The MAX2120 low-cost, direct-conversion tuner IC is
designed for satellite set-top and VSAT applications.
The IC is intended for QPSK, Digital Video Broadcast
(DVB-S), DSS, and free-to-air applications.
The MAX2120 directly converts the satellite signals
from the LNB to baseband using a broadband I/Q
downconverter. The operating frequency range extends
from 925MHz to 2175MHz.
The device includes an LNA and an RF variable-gain
amplifier, I and Q downconverting mixers, and baseband
lowpass filters with programmable cutoff frequency
control and digitally controlled baseband variable-gain
amplifiers. Together, the RF and baseband variable-gain
amplifiers provide more than 80dB of gain-control range.
The IC is compatible with virtually all QPSK demodulators.
The MAX2120 includes fully monolithic VCOs, as well as
a complete frequency synthesizer. Additionally, an onchip
crystal oscillator is provided along with a buffered
output for driving additional tuners and demodulators.
Synthesizer programming and device configuration are
accomplished with a 2-wire serial interface. The IC features
a VCO autoselect (VAS) function that automatically
selects the proper VCO. For multituner applications, the
device can be configured to have one of two 2-wire
interface addresses. A low-power standby mode is
available whereupon the signal path is shut down while
leaving the reference oscillator, digital interface, and
buffer circuits active, providing a method to reduce
power in single and multituner applications.
The MAX2120 is the most advanced DBS tuner available
today. The low noise figure eliminates the need for an
external LNA. A small number of passive components are
needed to form a complete DVB, DBS, or VSAT RF frontend
solution. The tuner is available in a very small 28-pin
thin QFN package.
Applications
DirecTV and Dish Network DBS
DVB-S
Two-Way Satellite Systems
VSATs
Free-to-Air