Microtune's New Amplifier IC for Integrated Antenna Systems Keeps Automotive Companies on the Cutting Edge

INGOLSTADT, Germany--Nov. 8, 2004--

New Highly Integrated AM/FM Amplifier Chip, Targeted for In-Glass or Small Roof Antennas, Improves Car Audio Reception and Performance

Bringing its radio frequency (RF) silicon expertise to the automotive electronics industry, Microtune(R), Inc. today introduced an advanced one-chip AM/FM amplifier, the MT1120, specifically designed for integration into vehicle window-mounted antennas, small roof antennas or other integrated antenna systems. Compared to conventional discrete amplifiers, the new MT1120, through increased integration, offers amplifier-systems providers more functionality and higher performance in a miniature form factor.

Microtune is an RF silicon and systems company that develops tuners, amplifiers and transceivers targeted to the consumer and automotive electronics markets. The company is recognized for its breakthrough RF silicon technology, driving traditional RF module functions into high-performance single chips.

Unlike other amplifier chips on the market, the MT1120 integrates, into one device, the FM amplifier, AM amplifier, and automatic gain control (AGC) functions for the FM and AM bands. It amplifies the radio signal, compensating for the reduced performance of in-glass or small roof-mount antennas. The MT1120 offers extreme large signal handling capability and low-noise performance. These features, combined with its integrated AGC functionality, yield improved sensitivity and performance under difficult reception conditions, such as those resulting from weak signals or overload. The MT1120's high degree of integration, very small size and superior performance also contribute to its overall system efficiency and lower RF solution cost.

"Automotive suppliers are rapidly expanding the use of integrated antenna systems in automobiles across an increasing number of makes and models," said Barry Koch, Vice President and General Manager, Microtune's Automotive Business Unit. "The industry has been looking for an integrated amplifier solution that meets increasingly strict performance and extreme automotive temperature-range requirements, while, at the same time, offering a reduction in overall systems cost. Our experience in developing high-performance RF silicon--plus our track record in developing industry-leading AM/FM, car-TV and telematics tuners--paved the way for the MT1120's advance in automotive component technology."

APPLICATION FLEXIBILITY

The MT1120 is designed for single-antenna systems, but is also well suited for implementation in antenna diversity systems, where multiple amplifiers are required to support multiple antennas. In addition, the application flexibility of the MT1120 permits system providers to optimally match varying antenna structures with different radio configurations. The MT1120 is also designed to conform to the applicable specifications of major worldwide carmakers, enabling it to support automotive radio systems across global markets.

ENGINEERED FOR HIGH FUNCTIONAL INTEGRATION AND SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE

The MT1120 is an advanced, low-power, single-chip amplifier that integrates two true-RMS power detectors and two uncommitted op-amps, realizing an AGC function for AM and FM by simply adding external PIN diodes. The thresholds of the AM and FM AGC function are variable and can be set according to the application requirements for system optimization. The on-chip temperature-compensated reference generator and high-output voltage op-amp combine to form a low-cost, reliable, automotive-qualified power supply, which can be connected directly to a non-regulated automotive electrical system.

The MT1120 is capable of amplifying signals with frequencies in the 0.15 MHz to 6.2 MHz range for AM and 76 MHz to 162.4 MHz range for FM. External components determine the gain of the AM and FM amplifiers and can also be modified to extend the operating frequency of the MT1120.

The AM amplifier uses highly sophisticated design technology to reach low noise, very low distortion, high-input impedance and its capability to drive very low-output impedance. The FM amplifier is matched to 50 ohms and is designed for low noise and very low signal distortion. These characteristics are required for achieving high-end AM/FM system performance, particularly under critical reception conditions.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

The MT1120 amplifier is sampling now and is priced at $2.20 in quantities of 10,000. Initial production is planned for early 2005. To simplify evaluation and design, Microtune also offers an MT1120 Evaluation Board.

In addition to its suite of silicon amplifiers, Microtune also offers tuners for AM/FM car radios, mobile multimedia/TV systems and telematics. As with Microtune's other transportation products, the MT1120 is environmentally hardened to operate under extended temperature ranges and adverse climatic conditions and is qualified to TS16949 and AEC-Q100 standards.

ABOUT MICROTUNE

Microtune, Inc. is a silicon and subsystems company that designs and markets radio frequency (RF)-based solutions for the worldwide broadband communications and transportation electronics markets. Inventors of the MicroTuner(TM) single-chip broadband tuner, Microtune offers a portfolio of advanced tuner, amplifier, upconverter and transceiver products that enable the delivery of information and entertainment across new classes of consumer electronics devices. The Company currently holds more than 40 U.S. patents for its technology. Founded in 1996, Microtune is headquartered in Plano, Texas, with key design and sales centers located around the world. The website is www.microtune.com.

PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENTS

It is not unusual for Microtune to announce new products of this kind, and the announcement of this product, or any other product, should not be viewed as an indicator of Microtune revenues for any current or future reporting period.

MICROTUNE FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Microtune is a registered trademark and MicroTuner, MicroStreamer and VideoCaster are trademarks of Microtune, Inc. All other company and/or product names may be trade names, trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners with which they are associated. Copyright (C) 2004 Microtune, Inc. All rights reserved.