Alps Develops the Smallest FM Tuner

Alps Electric Developed TSM 1 Series as the Industry’s Smallest FM Tuner; Module Volume Production to Commence; First Tuner in Industry Under 6mm

TOKYO – Furthering the movement towards mobile devices that started with the mobile phone, Alps Electric (Pink Sheets:APELY) has developed the TSM 1 Series, an FM tuner module, and will start volume production in December this year.

From the introduction of the mobile phone, the growing multi-functionality of portable devices is increasingly remarkable in our times. For example, in addition to communications functions, the mobile phone can also show television programs; while the MP3 Player, in addition to playing and recording music, has a built-in radio function, all of which contribute to boosting the value of such multi-functional products.

Perceiving the need for these combined devices to be multi-functional, Alps has developed the industry’s smallest FM tuner module.

Realizing the industry’s smallest tuner module was made possible by Alps’ long-held commanding position in high frequency wave design technology and high-density mounting technology, which it placed at the service of the increasing demands of both miniaturization and multi-functionality.

Up until now, adding an FM function required an IC to be mounted on the circuit board in order to engineer the tuner separately and to carry out a performance inspection. Now, however, in this new product the tuner function is modularized, and an added shield cover increases tolerance from inside and outside. Together with being the industry’s smallest device, the TSM 1 Series increases freedom in set product design; and because the module function can be guaranteed, the performance inspection can be dispensed with, contributing to a shorter set design and production time.

What is more, because of Alps’ commanding position in high frequency wave design technology, the IC function could be removed and circuit loss reduced to achieve high-sensitivity with low distortion, resulting in stable reception and clear sound reproduction. In addition, the product’s low energy-consumption design principles enable prolonged use when supply is low. The TSM 1 Series is compatible with wave frequencies in Japan, Europe and the U.S.

Features

As volume production of the industry’s smallest FM tuner module is set to commence, Alps can boast the following accomplishments:

1. Industry’s smallest size (internal area: 0.049 ml, total surface: 34.81 mm square)
2. Modularized set construction contributes to shorter design and production times
3. High sensitivity and low distortion
4. Low energy costs
5. Operable on frequencies in Europe, the U.S. and Japan

Principal Applications

For use in mobile telephones, various mobile information terminals, digital audio players, memory player, PCs, home audio-visual devices, etc.

Planned Sales

Start of volume production: December 2005

Sample price: 1,050 Yen

Monthly production: 500,000 units (January 2006)

Development: Communication Devices Division, Soma Plant (Fukushima prefecture)

Production location: Communication Devices Division, Soma Plant (Fukushima Prefecture)

Specifications

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Product name TSM 1 Series
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Dimensions 5.9 mm x 5.9 mm x 1.4 mm (W x D x H)
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Receiving frequency range 76.0 – 108 MHz (FM, FM tuner attached)
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Supply voltage 2.85 V
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Current drain 8 mA (max. 12 mA)
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Control signal Inter Integrated Circuit
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External clock frequency 32.768 kHz (X’tal EXT)
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