[Discuss-gnuradio] AM/FM Chipset w/DSP IF

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STMicroelectronics Develops DSP-based Digital AM/FM Radio Chipset That 
Directly Digitizes Intermediate Frequency
Combination of BiCMOS front end and 0.18um CMOS baseband processor improves 
performance and enables future IBOC-compatible products.

Geneva, July 16, 2002 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) today announced that 
the company is sampling a new AM/FM radio receiver chipset that digitizes 
directly the 10.7MHz intermediate frequency, allowing both enhanced 
performance and convergence with IBOC (In-Band On-Channel) digital radio in 
the future.

Aimed at the open market, the new chipset consists of the TDA7515 analog 
front-end chip, realized in high-performance 0.7-micron BiCMOS technology 
and the TDA7580 DSP digital baseband processor, realized in 0.18-micron 
CMOS. The DSP software embedded in the TDA7580 implements advanced 
algorithms that boost receiver performance. These algorithms have been 
jointly developed by ST and Bose Corporation, a recognized leader in audio 
system technology.

Direct digitization at the intermediate frequency makes the design more 
flexible and allows the implementation of complex equalization techniques 
that reduce multipath reception effects introduced by adjacent channels in 
very difficult weak-signal conditions. Moreover, the processor can adapt to 
changing conditions, maintaining excellent reception at all times. A 
further benefit of the software-based approach is that additional features 
can be added later without redesigning hardware, so products can be 
improved and differentiated simply by updating the firmware.

Because of the extensive use of digital techniques, the new chipset also 
smoothes the path towards dual standard IBOC/FM receivers, where a single 
DSP will have software to handle both, so that an IBOC-equipped radio can 
have a user-transparent FM fallback mode for borderline reception 
conditions. The digital approach combined with some features of the 
front-end chip also means that the chipset can support worldwide tuning 
frequencies, so a single application covers all markets with only changes 
in the software.

ST provides a complete DSP software solution for the TDA7580 that includes 
the implementation of algorithms developed jointly by ST and Bose 
Corporation. However, system designers using the chipset may also modify or 
extend portion of this standard software package to add new features or 
embed their own proprietary knowhow.

The TDA7515 and TDA7580 are supplied in 44- and 64-lead TQFP packages, 
respectively. Very few external components are required as most functions 
are performed digitally and because a hardware decoder for Radio Data 
System (RDS) is included in the TDA7580. The embedded decoder means that 
RDS decoding can be performed without using any DSP resources.

Samples of the TDA7515 and TDA7580 are available now and volume production 
is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2002.

About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics, the world's third largest semiconductor company, is a 
global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across 
the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of 
silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property 
(IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the 
forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key 
role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are 
traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan 
Stock Exchange. In 2001, the Company's net revenues were $6.36 billion and 
net earnings were $257.1 million. Further information on ST can be found at 
http://www.st.com.

For further information please contact:

STMicroelectronics Technical Press Relations:
Richard Stockdill
Tel : +33 4 5040 2558
Fax : +33 4 5040 2540
Saint Genis-Pouilly, France
E-mail: address@hidden