Designed to meet the new DOCSIS 3.0 standard, Anadigics, Inc. has announced a complete RF front-end solution for cable modems comprising programmable gain upstream amplifier ARA2017, and integrated wideband data tuner AIT1061.

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According to Anadigics, the ARA2017 is the first upstream amplifier available for DOCSIS 3.0, while the AIT1061 has the smallest form factor (6 x 6 x 1 mm) of any current DOCSIS 3.0
tuner. The manufacturer plans to offer these products for this fall's inaugural DOCSIS 3.0 equipment certification tests at CableLabs.

DOCSIS 3.0 enables downstream data rates of 160 Mbps and upstream rates of 120 Mbps, which represent 4x the speed of today's cable modem networks. Fast enough for IP-TV service, these speeds are achieved by "bonding" together multiple data channels for higher throughput.

The wide capture bandwidth of the AIT1061 tuner enables the simultaneous reception of multiple channels, and the exceptional linearity of both components in the chipset preserves the integrity of each channel, said the supplier. The ARA2017 upstream amplifier's high output power capability and low voltage transients also meet the new standard's specs for power output.

The ARA2017 is an ultra-linear, high-output, programmable gain amplifier optimized for DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem and E-MTA applications. It delivers output power levels of +64 dBmV with very low (-55 dBc) harmonic distortion and output noise levels as low as -53.8 dBmV. The ARA2017 form factor is a 28-Pin QFN 5 x 5 x 1 mm package.

Specifically designed for DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem applications, the AIT1061 includes all the functions of a double-conversion wideband data tuner in the industry's smallest package. The chip integrates upconverter, downconverter, VCO, synthesizer, IF amplifier, RF gain control and IF gain control. The AIT1061 maintains exceptional linearity over wide RF input and IF capture bandwidths to accommodate multi-channel operation. It also features high gain and low noise figure. And operates from a single +5 V source, eliminating the need for a second power supply. The chips are compliant with the European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS).