NXP Semiconductors TDA18218HN/C1,551

Overview

TDA18218HN/C1,551 from NXP Semiconductors is a DVB-T silicon tuner IC for digital terrestrial TV reception, integrating RF amplification, image-reject mixing, fully integrated IF selectivity (6/7/8 MHz), and a 16 MHz crystal oscillator with differential XTO_P/XTO_N output. It delivers 750 mW power dissipation, 5 dB typical noise figure, −82 dBm digital sensitivity, and supports RF input from 174–864 MHz.

For engineers reviewing the TDA18218HN/C1,551 datasheet, TDA18218HN/C1,551 pinout, TDA18218HN/C1,551 application, or TDA18218HN/C1,551 equivalent, this page provides verified package mapping (HVQFN48), confirmed I²C-bus interface behavior, validated low-IF architecture with integrated AGC1/AGC2/IF AGC stages, and real-world DVB-T STB integration constraints including loop-through path and thermal sensor operation.

Technical Context

The TDA18218HN/C1,551 implements a direct-conversion RF-to-low-IF architecture with dual-stage RF AGC (AGC1: 6–15 dB in 3-dB steps; AGC2: −12 to +16.4 dB in 0.2-dB steps) and independent IF AGC controlled via VIFAGC pin. Its PLL-based local oscillator synthesizer supports channel tuning across 174–864 MHz with 1 kHz step resolution and includes calibration synthesizer lock detection.

It integrates three standby modes: full device-off (3 mA), standby with loop-through and 16 MHz crystal buffer active (60 mA), and standby with crystal buffer only (22 mA). The die temperature sensor (TM_D[3:0]) provides 16-step readout over two selectable ranges (60–90 °C or 92–122 °C), accessible via I²C register 01h.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: HVQFN48 (plastic thermal enhanced very thin quad flat package; no leads; 48 terminals; body 7 × 7 × 0.85 mm; SOT619-1).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar DVB-T tuner applications.

Compared with SI2168-B20-GM and MAX2165ETJ+, the TDA18218HN/C1,551 uniquely combines DVB-T-optimized IF filtering, integrated loop-through, and on-die thermal sensing-enabling compact, thermally stable STB designs without external SAW filters or discrete temperature monitoring.

Availability

TDA18218HN/C1,551 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DVB-T Set-Top Box (STB), integrated digital TV receivers, and terrestrial broadcast test equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for TDA18218HN/C1,551 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics markets.

The TDA18218HN/C1,551 belongs to NXP's silicon tuner product line, designed specifically to replace legacy can-based DVB-T tuners with fully integrated, low-power, small-footprint alternatives for digital television reception.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the TDA18218HN/C1,551 in a DVB-T system?

The TDA18218HN/C1,551 serves as a complete silicon-based RF tuner IC that receives terrestrial broadcast signals (174–864 MHz), down-converts them to a low-IF output, and delivers synchronized 16 MHz clocking to the channel decoder. It replaces traditional can tuners while integrating all critical functions-including AGC, IF filtering, and oscillator-on a single HVQFN48 die.

Does the TDA18218HN/C1,551 require external SAW filters for DVB-T compliance?

No. The TDA18218HN/C1,551 incorporates fully integrated IF selectivity supporting 6 MHz, 7 MHz, and 8 MHz channel bandwidths-eliminating the need for external SAW filters. This integration reduces PCB area, component count, and manufacturing cost while maintaining DVB-T spectral mask compliance per EN 300 744.

How does the loop-through feature of the TDA18218HN/C1,551 operate in a dual-tuner STB?

The LT (pin 46) provides an unprocessed RF pass-through path with −0.5 dB typical gain and >40 dB isolation from RF_IN. In dual-tuner STBs, it allows one TDA18218HN/C1,551 to feed both its own IF path and a second tuner's input without signal degradation, enabling picture-in-picture or simultaneous recording/viewing without external splitters.

What are the valid operating modes for the crystal oscillator output (XTO_P/XTO_N) on the TDA18218HN/C1,551?

The TDA18218HN/C1,551 supports two XTO_P/XTO_N output modes: differential sine wave (200–1200 mV_p-p, configured via XTOUT register 19h bits [3:0] = 7–10) and asymmetrical square wave (0.6 V_p-p, bit = 2). Both modes are AC-coupled and designed to drive channel decoders like the TDA10048 without external buffering.

Can the TDA18218HN/C1,551 be used in systems requiring thermal monitoring during operation?

Yes. The TDA18218HN/C1,551 includes an integrated die temperature sensor readable via I²C register 01h (TM_D[3:0]). With two selectable ranges (60–90 °C or 92–122 °C), it enables real-time thermal feedback for gain adjustment or system throttling-critical for fanless STB enclosures operating in elevated ambient temperatures.