ALPS Develops DVB-S2 Digital BS Tuner Unit with Internal Demodulator

BSBE2 Series achieves high reliability and noise resistance to minimize heat dissipation and noise

Duesseldorf, Germany, July 17, 2007 – ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPA GmbH has developed a DVB-S2 (Digital Video Broadcasting – Satellite 2) digital BS tuner unit with an internal demodulator, BSBE2 series, for use in TVs and set-top boxes compatible with high-definition satellite digital broadcasting. From the fall of 2006, European countries started satellite broadcasts in the new high-definition DVB-S2 format. In Japan as well, SKY Perfect Communications Inc. is planning to commence broadcasting in the same format from the summer of 2008, increasing worldwide demand for DVB-S2. This product is a tuner for satellite digital broadcasts that is compatible with both the high-definition DVB-S2 and standard DVB-S screen formats. While it is useable with both formats, it is the same size as its predecessor, the BSBE1 series (41.0mm wide x 73.3mm deep x 13.0 mm high) which could only be used with the DVB-S format. If set makers exchange the previous product for the current product on tuners, this will help reduce the design load on the circuit board. Furthermore, the structure of the exterior cladding of the tuner is effective in reducing heat dissipation and noise, leading to greater reliability and anti-noise performance. The tuner’s internal demodulator IC causes heat to be generated when the digitally altered signals are modulated. The heat source is in the upper section of the demodulator IC. Opening a hole in the part of the cover over the upper section and bringing the lower section of the circuit board used for the IC into contact with part of the outer cover, creates a double thermal insulation structure which is very effective for dissipating heat. In addition to preventing the signals emitted by the oscillator inside the tuner from influencing other parts of the set as noise, the cover over the exterior cladding also serves to muffle digital noise emanating from set’s decoder or CPU. Three types of mounting are available, for each of which there are further options in the mounting structure and distributing parts, offering a versatile range of six variations and greatly contributing to set makers’ design flexibility. Features Development and mass production of DVB-S2 digital BS tuner unit with internal demodulator Compatible with both DVB-S2 and DVB-S. Same size as the DVB-S format tuner, contributing to a reduced design burden on set makers’ circuit boards. The structure of the tuner’s exterior cladding dissipates heat effectively. The structure of the tuner’s exterior cladding works as a shield, muffling noise inside and outside the tuner. Versatile mounting possibilities contribute to set makers’ design flexibility. Principal Applications TV sets and set-top boxes for DVB-S2 format satellite digital broadcasts Specifications Download press release including table of specifications This news release and a press photo are available electronically at http://www.presseagentur.com/alps/en/

ALPS Electric Co., Ltd. Since its establishment in 1948 ALPS has grown as a comprehensive manufacturer of electronic components. At present ALPS is creating innovative high-value-added products in its main business segments – Components, Magnetic Devices, Communications, Peripheral Products, and Automotive Electronics – which are contributing to the advance of a digital society. ALPS is a global company that carries out its operations with 22 production bases in 9 countries as well as 57 sales bases in 14 countries. Consolidated net sales in the year ended March 31, 2005 amounted to YEN 644 billion. ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPA GmbH, a subsidiary of ALPS Electric Co., Ltd., was established in 1979. Since 1989, the European Head Office has been located in Düsseldorf, where a team of specialists works in Sales, Marketing, and Product Engineering. The activities of our branch offices in Munich, Paris and Milton Keynes, our sales office in Milan and our European distribution work are co-ordinated from Düsseldorf. ALPS Nordic AB, a 100 percent subsidiary of ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPA GmbH, is based in Sweden and services the Scandinavian market.