This architectural partitioning will facilitate rapid development times and software-based updates. This level of integration eliminates numerous external components associated with traditional RF tuners to reduce costs, the number of components in the bill of materials, and space requirements.
By integrating digital filtering ADCs, the MAX2173 reduces the data output rate and eases the processing load on rear-end DSPs. The clear separation between the radio's front panel and the DSP simplifies system design. The DSP's processing capacity is then freed up to support other functions or future upgrades. The MAX2173's high performance and flexible front-end RF support DAB, FM, and terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting (T-DMB) applications in the FM, VHF Band III, and L-band frequency bands.
Key Advantages
• Wide range of applications: DAB and T-DMB for VHF-III band (168 MHz to 240 MHz), L-band (1452 MHz to 1492 MHz), and FM band (76 MHz to 108 MHz)
• Enables SDR implementations for greater system-level flexibility and software reuse:
- Digital I2S interface enables flexible support for a wide range of digital basebands such as DSPs, application processors, or dedicated baseband modems
- Built-in digital filtering reduces digital baseband processing requirements
• Highly integrated: o Integrated RF tuner, ADCs, and MIPs digital filtering; lower DSP back-end reduces hardware costs and space requirements;
- Integrated digitally controlled crystal oscillator (DCXO) eliminates the need for a voltage-controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO), reducing costs and improving accuracy;
- Integrated low-dropout regulators (LDOs) eliminate the need for an external regulator
