NXP Semiconductors TSA5060AT/C1,518

Overview

TSA5060AT/C1,518 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Philips) is a 1.3 GHz I²C-bus controlled PLL frequency synthesizer optimized for low phase noise in terrestrial and cable TV tuning systems. It integrates a 17-bit main divider, selectable divide-by-two prescaler, four charge pump current options (100–1540 µA), and a 5-level ADC. Its RF input supports 64–1300 MHz, and it drives VCOs via external NPN transistor for varicap tuning.

For engineers reviewing the TSA5060AT/C1,518 datasheet, TSA5060AT/C1,518 pinout, TSA5060AT/C1,518 application, or TSA5060AT/C1,518 equivalent, this device serves as a complete single-chip solution for digital set-top box and hybrid tuner designs requiring precise frequency synthesis with UK-DTT offset compliance and flexible reference output routing.

Technical Context

The TSA5060AT/C1,518 implements a high-speed PLL architecture with an integrated RF preamplifier feeding a 17-bit programmable divider directly-or via an optional divide-by-two prescaler-enabling step sizes equal to or double the comparison frequency (12.5 kHz to 2 MHz). Its fast phase detector and on-chip loop amplifier interface with an external NPN transistor at DRIVE pin to generate tuning voltage up to 33 V.

Control is fully I²C-based (standard/fast mode, 3.3 V/5 V compatible) with four programmable slave addresses set by analog voltage on AS pin. The IC provides dual reference output selection (crystal or comparison frequency) on XT/COMP, three general-purpose I/O ports (P0–P2 configurable as inputs or outputs), and status readback including lock detection (FL flag) and Power-on Reset (POR) flag.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO16 - plastic small outline package, 16 leads, body width 3.9 mm (SOT109-1).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar frequency synthesizer applications.

Compared with MAX2102ETI+ and Si2151-A10-GM, the TSA5060AT/C1,518 offers superior phase noise performance at 1.3 GHz, explicit UK-DTT support, and flexible external VCO drive architecture-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, high-performance analog-front-end tuner designs requiring field-proven reliability.

Availability

TSA5060AT/C1,518 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for digital terrestrial television receivers, cable set-top boxes, and hybrid analog/digital tuner modules requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for TSA5060AT/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 leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

The TSA5060AT/C1,518 belongs to NXP's legacy tuner IC portfolio, specifically engineered for high-fidelity RF frequency synthesis in broadcast receiver front-ends with emphasis on low phase noise and DTT compliance.

FAQ

What is the maximum RF input frequency supported by the TSA5060AT/C1,518?

The TSA5060AT/C1,518 supports RF input frequencies up to 1300 MHz when the divide-by-two prescaler is disabled. This full-range capability covers the entire terrestrial and cable TV spectrum without requiring external prescaling, enabling direct synthesis for UHF and high-band cable channels. The device maintains specified sensitivity (down to −30 dBm) across this range.

How does the TSA5060AT/C1,518 achieve UK-DTT compliance?

The TSA5060AT/C1,518 achieves UK-DTT compliance through its programmable reference divider, which includes a dedicated ratio of 24. When used with a 4 MHz crystal, this yields a 166.67 kHz comparison frequency-matching the UK Digital Terrestrial Television offset requirement. This ratio is explicitly implemented in the IC's control register mapping and verified in Table 8 of the datasheet.

Can the TSA5060AT/C1,518 drive a VCO directly, or does it require external components?

The TSA5060AT/C1,518 cannot drive a VCO directly. It requires an external NPN transistor connected between the DRIVE pin (base drive) and CP pin (charge pump output) to generate the tuning voltage. The transistor's collector supplies the VCO tuning line, supporting up to 33 V. This architecture separates high-voltage tuning from the IC's 5 V domain, improving noise isolation and reliability.

What are the I²C voltage compatibility requirements for the TSA5060AT/C1,518?

The TSA5060AT/C1,518 supports both 3.3 V and 5 V I²C-bus systems. Its SDA and SCL inputs meet I²C fast-mode specifications (up to 400 kHz) and include noise margins defined for worst-case bus voltages (e.g., 5.5 V +10% or 2.97 V −10%). No level-shifting circuitry is required when interfacing with either 3.3 V or 5 V microcontrollers.

Does the TSA5060AT/C1,518 include lock detection, and how is it accessed?

Yes, the TSA5060AT/C1,518 includes hardware lock detection. The FL (in-lock) flag is a bit in the status byte returned during I²C READ operations (bit position FL in byte 2 of Table 5). When the PLL achieves phase lock, FL = 1; it resets to 0 if lock is lost. This flag is latched and readable in real time without interrupt overhead.