The Si474x AM/FM radio receiver from Silicon Laboratories Inc. is the industry’s smallest most fully integrated such device, according to the company. It is also the first automotive-grade AM/FM receiver to be implemented in CMOS, meeting demanding performance requirements while reducing cost and time-to-market. The receiver supports worldwide radio band requirements, including FM, FM radio data system, AM, longwave, shortwave, and weather bands.

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The single-chip solution supports integrated algorithms for fully customizable multipath detection and mitigation, impulse noise event detection and blanking, and advanced audio behavior in the presence of blockers, fading signals, or other adverse radio environments. Each of these advanced features is fully programmable, allowing customization for each manufacturer and model. The Si474x command and argument programming model is straightforward to use, and Silicon Labs offers example code with default settings based on extensive field testing to speed development.

The Si474x comes in a 4- by 4-mm package and requires a board footprint of less than 4 cm2, including all bill-of-materials components. The high level of integration minimizes routing of sensitive RF signals outside of the IC, simplifying the printed-circuit-board design process. The receiver consumes less than one-tenth the power of competitive tuner ICs, simplifying thermal design.

The Si474x family is sampling now. Volume production is expected during the fourth quarter of 2008. Prices begin at $7.48 in quantities of 10,000. An evaluation board is available now for $150.

• Silicon Laboratories Inc.

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