Digital Direct Conversion Receiver -DCR- Introduced by TDK Semiconductor For Digital Satellite and VSAT Applications.

TUSTIN, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 7, 1998--TDK Semiconductor Corp., a leader in the design and manufacture of communication semiconductors for worldwide markets, has introduced a low cost, high performance direct conversion receiver (DCR) integrated circuit for digital satellite and VSAT applications.

The new device, designated the 5503 DCR, provides a receiver design with fewer external components than the conventional dual conversion approach. The 5503 DCR features a wideband I/Q demodulator with an RF input range from 950 to 1450 MHz. It also includes an integrated variable gain amplifier, an integrated VCO, frequency synthesizer and base band amplifiers.

According to Tim Jackson, vice president of TDK Semiconductor's multimedia business unit, "The 5503 DCR is the first single chip solution designed as a result of the DCR technology development breakthrough for L-band receiver applications that TDK Semiconductor announced last July. The new technology enables us to design ICs that significantly reduce the number of external components required to implement a complete receiver solution, thereby reducing the manufacturing complexity and cost. The 5503 DCR, manufactured in standard BiCMOS silicon, offers all of the blocks of an L-band down converter including some passive components."

TDK Semiconductor's DCR development is the result of a research project funded by parent company TDK Corp. of Japan. The focus of the project was to develop integrated circuit technology that results in low cost receiver implementations for growing wireless communication markets. The initial project is aimed at the direct broadcast satellite (DBS) market where cost is a critical factor in product success. The company is presently developing a family of DBS receiver ICs based upon this DCR technology. The 5503 DCR is the first commercial device to be released.

The 5503 DCR is available in a 48-lead QFP package. Samples and evaluation boards are currently available, with production planned for April 1999. Pricing for the 5503 DCR is less than $4.00 in 10,000 unit quantities. Additional product information and the name of your closest representative can be obtained by visiting the company's Web site at http://www.tsc.tdk.com, sending an e-mail to [e-mail] or by calling 714/508-8800.

TDK Semiconductor, part of the $5 billion plus TDK Corp. (NYSE:TDK), is a leader in advanced technology IC solutions for communications markets. The company designs and manufactures semiconductor solutions for LAN/WAN, embedded modem, set-top box and digital TV applications. Its products are used globally for connectivity and data acquisition.