To facilitate low-cost AM/FM capability in any consumer device, Silicon Laboratories has launched its first fully integrated AM/FM radio receiver CMOS chip that requires only two external components in 0.15 cm² of board space. According to the developer, its Si473x leverages clever digital low-IF techniques to automate alignment. By comparison, traditional AM/FM solutions may require four stages of hand tuning, said Silicon Labs.

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The device supports a wide variety of antennas with an on-chip varactor and auto calibration. Additionally, the AM/FM receiver chip includes support for the European Radio Data System (RDS) and the U.S. Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS). This feature enables data such as the station ID and song name to be displayed on the LCD of any device, creating a visual user experience similar to that of a portable media player.

The Si4730/31 uses digital processing to achieve high fidelity, optimal performance, and design flexibility. The on-chip DSP provides excellent pilot rejection, selectivity, and unmatched audio performance. The on-chip micro-controller offers both the manufacturer and the end-user extensive programmability and flexibility in listening experience.

Other features include reduced interference, improved reception, and excellent sensitivity and selectivity. Typical FM sensitivity is 2.2 µV and AM senstivity is 30 µV. Samples of the Si4730 and Si4731 are available in a compact 3 x 3 mm 20-pin QFN package. Pricing for the Si4730 begins at $4.87 in quantities of 10K. Pricing for the Si4731, which supports RDS/RBDS, begins at $5.53 in quantities of 10K. An evaluation board is also available for $150.

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