 broadband tuner is engineered to offer optimized isolation for better IF rejection which improves immunity to interference in cable networks with severe differences in signal strength across the input frequency band. This ensures premium performance across the entire network spectrum, even in intricate multi-tuner applications. The broadband tuner can be integrated into data modems, VoIP modems, set-top boxes and other power-sensitive cable equipment to deliver digital voice, Internet and multimedia services in all-digital, 1-GHz expanded cable networks. Less than 1/4-inch square, the MT2068 supports multiple specifications (DOCSIS(R) 2.0, EuroDOCSIS(TM) 2.0 and PacketCable(TM)) enabling manufacturers to develop multi-standard, multi-tuner products using one tuner design.

The MicroTuner™ MT2068 is an advanced, low-power single-chip broadband tuner that has been optimized for high-performance cable modems, DVB-C & DSG STB’s and embedded DOCSIS adapters (eDOCSIS) that require low composite distortion and noise under digital cable environments. The MT2068 is packaged into a miniature 6-millimeter square chip that operates with a 3.3-Volt supply. With its high levels of integration, the MT2068 allows for simplified, cost-efficient system design, compact layout and reduced radio frequency (RF) circuit bill of materials (BOM) costs. As an implementation and time-to-market advantage, the MT2068 interfaces directly to standard demodulator chips, eliminating the need for customized products. The tuner supports both DOCSIS(R) 2.0-based VoIP cable modems and PacketCable(TM)-based embedded multimedia terminal adapters (EMTAs). It also handles 8-MHz intermediate frequency (IF) channels and provides improved EuroDOCSIS performance. The MT2068 broadband tuner is capable of receiving frequencies in the 48 MHz to 1.0 GHz range and of converting a selected channel to a standard intermediate frequency (IF) between 30 MHz and 60 MHz.

The MT2068 broadband tuner’s low phase noise makes it ideal for use in digital applications such as video, voice and high-speed data. Its dualconversion architecture, with no requirement for tracking filters, yields the desirable characteristics of traditional cable television tuners: controlled input impedance across the entire input band, low in-band emissions, and outstanding image rejection. The broadband tuner’s low power consumption significantly conserves current and can be effectively used in battery backed-up EMTA’s, multi-tuner DVB-C (MPEG) and DOCSIS (IP Video) STB applications. In addition, the MT2068 broadband tuner provides excellent in-band flatness as well as very repeatable gain characteristics across the complete reception band. With minor bill of material (BOM) changes, the MT2068 is capable of supporting multiple output standards.

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