NXP Drives Car Radio Market With Low IF Tuner Systems

NXP Semiconductors, the independent company founded by Philips, announced the general availability of its TEF660x series FM/AM tuner – one of the world’s first low IF tuners for car radio head units. The TEF660x series of tuners introduces a breakthrough in integration, incorporating all critical RF components on a single chip and eliminating the need for manual alignment. As a result, set makers will find it easy to apply the tuner on the main board, avoiding the need for a tuner module, saving considerable space in the head unit, and significantly reducing system costs.

The TEF6601 and TEF6606 tuners integrate all critical RF components – including VCO, ceramic filters, IF transformer coils, LNA and AGC – leaving only 32 low-cost components external to the chip. Further, the low IF tuners support the high-performance requirements for car radio applications, with exceptionally good large signal handling.

“Over the last 80 years, the car radio has undergone a significant transformation – from the only entertainment device in the car, to the heart of complex in-car infotainment systems. As the market leader in car radio tuners, we continue to look for ways to help drive this transformation,” said Torsten Lehmann, senior director, marketing and strategy, Car Entertainment, NXP Semiconductors. “Initial response to the TEF6601 and TEF6606 low IF tuners from leading partners such as JVC has been resounding, and we are pleased to bring this product to a broader range of OEM and aftermarket partners.”

NXP Semiconductors