Demodulator/decoder two-in-one set-top box chip [STMicroelectronics (ST)]

China, January 27, 2011 - STMicroelectronics (STMicroelectronics, NYSE code STM), a leading global set-top box (STB) chip supplier, has further expanded its high-performance and price-competitive set-top box product strategy with the launch of two new standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) set-top box system-level chips. The new products enable SD and HD set-top boxes to use the same printed circuit board (PCB) design and allow device manufacturers to use software developed for previous generation products.

"With these two next-generation demodulator/decoder combos, ST is enabling TV operators and equipment manufacturers to meet the growing demand for differentiated services and competitive pricing from end-users," said Eric Jumelet, Vice President of Operations, Home Video Division, STMicroelectronics.

The STi7162 high-definition set-top box chip and the STi5262 standard-definition set-top box chip are based on the widely used STi7167 and STi5267, respectively. Target applications include free TV, cable TV and terrestrial broadcast TV set-top boxes and multi-mode set-top boxes that can support IPTV. Each product integrates DVB-C cable TV and DVB-T terrestrial broadcast TV demodulators in the set-top box decoder and provides Ethernet support options. Each device can support designers to develop cost-optimized set-top boxes with built-in security functions.

The pinouts of the STi7162 and STi5262 are exactly the same, eliminating the need for equipment manufacturers to develop separate printed circuit boards for HD and SD products. Each chip also simplifies printed circuit board design and reduces manufacturing costs, because the pinouts of the two products can replace complex and expensive multi-layer boards with a simple two-layer printed circuit board. In addition, the software of the new products is compatible with the existing STi7105 and STi7167, respectively, so project developers can continue to use existing software and focus on developing innovative and value-added features.

Key features of the STi7162/5262:
• Advanced, low-power 55nm process
• Configurable cable/terrestrial broadcast TV demodulator
• STMicroelectronics’ market-proven DELTA video decoding system for SD and HD (MPEG2, H264, VC-1) signals
• 2D graphics processing and display subsystem, as well as 3D user interface effects
• Application processor compatible with Linux/OS21 platforms, with up to 1000-DMIPS processing performance

The STi5262 and STi7162 are currently available in a 27 x 27mm 620-ball PBGA package.