ANADIGICS Delivers More Performance At Less Power for CATV Solutions; New 5V 860 MHz MMIC Also Suited for Cable Modem Applications.

WARREN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 8, 1998--ANADIGICS, Inc., the leading supplier of GaAs integrated circuits, has once again proven that less is more with the introduction of its new single supply 860 MHz GaAs Upconverter MMIC, the ACU50751.

The new MMIC, designed as a high-performance dual conversion tuner, operates at 5 volts (or 3.5 volts with slightly reduced performance), resulting in less power dissipation. Compatible with all digital and analog modulation types, the ACU50751 is also compliant with the new Multimedia Cable Network System (MCNS) interoperability standard. An enabling technology to the low cost manufacture for the next generation of digital set tops, digital TV, and cable modems, the ACU50751 offers designers an ideal product solution for applications where small component size, low cost, and high performance is important.

The ACU50751 upconverter GaAs IC accepts TV signals in the 50 to 860 MHz ranges and converts them to an IF in the 900 to 1200 MHz ranges. Fabricated entirely in GaAs, the IC provides all front-end functions and incorporates a high degree of integration by replacing more than 30 discrete components in a typical tuner.

The upconverter's Gilbert cell double balanced mixer minimizes both second order distortion and LO & RF leakage. The Gilbert cell, designed for high second and third order intercept point, allows full 110-channel loading. An internal image filter for reducing mixer noise also is incorporated.

"With discrete silicon components, there are many adjustments that need to be made during the tuner manufacturing process," said Martin Eggerts, Product Manager. "Once the ACU50751 is integrated into the unit it works without any tuning adjustments, making the GaAs upconverter much more advantageous than other solutions."

"By working off a 5V supply instead of the previous 9V, the ACU50751 has reduced power dissipation enabling designers to worry less about the components using too much power," Eggerts added. "This device is ideal for situations where small size, low cost, and low auxiliary parts count is important. Tuner designers are able to reduce cost by lowering the component count and decreasing the amount of production alignment steps, while significantly improving performance and reliability."

The upconverter IC features an on-board local oscillator with low phase noise and a tuning range of 950 to 2060 MHz. The phase splitter of the ACU50751 offers a 180-degree phase shift over the full range of oscillator frequencies. Driving the mixer with a precise differential signal is necessary to provide excellent low leakage and second order distortion specifications, as well as mixer to oscillator isolation required for QAM and VSB digital systems compatibility.

Power consumption for the ACU50751 is typically 600 mW. Distortion is better than -60 dBc for composite second order (CSO) and composite triple beat (CTB), and -62 dBc for cross modulation. The upconverter also has an excellent noise figure of 6.5 dB typical. The device achieves a gain of 8 dB and flatness of 1 dB over the wide frequency range of 50 to 860 MHz.

The new 860 MHz IC also features optional remote shutdown, and has been successfully designed into cable modems in production.

The ACU50751 is available in a 16 pin thermally enhanced SSOP package. In addition to reduced space requirements, this GaAs MMIC solution provides an economic alternative to discrete and hybrid converters. The ACU50751 is manufactured using ANADIGICS' high volume GaAs MESFET technology, resulting in a low cost and space efficient solution compared to hybrid models and discrete designs. The upconverter is manufactured in the company's state-of-the-art ISO 9001 certified facility in New Jersey, and is 100% tested at DC and RF before shipping to maximize reliability.

The ACU50751 is available at $3.10 in quantities of 10,000.

Founded in 1985, ANADIGICS is a pioneer in the manufacture of gallium arsenide integrated circuits for high volume communications applications. ANADIGICS components are the enabling technology for many of today's products used in consumer electronic applications, including mobile telephones, cable television set top boxes, direct broadcast satellite TV receivers, fiber-optic data transmission systems, and other advanced communications networks. To date, ANADIGICS has delivered over 100 million GaAs ICs and was the first GaAs IC manufacturer to receive ISO 9001 Certification. For more information on ANADIGICS, visit the company's web site at www.anadigics.com.

CONTACT: Allan S. Fliss or Debra Norman, 973/627-8180

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