NXP Semiconductors TDA18250HN/C1,518
- Part No.:
- TDA18250HN/C1,518
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Video Processing
- Package:
- 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
TDA18250HN/C1,518.pdf
- Description:
- IC VIDEO TUNER 48HVQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,415
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Product details
Overview
TDA18250HN/C1,518 from NXP Semiconductors is a single-stream silicon cable tuner IC for HD Set-Top Boxes, supporting worldwide digital cable standards including DVB-C and ITU-T J.83B. It delivers 42–1002 MHz RF frequency coverage, 5–5.5 dB noise figure, and low-power 0.91 W dissipation while eliminating external SAW filters and LNAs. Its role is front-end RF-to-Low-IF signal conversion in cost-sensitive STB designs.
For engineers reviewing the TDA18250HN/C1,518 datasheet, TDA18250HN/C1,518 pinout, TDA18250HN/C1,518 application, or TDA18250HN/C1,518 equivalent, key selection criteria include RF input power handling (106 dBµV), image rejection (50–62 dB), phase noise (−85 dBc/Hz @ 10 kHz), I²C-based RSSI and die temperature monitoring, and HVQFN48 thermal-enhanced packaging for STB thermal management.
Technical Context
The TDA18250HN/C1,518 integrates a wideband RF front-end with fully synthesized PLL, on-die crystal oscillator buffer (16 MHz), and programmable IF selectivity - enabling alignment-free operation without external SAW filters. Its LIF output architecture simplifies demodulator interface timing and reduces analog signal path complexity.
It implements dual AGC loops (AGC1/AGC2), RF loop-through (LT), and I²C-bus control with 3.3 V microcontroller compatibility. The tuner supports PVR-specific dual-tuner configurations via dedicated RF output to drive a slave tuner, and includes integrated die temperature sensing for thermal-aware system calibration.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 42–1002 MHz - covers full global digital cable spectrum including DOCSIS upstream and downstream bands. |
| Noise Figure | 5 dB (typ.) @ 42–862 MHz; 5.5 dB @ >862 MHz - ensures high sensitivity for weak-channel reception in dense cable plant environments. |
| Image Rejection | 50–62 dB - suppresses adjacent-channel interference without external filtering, improving BER in multi-channel systems. |
| Phase Noise | −85 dBc/Hz @ 10 kHz offset - maintains symbol integrity for 256-QAM and higher-order modulation schemes. |
| Power Dissipation | 0.91 W (typ.) - enables compact STB thermal design with no active cooling required. |
| Supply Voltage | Single 3.3 V - eliminates need for multiple rail generation, reducing BOM count and PCB area. |
| Input Power Handling | +106 dBµV max - withstands high-level cable plant signals without front-end compression or distortion. |
Pinout & Package
HVQFN48 (SOT619-1) package: 7 × 7 × 0.85 mm body, thermally enhanced, leadless, with exposed thermal pad. Optimized for high-density STB PCB layouts and efficient heat transfer to ground plane.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RF_IN | RF Input | Differential 75 Ω input for cable signal acquisition; accepts up to +106 dBµV without saturation. |
| LT | RF Loop-Through Output | Buffered RF pass-through for daisy-chaining secondary tuners in PVR architectures. |
| IFO_P / IFO_N | Differential Low-IF Output | LIF output (typically 4–5 MHz) directly compatible with standard DVB-C demodulators; eliminates IF SAW filter requirement. |
| VIFAGC | IF AGC Control Voltage | Analog voltage output reflecting IF gain setting; used for system-level gain calibration and diagnostics. |
| SCL / SDA | I²C Bus Interface | 3.3 V-compatible serial interface for configuration, RSSI readback, and die temperature monitoring. |
| XTAL_P / XTAL_N | Crystal Oscillator Input | Accepts 16 MHz fundamental-mode crystal; internal oscillator buffer enables single-crystal dual-tuner synchronization. |
| CPLO / VTLO | PLL Charge Pump Output / Tuning Voltage | Supports external loop filter connection for PLL stability optimization in noisy STB environments. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fully integrated IF selectivity | Replaces discrete SAW filters and matching networks, reducing BOM cost by ≥$0.35/unit and saving ≥12 mm² PCB area. |
| Alignment-free architecture | Eliminates factory tuning steps during STB manufacturing, cutting test time by ~15 seconds per unit. |
| Integrated 16 MHz crystal oscillator buffer | Enables precise clock synchronization between master/slave tuners in PVR boxes using one shared crystal. |
| On-die temperature sensor | Provides real-time die temperature data over I²C for adaptive gain and frequency drift compensation. |
| RF loop-through (LT) | Supports cost-effective dual-tuner PVR implementations without external RF splitters or amplifiers. |
Applications
| Cable Set-Top Box (STB) | Personal Video Recorder (PVR) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-definition digital cable reception in consumer STBs deployed by Comcast, Charter, and Virgin Media. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary RF tuner converting 50–1002 MHz cable signals to Low-IF for downstream QAM demodulation. Use Value: Enables single-chip front-end with no external SAW filters or LNAs, reducing total front-end BOM cost by 30% versus discrete solutions. |
Use Scenario: Simultaneous record-and-playback functionality requiring independent RF paths for live TV and recording. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Master tuner providing RF loop-through signal and synchronized 16 MHz clock to slave tuner. Use Value: Eliminates need for second crystal and external RF splitter, lowering component count and improving channel-switching latency. |
| Multi-Room DVR Systems | Cable Modem Termination Systems (CMTS) Test Equipment |
Use Scenario: Centralized headend equipment distributing tuned content to multiple client STBs across residential networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-linearity tuner stage in multi-tuner gateway platforms supporting concurrent channel acquisition. Use Value: 62 dB image rejection and −105 dBc/Hz phase noise at 100 kHz offset ensure clean signal delivery under high spectral congestion. |
Use Scenario: Lab-grade signal analyzers and CMTS validation tools requiring stable, repeatable cable signal injection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Programmable RF source emulator generating calibrated cable channel spectra with known noise floor and distortion profile. Use Value: On-chip RSSI and die temperature telemetry enable closed-loop calibration traceability without external sensors. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar cable tuner applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3542ETJ+T | Wider RF range (44–1218 MHz); higher 1.2 W power dissipation; requires external crystal load capacitors. | Preferred for hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) lab test gear needing extended upstream coverage beyond 1002 MHz. | Select MAX3542ETJ+T only when >1002 MHz RF coverage or higher input overload margin (>110 dBµV) is required. |
| SI2151-A10-GM | Single-ended IF output; lower 4.8 dB NF; no RF loop-through; uses different I²C register map and initialization sequence. | Targeted at ultra-low-cost STBs where dual-tuner PVR functionality is not needed and PCB space is extremely constrained. | Choose SI2151-A10-GM only for cost-optimized single-tuner STBs without PVR requirements or thermal constraints. |
Compared with MAX3542ETJ+T and SI2151-A10-GM, the TDA18250HN/C1,518 uniquely balances RF performance, thermal efficiency, and PVR-enabling features (LT, 16 MHz buffer) in a single HVQFN48 package - making it optimal for mainstream HD STB production where BOM cost, test time, and dual-tuner scalability are co-prioritized.
Availability
TDA18250HN/C1,518 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-volume Set-Top Box manufacturing, Personal Video Recorder (PVR) platform development, and cable infrastructure test equipment requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for TDA18250HN/C1,518 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, analog, and mixed-signal ICs.
The TDA18250HN/C1,518 belongs to NXP's silicon tuner product line, designed specifically to replace legacy can-based and hybrid tuners in digital cable STBs - emphasizing integration, thermal efficiency, and alignment-free manufacturability.
FAQ
What is the RF input impedance of the TDA18250HN/C1,518?
The TDA18250HN/C1,518 features a 75 Ω differential RF input impedance at the RF_IN pins, optimized for direct connection to coaxial cable distribution networks without external matching components. This impedance is maintained across its full 42–1002 MHz operating range and is verified under typical STB signal conditions per NXP's characterization data.
Does the TDA18250HN/C1,518 require an external crystal?
Yes, the TDA18250HN/C1,518 requires a 16 MHz fundamental-mode crystal connected to XTAL_P and XTAL_N. However, its integrated crystal oscillator buffer eliminates the need for external load capacitors or driver circuitry, simplifying layout and reducing component count compared to alternatives requiring full external oscillator circuits.
Can the TDA18250HN/C1,518 be used in automotive infotainment systems?
No - the TDA18250HN/C1,518 is not automotive-qualified. NXP explicitly states in its datasheet that this device is intended for consumer Set-Top Box applications and has not been tested or qualified to AEC-Q100 or automotive environmental standards. Its thermal and ESD specifications align with commercial-grade STB use cases only.
How does the RF loop-through (LT) function in the TDA18250HN/C1,518?
The LT pin on the TDA18250HN/C1,518 provides a buffered, broadband RF pass-through signal derived from RF_IN, enabling daisy-chained tuner architectures. In PVR systems, it drives a secondary tuner without signal degradation or insertion loss penalties typical of passive splitters - preserving CNR and minimizing intermodulation distortion in multi-tuner setups.
What thermal management guidance applies to the TDA18250HN/C1,518?
The TDA18250HN/C1,518 uses an HVQFN48 package with an exposed thermal pad requiring solder connection to a solid PCB ground plane. NXP recommends ≥4 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) under the pad, connected to inner-layer ground planes, to maintain junction temperature below 115 °C at 0.91 W dissipation in typical STB airflow conditions.
TDA18250HN/C1,518 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 48-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Tuner
- Applications:
- Consumer Video
- Standards:
- -
- Control Interface:
- I2C
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3.3V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 48-HVQFN (7x7)
TDA18250HN/C1,518 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TDA18250HN/C1,518 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TDA18250HN/C1,518 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for TDA18250HN/C1,518 reliable?
The price and inventory of TDA18250HN/C1,518 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TDA18250HN/C1,518 is usually 5 days.
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TDA18250HN/C1,518 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TDA18250HN/C1,518 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for TDA18250HN/C1,518?
For technical support, including TDA18250HN/C1,518 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TDA18250HN/C1,518 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TDA18250HN/C1,518 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TDA18250HN/C1,518 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that TDA18250HN/C1,518 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TDA18250HN/C1,518?
All TDA18250HN/C1,518 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TDA18250HN/C1,518, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The TDA18250HN/C1,518 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TDA18250HN/C1,518:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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