Skyworks Solutions Inc. SI2168-B40-GMR

Overview

Si2168-B40-GMR from Silicon Labs is a DVB-T2/T/C digital TV demodulator IC integrating COFDM and QAM demodulation, LDPC/BCH FEC decoding, and programmable MPEG transport stream interface in a single 7×7 mm QFN-48 package. It supports 1.7–8 MHz bandwidths, 256-QAM (DVB-T2), up to 255 PLPs, and operates from 1.2 V and 3.3 V supplies for terrestrial/cable TV front-ends.

For engineers reviewing the Si2168-B40-GMR datasheet, Si2168-B40-GMR pinout, Si2168-B40-GMR application, or Si2168-B40-GMR equivalent, key selection criteria include DVB-T2 L1 signaling parsing autonomy, blind scanning capability for DVB-C, IF/low-IF input flexibility, and pin-to-pin compatibility with Si2168/Si2164 series.

Technical Context

The Si2168-B40-GMR implements a mixed-signal architecture with dedicated DVB-T2/T and DVB-C demodulation paths sharing a common ADC front-end (TC_ADC_P/TC_ADC_N), PLL-based clock synthesis, and dual I²C interfaces (host and master) for tuner control and host communication. Its firmware-controlled operation enables field-upgradable demodulation algorithms without hardware change.

It delivers autonomous signal acquisition across all standards - including 600 kHz DVB-T2 acquisition range, FEF management, SISO/MISO support, and automatic DVB-T/T2 detection - while supporting parallel or serial TS output with TS_SYNC/TS_VAL/TS_CLK timing alignment and TS_ERR status reporting.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Si2168-B40-GMR uses a 7×7 mm, 48-pin QFN package with exposed thermal pad (GND_PAD) for enhanced thermal performance. Pin assignments are validated per official Silicon Labs Si2168-B40 pinout diagram (Rev. B).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar DVB-T2/T/C demodulator applications.

Compared with Si2168-A40-GM/R and MT8222A, the Si2168-B40-GMR delivers verified T2-Lite compliance, on-chip blind scanning, and zero-external-memory firmware execution - reducing design risk, test overhead, and time-to-market for global broadcast equipment.

Availability

Si2168-B40-GMR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for iDTV front-ends, advanced STBs, and PC-TV accessories requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for Si2168-B40-GMR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Silicon Labs is a U.S.-based fabless semiconductor company specializing in mixed-signal ICs for timing, wireless, and broadcast applications, with core expertise in high-performance analog and digital signal processing.

The Si2168 product line delivers highly integrated, standards-compliant digital TV demodulators targeting global broadcast markets - designed to replace discrete demodulator + FEC + interface solutions with single-chip, low-power, firmware-upgradeable alternatives.

FAQ

What standards does the Si2168-B40-GMR support?

The Si2168-B40-GMR supports DVB-T2 (ETSI EN 302 755 v1.3.1), DVB-T (EN 300 744), and DVB-C (EN 300 429)/ITU J.83 Annex A/B/C. It includes full T2-Lite mode, NorDig Unified v2.4, and D-Book 7 V2 compliance. The Si2168-B40-GMR implements LDPC+BCH FEC for DVB-T2 and enhanced Viterbi+RS for DVB-T/C, ensuring interoperability with certified broadcast infrastructure.

Does the Si2168-B40-GMR require external firmware loading?

No. The Si2168-B40-GMR contains ROM-resident firmware that executes on power-up without external memory. Firmware updates are delivered via I²C host interface using Silicon Labs' proprietary patch mechanism - eliminating need for external SPI Flash and simplifying system design. This behavior is intrinsic to the Si2168-B40-GMR silicon revision.

What is the function of TS_ERR/GPIO_1 on the Si2168-B40-GMR?

TS_ERR/GPIO_1 is a dual-function pin on the Si2168-B40-GMR: in default TS interface mode, it reports transport stream error status (e.g., sync loss, CRC failure); when configured as GPIO, it serves as a general-purpose digital I/O. Configuration is controlled via firmware register settings, and the pin shares internal logic with the TS data path - it cannot operate as GPIO while TS_ERR functionality is active.

Can the Si2168-B40-GMR accept both IF and low-IF inputs?

Yes. The Si2168-B40-GMR accepts standard 36 MHz IF or low-IF inputs via its differential TC_ADC_P/TC_ADC_N pins. Its ADC and digital front-end are calibrated to handle both configurations without external circuit changes. Input range and gain settings are adjusted automatically based on detected signal type - a feature confirmed in the Si2168-B40-GMR datasheet Section 8.2.

Is the Si2168-B40-GMR pin-compatible with earlier Si2168 variants?

Yes. The Si2168-B40-GMR is pin-to-pin and software compatible with Si2168, Si2164, Si2162, Si2160, Si2166B, Si2167B, and Si2169B. This includes identical QFN-48 footprint, power pin mapping, I²C interface locations, and TS signal assignments - enabling drop-in replacement in existing designs without layout modification.