NXP Semiconductors TDA18260HN/C1,518

Overview

TDA18260HN/C1,518 from NXP Semiconductors is a dual silicon cable tuner IC for multi-stream PVR Set-Top Boxes, supporting worldwide digital cable standards including NTSC and MoCA-aware reception. It integrates two matched tuners in one HVQFN48 package, operates from 42–1002 MHz, delivers 6.0 dB typical noise figure, and provides dual low-IF outputs directly to demodulators like the TDA10025HN.

For engineers reviewing the TDA18260HN/C1,518 datasheet, TDA18260HN/C1,518 pinout, TDA18260HN/C1,518 application, or TDA18260HN/C1,518 equivalent, key selection criteria include RF loop-through capability, dual I²C-bus control for independent stream programming, RSSI accuracy (±3 dB absolute), and integrated harmonic suppression eliminating external SAW filters.

Technical Context

The TDA18260HN/C1,518 implements two fully independent tuner signal chains sharing a single RF input and crystal oscillator, with internal splitting and matched gain/linearity between master and slave paths. Its synthesizer supports wideband tuning with phase noise of –85 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and –107 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset.

It features an enhanced filtering scheme suppressing third/fifth harmonics and adjacent channels, plus MoCA rejection to simplify triplexer design. The device uses a single 3.3 V supply, dissipates 1.6 W typical, and achieves 52–62 dB image rejection at 4 MHz IF.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

HVQFN48 (SOT619-1) package: 7 mm × 7 mm × 0.85 mm body, thermal-enhanced, no leads, 48 terminals.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-cable-tuner applications.

Compared with MAX3543ETJ+T and SI2151-A10-GM, the TDA18260HN/C1,518 uniquely integrates dual matched tuners with RF loop-through, MTO scalability, and MoCA-aware filtering - enabling lower-system-cost, higher-reliability multi-stream STBs without architectural compromises.

Availability

TDA18260HN/C1,518 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cable Set-Top Boxes, multi-stream PVR systems, and in-home video distribution platforms requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and compliance with global digital cable standards.

Supply support for TDA18260HN/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 applications.

The TDA18260HN/C1,518 belongs to NXP's silicon tuner product line, engineered specifically for high-density, multi-stream digital cable reception in cost-sensitive, thermally constrained Set-Top Box platforms.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the TDA18260HN/C1,518 in a Set-Top Box design?

The TDA18260HN/C1,518 serves as a dual silicon cable tuner IC that converts incoming RF signals (42–1002 MHz) into two independent low-IF outputs for demodulation. It replaces discrete tuner modules and eliminates external SAW filters, LNAs, and multiple crystals - reducing BOM count and PCB area while enabling watch-while-record and multi-stream PVR functionality in a single HVQFN48 package.

Does the TDA18260HN/C1,518 support worldwide digital cable standards?

Yes, the TDA18260HN/C1,518 supports all major worldwide digital cable standards when used with the TDA10025HN dual demodulator. Its 42–1002 MHz RF range, low noise figure (6.0 dB typ), and high linearity meet requirements for NTSC, DVB-C, and J.83B systems across North America, Europe, and Asia.

How does the TDA18260HN/C1,518 achieve RF loop-through functionality?

The TDA18260HN/C1,518 provides a dedicated LT (Loop-Through) pin that passes the unprocessed RF input signal with minimal insertion loss and group delay variation. This enables cascading to downstream tuners or splitters without requiring external buffering, preserving signal integrity for multi-tuner architectures and in-home distribution networks.

Can the TDA18260HN/C1,518 be used in a 6-tuner system?

Yes - the TDA18260HN/C1,518 includes MTO1 and MTO2 (Multi-Tuner Output) pins designed to drive additional TDA18260HN/C1,518 devices. Using three TDA18260HN/C1,518 ICs with inter-chip MTO routing enables a full 6-tuner system without external active splitters, maintaining matched performance across all streams.

What crystal frequency is required for the TDA18260HN/C1,518?

The TDA18260HN/C1,518 supports standard crystal frequencies including 16.369 MHz and 24.576 MHz applied differentially to XTAL_P/XTAL_N. A single crystal serves both integrated tuners and can also synchronize linked demodulators such as the TDA10025HN, simplifying clock tree design and reducing jitter accumulation.