ST unveils next generation ICs for set top boxes
STMicroelectronics has unveiled two 'next generation' demodulator/decoder ICs, designed to enable tv operators and equipment vendors to satisfy growing end user demands for differentiated services.
According to the company, the STi7162 and STi5262 allow sd and hd equipment to share the same pcb design and leverage software developed for earlier product generations. Targeting free to air, cable and terrestrial STBs, as well as hybrid products with added support for IPTV, each device combines the STB decoder with DVB-C cable and DVB-T terrestrial demodulators, plus optional Ethernet support.
Both devices are said to have identical pin assignments, allowing manufacturers to save the costs of developing a separate pcb for sd and hd products. Each chip has also been designed to simplify pcb design and reduce build costs, as the pin assignments allow a two layer board instead of a multi layer board.
