Alps tuner support digital, analog FM/AM

Alps Electric Co. Ltd has developed the TDGA 1 series, which it claims to be first tuner for HD Radio IBOC digital AM/FM broadcasts in the U.S. The first commercial samples will be shipped in late February.

High Definition (HD) Radio is the common name for a system and service that will be offering digital radio broadcasts starting in the spring of 2003. The cities of Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, and Miami have been selected as the first to receive service, with plans for expansion to Boston, Dallas, Denver, Atlanta, Detroit, and other cities. HD Radio uses In-Band On-Channel (IBOC) technology allowing a digital signal to be added to an existing analog one.

The TDGA1 tuner is compatible with both digital and analog FM/AM signals, has supersensitive reception, and a programmable AGC that provides stable output. The device operates from an 8.5V and 5V supply and draws 160mA and 50mA.