A digital AM/FM radio receiver chipset from STMicroelectronics is designed for automotive applications. Digital signal processing techniques allow the chipset to feature increased reception quality while reducing interference even in the presence of challenging signal conditions such as weak field and strong multipath (reflection from mountains and buildings). Jointly developed by ST and Bosch’s subsidiary Blaupunkt, the digital receiver integrates audio signal processing and radio data system (RDS) decoding.

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The new chipset includes two TDA7528 RF front-end ICs and one STA3005 digital signal processor (DSP) back-end IC. The solution tunes to all current analog radio services worldwide (AM, FM and U.S. weather band) as well as to the recently introduced digital broadcasts (Digital Audio Broadcasting, Digital Radio Mondiale, HD radio), providing suitable interfaces to external decoders.

A digital audio processor, powered by ST’s proprietary DSP core, enhances the system’s flexibility and efficiency, meeting all the needs of in-vehicle sound processing and equalization. An embedded ARM7 microcontroller supervises all the internal peripherals, reducing the workload and software complexity of the car radio’s main microprocessor and fully supporting RDS management.

The TDA7528 and STA3005 are supplied in LQFP64 (10 mm x 10 mm) and TQFP144 (20 mm x 20 mm) ECOPACK packages, respectively. Samples of the chipset are available now and volume production is scheduled for the second quarter of 2007.