Zarlink Targets Fast-Scan, Low-Power Demodulator Chip at Booming Asian Markets for Digital Satellite TV

New demodulator selected by leading Chinese manufacturer - strengthens Zarlink's position in RF (radio frequency) chips for digital satellite STBs (set-top boxes) - Automatically scans complete satellite broadcast band in minutes OTTAWA, CANADA, July 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Zarlink Semiconductor (NYSE/TSX:ZL) today added the industry's fastest-scanning, lowest-power channel demodulator to its successful family of RF chips for digital satellite TV systems. Zarlink's ZL(TM)10312 chip is aimed primarily at STBs sold in Asia and the Middle East that receive "free-to-air" digital TV channels on satellite broadcast bands. The demodulator is also suitable for the European and U.S. satellite STB markets. The ZL10312 device, combined with Zarlink's SL1925/1935 tuner chips, offers manufacturers a complete RF subsystem for tuning, scanning, decoding, and demodulating digital satellite TV signals. Approximately 70% of the digital satellite STBs manufactured in China use Zarlink tuners, according to company research. To provide consumers with STBs that are easier to use, manufacturers want demodulators that quickly scan and lock onto digital satellite TV channels with little or no user input. The ZL10312 demodulator automatically scans the complete satellite broadcast band in minutes - the industry's fastest auto- scan performance. In comparison, competing demodulator chips can take hours to perform the function, and require consumers to input such variables as frequency, code rate, and symbol rate. Proven, second-generation design "Market acceptance has been excellent for auto-scan STBs based on Zarlink's first-generation MT312 satellite demodulator. The new ZL10312 chip provides even better performance at lower power," said Huang ZhenFen, General Technical Supervisor at FuZhou ZhuoYi Electronics, a leading manufacturer of satellite TV equipment. "Fast auto scan is a very popular feature with consumers, and our new demodulator delivers the best performance in the industry," said Jim Wallace, marketing manager, Satellite, Cable, and Terrestrial Products, Zarlink Semiconductor. "Coupled with our market-proven tuners, we're making it simpler for manufacturers to build complete RF front-ends for digital satellite receivers." Zarlink's new satellite demodulator is the lowest-power chip in its class, with consumption of only 300 mW (milliwatts). As STBs shrink in size, heat-sensitive RF tuner and demodulator chips are being packed into smaller areas. The ZL10312 demodulator minimizes heat generation, improving RF performance and field reliability. Top-notch features and performance Zarlink's ZL10312 chip is a digital satellite demodulator that supports QPSK (quaternary phase shift keying) and BPSK (bipolar phase shift keying) modulation schemes. The device uses advanced digital filters to detect and decode symbol rates from 1-45 MS/s (megasymbols per second), allowing it to process a flexible range of satellite channels without external components. A unique, on-chip hard-wired controller helps the ZL10312 device achieve its ultra-fast channel scanning capability. The controller saves time by implementing scan routines at high speeds with little intervention from an external processor. This allows manufacturers to minimize software overhead and reach markets more quickly. The ZL10312 chip features a direct interface to version 2.2 of Eutelsat's DiSEqC(TM) (digital satellite equipment control) bus. This interface reduces the need for external components to control satellite dishes and LNBs (low- noise blocks). ENERGY STAR® "sleep" pin The ZL10312 demodulator features a "sleep" pin that dramatically lowers power consumption in stand-by mode. The pin reduces the chip's power requirement 1,000-fold when a STB is not in use, thus assisting manufacturers in meeting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ENERGY STAR® requirements. The ZL10312 also complies fully with European DVB-S (Digital Video Broadcasting-Satellite) specifications and the U.S. DSS (Digital Satellite System) standard. Pricing and availability Zarlink's ZL10312 satellite channel demodulator chip is now in production. The chip is packaged in a 64-pin LQFP (low-quad flat pack) and measures only 7 mm (millimeters) by 7 mm. In 1K volumes, the ZL10312 is priced at US$3.85. For more information please visit http://products.zarlink.com/profiles/ZL10312. About Zarlink Semiconductor For almost 30 years, Zarlink Semiconductor has delivered semiconductor solutions that drive the capabilities of voice, enterprise, broadband and wireless communications. The company's success is built on its technology strengths, including voice and data networks, consumer and ultra low-power communications, and high-performance analog. For more information, visit www.zarlink.com.