In response to market needs for low-power digital home entertainment systems, Freescale Semiconductor has developed its first 3.3 V UHF TV RF modulators based on CMOS process technology. Besides offering cost-effective, low-power solutions, the modulators also shorten design-to-market cycles. Over and above, they also reduce system requirements for TV-related applications like DVD/DVDR players, modules and video games, as well as analog, digital and Internet protocol set-top-boxes for satellite, terrestrial or cable television.

The MC44CM373 and MC44CM374 devices meet current system application requirements with low component counts and minimal board space. They combine sound subcarrier and UHF voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) in a single-chip solution, thereby enabling designers to implement the RF output function with ease. The modulators do not require tuned components and have few critical RF paths, contributing to a simple layout and easy integration onto the system board, Freescale said.

The modulators are fully integrated and require no external active components or precision parts and operate between 460 MHz and 880 MHz. They are extremely versatile and easily controlled by the high-speed I²C compatible bus and offer several modes to simplify production testing.

Both parts come in plastic SOIC 16-pin package. An evaluation kit consisting of a board populated with the MC44CM373 CMOS modulator along with test software and user manual is expected to be available.

Two versions of the modulators are available. While MC44CM373 supports international standards, PAL/NTSC/SECAM, MC44CM374 is a PAL/NTSC-only version.

According to Freescale, initial sampling for the modulators will begin in May with production release scheduled for July.

For more information, visit www.freescale.com.