NXP Semiconductors TDA18250BHN/C1K

Overview

TDA18250BHN/C1K from NXP Semiconductors is a single-chip silicon tuner IC for global cable and terrestrial digital Set Top Boxes, featuring 42–1002 MHz RF frequency coverage, 3.8 dB typical noise figure, and 8 kV HBM ESD protection on RF_IN and LT pins. It integrates RF/IF selectivity, crystal oscillator buffer, and slave tuner output to eliminate external SAW filters, baluns, and LNAs in STB front-end designs.

For engineers reviewing the TDA18250BHN/C1K datasheet, TDA18250BHN/C1K pinout, TDA18250BHN/C1K application, or TDA18250BHN/C1K equivalent, key selection criteria include low-IF flexibility (3–7.5 MHz), multi-reference clock support (16/24/25/27/30 MHz), integrated RSSI and temperature sensing, and compliance with DVB-T/T2 signal chain requirements.

Technical Context

The TDA18250BHN/C1K implements a fully integrated RF-to-low-IF architecture with on-die synthesizer, dual AGC loops, and image rejection ≥62 dB at 5 MHz IF. Its RF input is single-ended and alignment-free, eliminating external balun and calibration steps.

It delivers phase jitter of 0.4–0.6° (250 Hz–4 MHz integration) and supports I²C-bus control at 3.3 V logic levels. The device includes dedicated GPO1/GPO2 outputs, STO for dual-tuner configurations, and an integrated crystal oscillator buffer capable of driving demodulators, SoCs, or slave tuners directly.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

HVQFN32 package (5 × 5 × 0.85 mm, SOT617-3), thermally enhanced, no leads, 32-terminal layout optimized for RF signal integrity and thermal dissipation in STB PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar silicon tuner applications.

Compared with MAX3543ETJ+T and SI2151-A10-GM, the TDA18250BHN/C1K uniquely combines cable/terrestrial RF coverage, STO for dual-tuner scalability, and factory-aligned RF/IF paths-reducing design validation effort and component count in global STB platforms.

Availability

TDA18250BHN/C1K is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for digital cable STBs, terrestrial DVB-T/T2 receivers, dual-tuner PVRs, and HbbTV terminals requiring stable component supply across long product lifecycles.

Supply support for TDA18250BHN/C1K 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 Dutch semiconductor company specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics, with leadership in RF, MCU, and analog technologies.

The TDA18250BHN/C1K belongs to NXP's silicon tuner product line, engineered specifically to replace traditional can-based tuners in digital TV equipment-delivering lower system cost, higher integration, and improved ESD robustness for global broadcast standards.

FAQ

What is the RF input impedance specification for the TDA18250BHN/C1K?

The TDA18250BHN/C1K features a 75 Ω single-ended RF input impedance, fully compliant with global cable and terrestrial broadcast system requirements. This eliminates the need for external baluns or impedance-matching networks, simplifying front-end design and improving return loss performance across the 42–1002 MHz band. The device maintains excellent return loss without external tuning components.

Does the TDA18250BHN/C1K support DVB-T2 reception?

Yes, the TDA18250BHN/C1K supports DVB-T2 reception through its wide 42–1002 MHz RF coverage, low 3.8 dB noise figure, and high linearity-enabling robust reception of 256-QAM and OFDM signals. Its 62 dB image rejection and 0.4–0.6° phase jitter meet DVB-T2 timing and signal integrity requirements when paired with compatible demodulators.

What reference clock frequencies does the TDA18250BHN/C1K accept?

The TDA18250BHN/C1K accepts five standard crystal reference frequencies: 16 MHz, 24 MHz, 25 MHz, 27 MHz, and 30 MHz. These are supported natively by its fully integrated crystal oscillator circuit, allowing direct connection of industry-standard crystals without external buffering or frequency translation. The oscillator output buffer can also drive downstream SoC or demodulator clock inputs.

How is ESD protection implemented on the TDA18250BHN/C1K RF path?

The TDA18250BHN/C1K provides 8 kV HBM ESD protection on both RF_IN and LT pins per JEDEC JESD22-A114, significantly exceeding standard Class II (2 kV) requirements. This on-die protection allows reduction or elimination of external TVS diodes in the RF front-end, lowering BOM cost and PCB area while maintaining system-level robustness in high-handling-volume STB manufacturing.

Can the TDA18250BHN/C1K be used in dual-tuner configurations?

Yes, the TDA18250BHN/C1K includes a dedicated Slave Tuner Output (STO) pin that functions as an integrated RF splitter, enabling dual-tuner architectures without external passive splitters. When configured as master, it delivers a buffered RF copy to a secondary tuner-supporting simultaneous record-and-playback in PVR systems while maintaining signal integrity and impedance matching.