New Si484x Multi-Band Receivers Boost RF Performance, Reduce BOM and
Manufacturing Costs for Radios
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Silicon
Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ: SLAB), a leader in high-performance,
analog-intensive, mixed-signal ICs, today introduced a multi-band radio
receiver IC solution that will modernize wheel-tuned radio products with
digital displays. Based on a patented low-IF digital architecture, the
Si484x receivers offer unmatched integration in CMOS, reducing radio
component count by more than 70 percent. The new receivers dramatically
shrink bill-of-materials (BOM) and PCB area requirements in applications
such as tabletop and portable radios, stereos, mini/micro systems, boom
boxes, clock radios, docking stations, radio toys or any consumer
electronics product containing a digital-display radio tuned by a
mechanical wheel.
Silicon Labs' Si484x receivers solve a critical design challenge for the
40-million-unit-per-year wheel-tuned, digital-display radio market.
Competitive solutions use frequency counter ICs to approximate the tuned
frequency of traditional analog ICs. With this approach, the actual
tuned frequency could be significantly different from the displayed
frequency, leading to a frustrating tuning experience for radio users.
The Si484x family addresses these challenges by providing precise
mechanical tuning that enables radio users to hear the exact channel
that is being displayed.
The Si484x receivers deliver unsurpassed RF performance in the worldwide
AM/FM/SW bands, as well as audio features that are unmatched by
competing radio ICs. The Si484x receivers' automatically tuned RF
front-end circuitry adjusts to reject noise and amplify the target
signal for exceptional sensitivity in weak signal conditions. In crowded
broadcast environments, the RF front-end automatically attenuates
undesired blockers and receives the audio signals on the desired channel
with exceptional signal quality. The receivers provide advanced audio
conditioning for all signal environments, removing pops, clicks and loud
static in variable signal conditions. The Si484x ICs also enable display
indicators for valid stations, mono/stereo signals and tuned frequency.
Additional unique audio features include digital volume control, soft
mute and bass/treble audio control.
"Radio designs based on the new Si484x receivers require no manually
tuned components, enabling radio makers to eliminate costly manual
placement, testing and tuning in their manufacturing lines, thereby
reducing labor cost while improving capacity, yield and time to market,"
said Diwakar Vishakhadatta, general manager of Silicon Labs' broadcast
audio products. "Silicon Labs' Si484x receivers provide radio makers
with a highly integrated multi-band receiver solution with unprecedented
flexibility, simplifying design and manufacturing for a broad range of
wheel-tuned, digital-display radio products."
Pricing and Availability
The Si484x multi-band receivers are available in a compact 24-pin SSOP
package, enabling cost-efficient, single-sided PCB designs and easy
handling in manufacturing lines. Samples and production quantities of
the Si484x radio ICs are available now. The Si4840 AM/FM radio IC is
priced at $1.81 (USD), and the Si4844 AM/FM/SW radio IC is priced at
$1.96 (USD), both in 10,000-unit quantities. To ease radio system
design, Silicon Labs offers the Si4840-DEMO and Si4844-DEMO evaluation
kits, each priced at $50.00 (USD MSRP). For more information about
Silicon Labs' Si484x wheel-tuned, digital-display radio ICs and to
purchase samples and development tools, please visit www.silabs.com/pr/radio-receiver.
Silicon Laboratories Inc.
Silicon Laboratories is an industry leader in the innovation of
high-performance, analog-intensive, mixed-signal ICs. Developed by a
world-class engineering team with unsurpassed expertise in mixed-signal
design, Silicon Labs' diverse portfolio of patented semiconductor
solutions offers customers significant advantages in performance, size
and power consumption. For more information about Silicon Labs, please
visit www.silabs.com.
Cautionary Language
This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on
Silicon Laboratories' current expectations. These forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important
factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in
the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of factors that could
impact Silicon Laboratories' financial results and cause actual results
to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements,
please refer to Silicon Laboratories' filings with the SEC. Silicon
Laboratories disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise
any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.
Note to editors: Silicon Laboratories, Silicon Labs, the "S" symbol, the
Silicon Laboratories logo and the Silicon Labs logo are trademarks of
Silicon Laboratories Inc. All other product names noted herein may be
trademarks of their respective holders.
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Silicon Laboratories Inc.
Dale Weisman, +1-512-532-5871
dale.weisman@silabs.com
Source: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
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