CATV set-top heterodyne converters accept signals from the cable, down-convert, and process the signals for viewing with a television receiver.
Silicon RFICs provide effective solutions for gain stages and broadband mixers. Schottky diodes can be used in balanced mixers requiring wide dynamic range. AGC is accomplished by using either PIN attenuator diodes or a silicon RFIC variable gain amplifier. Silicon bipolar transistors are used in the local oscillator. PIN switching diodes provide a reliable means of switching the television receiver input between a TV broadcast antenna and the cable system.
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