NXP Semiconductors TDA18271HD/C2,518

Overview

TDA18271HD/C2,518 from NXP Semiconductors is a silicon-based TV tuner IC for terrestrial analog and digital broadcast reception. It integrates RF tracking filters, IF selectivity, dual-tuner synchronization, and a 16 MHz crystal oscillator buffer - delivering low-IF output (1.5–8 MHz) to demodulators like TDA10048HN or TDA8295. It operates on a single 3.3 V supply with 780 mW typical power dissipation and supports worldwide TV standards including DVB-T (64-QAM 2/3) and NTSC/PAL.

For engineers reviewing the TDA18271HD/C2,518 datasheet, TDA18271HD/C2,518 pinout, TDA18271HD/C2,518 application, or TDA18271HD/C2,518 equivalent, key selection considerations include its integrated image rejection (65 dB), noise figure (5.5 dB), phase noise (−89 dBc/Hz @ 1 kHz), FM/TV dual-mode operation via I²C configuration, and master/slave dual-tuner architecture using MASTERSYNC/FREEZE signals.

Technical Context

The TDA18271HD/C2,518 implements a dual-synthesizer architecture: a main LO synthesizer for channel tuning and a calibration synthesizer for RF tracking filter and image rejection optimization. Its RF front-end includes a low-noise amplifier, polyphase RF and IF filters, and fully integrated LC tracking filters eliminating external SAW components.

It supports three standby modes - including device-off mode - with I²C-bus interface active in all states. The IC uses programmable I²C address bits (MA[1:0] via AS pin) to support up to four tuners on one bus, and provides dedicated FM_IN and RF_IN inputs with software-selectable routing for hybrid TV/FM applications.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: HLQFN64R - plastic thermal-enhanced low-profile quad flat package, 9 × 9 × 1.6 mm, 64-terminal no-lead construction (SOT903-1).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX3542ETJ+T and SI2151-A10-GM, the TDA18271HD/C2,518 uniquely combines analog/digital TV and FM reception in one die, delivers 16 MHz crystal buffering for dual-tuner clock distribution, and implements hardware-level MASTERSYNC/FREEZE coordination - making it the only option supporting true alignment-free hybrid PCTV and PIP/POP systems.

Availability

TDA18271HD/C2,518 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hybrid TV/FM receivers, dual-tuner PIP/POP systems, and PC-TV/DVD-R applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for TDA18271HD/C2,518 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 leader specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics, with core expertise in RF, analog, and mixed-signal IC design.

The TDA18271HD/C2,518 belongs to NXP's Silicon Tuner product line, engineered to replace traditional metal-can analog tuners with highly integrated, digitally configurable ICs - targeting size reduction, power efficiency, and multistandard flexibility in terrestrial broadcast reception.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the TDA18271HD/C2,518 in a TV receiver system?

The TDA18271HD/C2,518 serves as a fully integrated silicon tuner IC that receives terrestrial analog and digital TV signals (45–864 MHz), performs RF amplification, image-reject mixing, and IF filtering, then outputs a low-IF signal to downstream demodulators. It replaces traditional can tuners and eliminates external SAW filters, reducing system size and component count while supporting DVB-T, ATSC, NTSC, PAL, and FM radio standards.

Does the TDA18271HD/C2,518 require an external crystal, and what is its role?

Yes, the TDA18271HD/C2,518 requires a 16 MHz fundamental-mode crystal connected to XTALP and XTALN pins. This crystal serves as the reference for both the main LO synthesizer and calibration synthesizer. In master mode, it drives the internal oscillator; in slave mode, the master's XTOUTP/XTOUTN outputs feed this crystal input - enabling precise clock synchronization across dual-tuner configurations without a second crystal.

How does the TDA18271HD/C2,518 support dual-tuner applications such as PIP or POP?

The TDA18271HD/C2,518 supports dual-tuner operation via dedicated pins: MASTERSYNC coordinates timing between tuners, FREEZE holds LO frequency during handover, STO feeds RF to the slave tuner, and XTOUTP/XTOUTN distribute the 16 MHz clock. When configured as master/slave using XTOUT_MS voltage levels, the pair achieves synchronized channel scanning and shared AGC - eliminating video glitches and enabling seamless PIP/POP functionality without external timing controllers.

What are the key differences between the RF_IN and FM_IN inputs on the TDA18271HD/C2,518?

RF_IN (pin 10) is optimized for terrestrial TV signals (45–864 MHz) and used for analog/digital broadcast reception. FM_IN (pin 8) is a dedicated input tuned for 87.5–108 MHz FM radio signals, with internal LNA biasing specific to FM band characteristics. While RF_IN can be software-reconfigured for FM use, FM_IN provides superior noise performance and gain flatness in the FM band - making it the preferred choice when FM functionality is required alongside TV reception.

Can the TDA18271HD/C2,518 operate in low-power modes, and how are they controlled?

Yes, the TDA18271HD/C2,518 offers three standby modes controlled via I²C register EP3[7:5]: normal mode (full operation), standby with crystal/STO/LT active, and device-off mode (lowest power). All modes retain I²C-bus responsiveness. Device-off mode powers down RF/IF signal paths and synthesizers while keeping the I²C interface alive - ideal for remote-wakeup scenarios in energy-conscious PCTV and portable DVD-R designs.