Seoul, Korea, October 16, 2001
hynix Semiconductor Inc. (hynix, www.hynix.com ) announced today that it will shortly begin volume production of a receiver chip used in digital satellite broadcasting.
Mass production follows a successful rapid development phase for this new chip, representing not only continued expansion into non-memory semiconductors for hynix but a marked improvement over existing receiver technology as well. The new IC is identified as a Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) demodulator. In addition to tuner, audio, and video systems it is also an essential component in digital satellite broadcasting receivers (e.g., set top boxes).
Each broadcaster converts their signal to QPSK mode so as to transmit it via satellite; the demodulator restores the QPSK-style signal to a Moving Picture Expert Group (MPEG)-2 signal in the set top box. The principal feature of the QPSK chip is its capacity to compensate for signal faults, exceeding competing products by 0.2 ~ 0.5dB. The response time when changing channels as well as the ability to pull-in weak signals are rated first in the market. Network interface module makers adopting the new hynix chip will demonstrate clearly superior quality in comparison to competitors, setting the stage for market pre-eminence. hynix has applied for over ten patents on the new product at home and abroad.
The chip is manufactured in a Quad Flat Package (QFP) using 0.25 micron Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The demodulator operates at 90MHz, 2.5 volts, and is equipped with analog circuits including both Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) and Phase Locked Loop (PLL) for easy module production. The chip also supports the primary international standards for satellite broadcasting, Direct Video Broadcasting (DVB) and Digital Satellite Service (DSS), thus ensuring it can be readily incorporated by any set top box maker worldwide.
The world’s network interface module market is currently experiencing 20% annual growth, recording some 24 million units sold last year. Korean manufacturers in particular dominate the market at this time with their world-class technology. hynix will launch full-scale production next month with a revenue target of 20 billion won for 2002 and 25% market share. hynix also hopes to corner the domestic market when digital satellite broadcasting services begin in December of this year.
