STB processor features 100Mbit/s channel bonding

STMicroelectronics N.V. (ST) has unleashed what it claims as its most highly integrated chip for interactive high-definition personal video recorder (PVR) cable set-top boxes (STBs). According to ST, the STiH225 will drastically decrease equipment design, cost and certification challenges for its customers.

ST is supporting its new IC with a reference design that simplifies first-time certification of new designs that meet applicable Data over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) and EuroDOCSIS standards.

The STiH225 integrates a cable STB processor and analog/digital interface on a single chip. It combines the functions of ST's STi7141 cable STB SoC and STV0130 three-channel analog front end with an Ethernet physical interface. The STi7141 was the first device on the market to support HDTV broadband Internet up to 100Mbit/s due to its integrated cable modem and sophisticated digital video recording functions in a single component, ST noted.

Leveraging the architectural advantages of the STi7141, the STiH225 features dual-core processing that ensures full performance is always available for STB functions and for broadband communication. The STiH225 is fully software compatible with the STi7141, allowing customers to migrate designs quickly and easily to the new device, taking advantage of DOCSIS 2.0 certification and support for Internet Protocol v6.

A three-channel STB based on this device can be completed using very few additional components. Designers are free to use three discrete cable tuners or a tuner module in the standardized network interface module form factor. This enables designers to reduce the PCB area and BOM costs to deliver competitively priced, compact interactive STBs that provide access to high-value services.

The STiH225 is Linux and OS21 compatible. It features multistandard MPEG4/H.264/VC1, MPEG-2 and SMPTE video decoding. It likewise boasts multistandard MPEG2/3/4, Dolby Digital (AC-3), Dolby Digital Plus audio processing. The device touts four USB ports, eSATA interface to external HDD, S-video/YPbPr/HDMI video output and three channels downstream channel bonding up to 100Mbit/s.

The STiH225 is sampling to lead customers, with volume production scheduled for January next year. Pricing is available on request.