MAX9597 - Complete SCART Solution Dramatically Reduces Power Consumption in Set-Top Boxes and A/V Receivers

Source�� | Publishing Date��2008-11-25

+3.3V Single-SCART Solution Minimizes Power Consumption in Set-Top Boxes

The MAX9597 is a complete SCART solution for set-top boxes and A/V receivers that have one SCART connector.
This device consumes significantly less power than discrete single-SCART implementations.
The MAX9597 operates audio and video circuitry from a +3.3V supply and only requires +12V for the slow-switching signal.
A low-power, complete single-SCART solution, the MAX9597 is ideal for set-top boxes and A/V receivers.

SUNNYVALE, CA��November 18, 2008��Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) introduces the MAX9597, the industry's first fully integrated, +3.3V SCART solution for set-top boxes and A/V receivers that have one SCART connector. Designed to enable greener consumer applications, this device utilizes innovative, power-saving technology to dramatically reduce power consumption. Maxim's patented* DirectDrive® technology enables the device to operate audio and video signals from +3.3V, thereby eliminating the need for a +5V supply and minimizing the use of a +12V supply. This low-voltage operation, combined with the MAX9597's miserly 53mW quiescent current consumption, makes it much easier to meet stringent energy-efficiency requirements for set-top boxes.

Functional Overview

The MAX9597 eases the routing of audio and video signals between an MPEG encoder and an external SCART connector. It integrates standard-definition video filters on all video-encoder inputs, and all audio drivers deliver a full-scale (2.0V_RMS, min) output. The audio section contains left and right audio paths with an independent operational amplifier at the inputs. The MAX9597 is controlled through an IІC-compatible interface.

Set-Top Boxes Require Power-Saving Features

Historically, consumer electronics manufacturers have not focused on maximizing energy efficiency for plug-in applications because there has been little demand for this efficiency. Now, with the growing concern for global warming and ever-increasing costs of energy, consumers are willing to pay a premium for environmentally friendly products, while regulatory agencies have begun issuing stricter power-consumption guidelines for consumer electronics.

Devices such as set-top boxes consume a significant amount of power because they are on for long periods of time, and until recently they have not included meaningful sleep or automatic power-down modes. A basic set-top box without a DVR consumes 100kWh to 200kWh of electricity per year, while set-top boxes with DVRs consume 200kWh to 400kWh per year. In the United States alone, set-top boxes account for 13 billion kWh of electricity every year, costing consumers over $1.1 billion.��

Consequently, there is significant demand for consumer electronics with advanced power-saving features��particularly in Europe, where regulatory agencies are relied upon for environmental stewardship. The EU Code of Conduct, EU Eco-Label, GEEA, and Energy Star have all issued guidelines mandating reduced power consumption in set-top boxes.

Innovative Technology Enables Lowest Power Consumption

Traditionally, set-top box manufacturers have utilized low-cost discrete components to interface with the SCART connector. Although these designs can be inexpensive to implement, they do not maximize energy efficiency. Typical discrete single-SCART implementations require +5V for video and +12V for audio signals.

In contrast, the MAX9597 is a complete SCART solution designed to deliver the lowest possible power consumption. This fully integrated device operates audio and video circuitry from +3.3V, and only requires +12V for the slow-switching signal. Maxim's DirectDrive technology employs an internal charge pump to invert the +3.3V supply and generate a -3.3V supply, thereby providing sufficient voltage swing to support 2.0V_RMS audio.

To further reduce power consumption, the MAX9597 consumes a mere 53mW during quiescent operation, and 5µW in shutdown.

DirectDrive Audio Circuitry Suppresses Clicks and Pops

Conventional audio-line output drivers that operate from a single supply require series AC-coupling capacitors. During power-up, the DC bias on the AC-coupling capacitor moves from ground to a positive voltage. During power-down, the opposite occurs. The changing DC bias usually causes an audible transient, typically referred to as a "click" or "pop."

In the MAX9597, DirectDrive audio circuitry suppresses this click-and-pop noise. With DirectDrive, the DC bias of the audio-line outputs is always at ground, regardless of whether the MAX9597 is being powered up or powered down. DirectDrive circuitry thus eliminates the need for AC-coupling capacitors on the audio outputs, thereby conserving board space, reducing system cost, and improving frequency response.

Summary of Key Features

53mW quiescent power consumption
Consumes 5µW in shutdown mode
DirectDrive audio technology suppresses clicks and pops
Video reconstruction filter with 10MHz passband and 43dB attenuation at 27MHz

The MAX9597 operates from standard +3.3V and +12V power supplies. Available in a compact, 5mm x 5mm, 28-pin TQFN package, this device is fully specified over the 0��C to +70��C commercial temperature range. Prices start at $0.90 (1000-up, FOB USA).

Samples and evaluation kits are available now. For more information, please visit: http://www.maxim-ic.com/MAX9597.

Maxim Integrated Products is a publicly traded company that designs, manufactures, and sells over $2 billion of high-performance semiconductor products annually. It was founded over 25 years ago with the mission to deliver innovative analog and mixed-signal engineering solutions that add value to its customers' products. To date, Maxim has developed over 5900 products serving the industrial, communications, consumer, and computing markets. For more information, go to www.maxim-ic.com.

*U.S. Patent 7,061,327.
��"NRDC Study of Set-Top Box and Game Console Power Use," National Resources Defense Council, May 22, 2007.

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