STMicroelectronics Releases STi5197, STi5189 Single-Chip STB ICs
March 27, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
STMicroelectronics (ST) introduced STi5197 for cable and STi5189 for satellite, both single-chip set-top box (STB) integrated circuits (ICs).
The STi5197 for cable STBs and STi5189 for satellite STBs share a common architecture and are software compatible for products such as basic zappers, interactive and DVR-capable STBs and hybrid STBs.
The STi5197 includes a quadrature amplitude modulation demodulator and the STi5189 includes a quadrature phase-shift keying demodulator; both products have a common architecture for Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG)-2 audio/video-decoding and application-processing functions.
The common architecture is designed to save product development time, lower bill-of-material costs and simplify PC-board design, according to ST.
Each device supports relevant cable or satellite broadcast standards. The STi5197 supports digital video broadcasting-cable (DVB-C) including Telecommunication Standardization Sector J83 Annexes A/B/C and Transport Stream Multiplex Frame.
The STi5189 supports DVB-S for satellite. All industry-standard middleware and browsers are also supported, experts said.
Both ICs support conditional-access security schemes, with integrated DVB, Data Encryption Standard, Multi2 and integrated conditional access module descramblers, as well as a built-in smart card interface, which will help broaden markets for pay-TV services, according to ST.
Additional features for both devices include an interface to off-chip flash memory, enabling support for a personal video recorder-type time-shift feature without requiring a hard disk drive.
The universal serial bus (USB) interface provided is ideal for general connectivity including implementing DVR-enabled STBs.
An Ethernet interface is also integrated enabling manufacturers to build hybrid STBs on the same platform. There is also an integrated audio subsystem providing digital and analog outputs and supporting MP3 and Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding.
Software compatibility between the STi5197 and STi5189 streamlines development of either cable or satellite products, according to ST.
Source: STMicroelectronics.