NXP Semiconductors TDA18254AHN/C1,518

Overview

TDA18254AHN/C1,518 from NXP Semiconductors is a single-supply silicon tuner IC for global cable and terrestrial digital Set Top Box (STB) reception, featuring 3.3 V operation, RF frequency coverage up to 1002 MHz, 3.8 dB typical noise figure, 8 kV HBM ESD protection on RF_IN and ZPLT pins, and integrated Zero Power Loop-Through (ZPLT) for power-off signal pass-through.

For engineers reviewing the TDA18254AHN/C1,518 datasheet, TDA18254AHN/C1,518 pinout, TDA18254AHN/C1,518 application, or TDA18254AHN/C1,518 equivalent, key selection criteria include low-noise IF output compatibility with DVB-C/T/T2 demodulators, immunity to WLAN/LTE/GSM interferers, flexible low-IF output (3–7.5 MHz), and multi-reference clock support (16/24/25/27/30 MHz).

Technical Context

The TDA18254AHN/C1,518 implements a fully integrated RF-to-low-IF architecture with on-chip RF and IF selectivity, eliminating external SAW filters and baluns. Its synthesizer supports wideband tuning (42–1002 MHz) and delivers phase jitter of 0.4–0.6° (250 Hz–4 MHz integration bandwidth).

It integrates dual AGC loops, RSSI reporting via I²C, a temperature sensor, crystal oscillator buffer output, and Slave Tuner Output (STO) for dual-tuner configurations. The ZPLT function maintains RF loop-through path integrity with zero supply current during standby.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

HVQFN32 package (5 × 5 × 0.85 mm, no leads, thermal pad), SOT617-3 variant, with exposed thermal pad for enhanced thermal dissipation in STB chassis environments.

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 TDA18254AHN/C1,518 uniquely combines ZPLT, STO, 8 kV ESD, and multi-clock support in a 32-pin HVQFN-enabling compact, dual-tuner STBs with reduced external component count and higher field reliability.

Availability

TDA18254AHN/C1,518 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for digital cable STB, terrestrial DVB-T/T2 receiver, hybrid broadcast-broadband (HbbTV), and dual-tuner PVR systems requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for TDA18254AHN/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 global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics markets.

The TDA18254AHN/C1,518 belongs to NXP's silicon tuner product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, high-volume digital TV reception platforms requiring integration, ESD resilience, and multi-standard compatibility.

FAQ

What is the RF input impedance specification for the TDA18254AHN/C1,518?

The TDA18254AHN/C1,518 features a 75 Ω single-ended RF input impedance, optimized for direct connection to coaxial cable infrastructure in cable and terrestrial TV applications. 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 >15 dB return loss over its full operating range without external tuning components.

Does the TDA18254AHN/C1,518 support DVB-T2 reception?

Yes, the TDA18254AHN/C1,518 supports DVB-T2 reception through its wide RF frequency coverage (42–1002 MHz), flexible low-IF output (3–7.5 MHz), and high linearity that preserves OFDM symbol integrity. It is explicitly designed for worldwide terrestrial digital TV standards including DVB-T and DVB-T2, and its 3.8 dB noise figure and 62 dB image rejection ensure robust reception under challenging multipath and interference conditions typical of DVB-T2 deployments.

How does the Zero Power Loop-Through (ZPLT) function operate in the TDA18254AHN/C1,518?

The ZPLT function in the TDA18254AHN/C1,518 provides a passive RF signal path from RF_IN to ZPLT pin with zero supply current draw during standby or power-down mode. This allows downstream tuners or splitters to remain operational even when the master tuner is inactive-critical for dual-tuner PVR functionality. The ZPLT path maintains broadband 75 Ω impedance match and exhibits < 1.5 dB insertion loss across 42–1002 MHz without requiring external biasing or control logic.

What reference clock frequencies are supported by the TDA18254AHN/C1,518?

The TDA18254AHN/C1,518 supports five standard reference clock frequencies: 16 MHz, 24 MHz, 25 MHz, 27 MHz, and 30 MHz. These are selected automatically based on crystal connection and internal oscillator configuration, enabling seamless interoperability with common demodulator SoCs and legacy STB platforms. No external clock divider or configuration register writes are needed-the device detects and locks to the applied crystal frequency autonomously.

Is the TDA18254AHN/C1,518 RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the TDA18254AHN/C1,518 is RoHS compliant and manufactured using lead-free packaging processes. Its HVQFN32 package (SOT617-3) meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU requirements, with all homogeneous materials verified to contain ≤0.1 wt% lead and other restricted substances below threshold limits. Full compliance documentation, including material declarations and test reports, is available from NXP upon request for TDA18254AHN/C1,518.