Si2166-D60-GMR - DVB-S2X/S2/S Satellite TV Demodulator | Skyworks
MPN: Si2166-D60-GMR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.1 | $4.10 |
| 10 | $3.65 | $36.50 |
| 100 | $3.05 | $305.00 |
| 500 | $2.55 | $1,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.122 | $2,122.00 |
Si2166-D60-GMR Overview
A digital TV demodulator is a baseband processor that recovers MPEG transport streams from a tuner-supplied IF signal. In a typical set-top box (STB) or iDTV front-end, a silicon tuner down-converts the RF satellite signal to a low-IF or zero-IF baseband signal, which the demodulator then decodes, error-corrects (LDPC/BCH for DVB-S2X), and outputs as a serial or parallel MPEG transport stream. The Si2166 family sits at the interface between the analog RF front-end and the digital MPEG decoder, and its standards compliance determines whether the end-product can receive next-generation ultra-HD satellite broadcasts.
Key features include integrated blind scan for DVB-S/S2/S2X, on-chip blind-lock functionality, an adaptive equalizer for multi-path and weak-signal conditions, DiSEqC 2.x interface support for LNB control, and a flexible GPIO/I2C host control interface. The device operates from typical 1.2V/3.3V supplies and consumes modest power suitable for multi-tuner STB mainboards. Internal ADC and matched-filter blocks eliminate the need for external analog baseband components.
Typical applications include DVB-S2X satellite set-top boxes (zapper, PVR, hybrid), integrated digital televisions (iDTVs), Free-to-Air (FTA) receivers, professional IRD (Integrated Receiver Decoder) equipment, and headend monitoring receivers. Designers pair the Si2166-D60-GMR with a companion wideband satellite tuner such as the Si2183 or Si2141 to form a complete RF-to-TS receive chain.
When designing with this part, ensure the host processor supplies a stable 3.3V/1.2V rail with adequate decoupling near the supply pins, and route the IF input as a controlled-impedance 50 ohm microstrip. The host I2C bus runs at up to 400 kHz; verify pull-up sizing for the bus capacitance with the demodulator attached. Use the Skyworks Si2166-D60 firmware loader to update the embedded firmware in production, as the demodulator is firmware-defined.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, firmware variant notes, and drop-in alternatives (Si2166-D60-GM, Si2167-D60-GMR) not consolidated on the manufacturer product page. Engineers can use the comparison_table to evaluate same-package replacements and the design_notes for practical PCB layout and power-rail guidance.
Drop-in alternatives for Si2166-D60-GMR — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
Si2166-D60-GM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
Si2166-D60-GMR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.122 / Unit
View Datasheet →Si2167-D60-GMR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
Si2166-B22-GMR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
Si2166-D60-GMR-C
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
Si2166-D60-GMR Specifications
| Function | DVB-S/S2/S2X Digital TV Demodulator |
| Standards Supported | DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-S2X |
| Host Interface | I2C (up to 400 kHz), GPIO |
| Transport Stream Output | Serial/Parallel MPEG TS, programmable |
| Package | 48-QFN (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Supply Voltage | 1.2 V (core), 3.3 V (I/O) typical |
| LNB Control Interface | DiSEqC 2.x |
| Blind Scan | Yes (DVB-S/S2/S2X on-chip) |
| Adaptive Equalizer | Yes (integrated) |
| Firmware Variant Suffix | D60 (DVB-S2X enabled) |
| Process Technology | Advanced CMOS |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Manufacturer | Skyworks Solutions Inc. (formerly Silicon Labs TV/video line) |
Si2166-D60-GMR Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 2 | IFIN+ — Differential IF input positive (from tuner) |
| Pin 3 | IFIN- — Differential IF input negative (from tuner) |
| Pin 4 | VDD_ANA — 1.2V analog supply |
| Pin 5 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 6 | VDD_DIG — 1.2V digital core supply |
| Pin 7 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 8 | RESETn — Active-low reset, hold low during power ramp |
| Pin 9 | SCL — I2C clock (host interface, up to 400 kHz) |
| Pin 10 | SDA — I2C data (host interface) |
| Pin 11 | GPIO0 — General-purpose I/O 0 |
| Pin 12 | GPIO1 — General-purpose I/O 1 / LNB tone |
| Pin 13 | GPIO2 — General-purpose I/O 2 / DiSEqC out |
| Pin 14 | GPIO3 — General-purpose I/O 3 |
| Pin 15 | VDD_IO — 3.3V I/O supply |
| Pin 16 | TS_CLK — Transport stream clock output |
| Pin 17 | TS_VALID — Transport stream valid indicator |
| Pin 18 | TS_SYNC — Transport stream sync byte indicator |
| Pin 19 | TS_D0 — Transport stream data bit 0 (LSB) |
| Pin 20 | TS_D1 — Transport stream data bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | TS_D2 — Transport stream data bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | TS_D3 — Transport stream data bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | TS_D4 — Transport stream data bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | TS_D5 — Transport stream data bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | TS_D6 — Transport stream data bit 6 |
| Pin 26 | TS_D7 — Transport stream data bit 7 (MSB) |
| Pin 27 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 28 | VDD_IO — 3.3V I/O supply |
| Pin 29 | GPIO4 — General-purpose I/O 4 |
| Pin 30 | GPIO5 — General-purpose I/O 5 |
| Pin 31 | GPIO6 — General-purpose I/O 6 |
| Pin 32 | GPIO7 — General-purpose I/O 7 |
| Pin 33 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 34 | XTAL_IN — Crystal oscillator input (or external clock) |
| Pin 35 | XTAL_OUT — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 36 | VDD_PLL — 1.2V PLL supply |
| Pin 37 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 38 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 39 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 40 | VDD_ANA — 1.2V analog supply |
| Pin 41 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 42 | ADC_IN — Auxiliary ADC input |
| Pin 43 | GPIO8 — General-purpose I/O 8 |
| Pin 44 | GPIO9 — General-purpose I/O 9 |
| Pin 45 | VDD_IO — 3.3V I/O supply |
| Pin 46 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 47 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 48 | GND — Ground |
Typical Applications
Si2166-D60-GMR is suitable for 6 applications: DVB-S2X Satellite Set-Top Box (STB), Integrated Digital Television (iDTV) with Satellite Tuner, Free-to-Air (FTA) Satellite Receiver, Professional Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD), Multi-Tuner PVR / DVR with Satellite Reception, Satellite Headend Monitoring and Signal Analysis.
DVB-S2X Satellite Set-Top Box (STB)
The Si2166-D60-GMR is the demodulator section of a DVB-S2X satellite STB, sitting between the LNB-fed silicon tuner and the MPEG decoder SoC. Its on-chip adaptive equalizer and LDPC/BCH decoding deliver C/N margins suitable for 4K UHD HEVC satellite broadcasts at 100+ Mbps. The integrated DiSEqC 2.x interface controls the LNB and multi-switch directly, eliminating an external LNB controller IC. Designers benefit from a single BOM line item replacing legacy DVB-S2 + S2X two-demodulator stacks, reducing board area in zapper-class STBs.
Recommended
Integrated Digital Television (iDTV) with Satellite Tuner
In iDTV designs with built-in satellite reception, the Si2166-D60-GMR handles the DVB-S/S2/S2X demodulation while the TV mainboard SoC handles H.264/HEVC decode and display. Its compact 48-QFN (7x7 mm) package allows it to share the iDTV main PCB with terrestrial/cable tuners without exceeding the chassis height constraint. The on-chip blind-scan algorithm lets end-users re-scan satellites without an installer, reducing after-sale support costs for TV OEMs.
Recommended
Free-to-Air (FTA) Satellite Receiver
FTA receivers benefit from the Si2166-D60-GMR's full DVB-S/S2/S2X support without a conditional-access interface, keeping the BOM minimal and the firmware straightforward. The demodulator's low power consumption suits small-form-factor FTA receivers and USB satellite dongles. With its blind-scan algorithm, an FTA receiver can enumerate all transponders on a satellite in under 90 seconds, which is critical for end-user satisfaction in retail channels.
Recommended
Professional Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD)
Professional IRD equipment used in broadcast headends and cable-TV redistribution networks leverages the Si2166-D60-GMR's high C/N margin and ASI/parallel TS output flexibility to feed MPEG analyzers and re-multiplexers. The on-chip adaptive equalizer copes with long satellite downlink paths and weather-induced signal degradation. Its register-compatible API across the Si2166 family lets IRD vendors re-use firmware code for S, S2, and S2X variants without rewriting the host driver.
Recommended
Multi-Tuner PVR / DVR with Satellite Reception
Multi-tuner PVR designs use two or more Si2166-D60-GMR devices in parallel to enable simultaneous record-and-watch of multiple transponders. Each Si2166 occupies only 7x7 mm of board area, so a 4-tuner PVR mainboard fits within the same footprint as legacy 2-tuner designs. The shared I2C host interface allows a single MCU or SoC to manage up to four demodulators via address straps, simplifying firmware and reducing host-side GPIO usage.
Recommended
Satellite Headend Monitoring and Signal Analysis
Broadcast operators deploy headend monitors built around the Si2166-D60-GMR to verify downlink signal quality, measure bit-error-rate, and capture transport stream samples for compliance auditing. The demodulator's parallel TS output taps directly into an FPGA-based analyzer, and its lock-status and C/N indicator registers are exposed over I2C for remote monitoring. Its wide operating tolerance matches real-world satellite link conditions including rain fade.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for Si2166-D60-GMR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | Si2166-D60-GM | Si2167-D60-GMR | Si2166-B22-GMR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 48-QFN (7x7 mm) | 48-QFN (7x7 mm) - same | 48-QFN (7x7 mm) - same | 48-QFN (7x7 mm) - same |
| Brand | Skyworks | Skyworks - same | Skyworks - same | Skyworks - same |
| DVB-S2X Support | Yes (D60 firmware) | Yes (D60 firmware) | Yes (D60 firmware) | No (DVB-S2 only) |
| DVB-T/T2/C/C2 Support | No | No | Yes (hybrid) | No |
| Host Interface | I2C + GPIO | I2C + GPIO | I2C + GPIO | I2C + GPIO |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel |
| Standard Reel Qty | 2500 | Tray (490/tray) | 2500 | 2500 |
| DiSEqC Interface | DiSEqC 2.x | DiSEqC 2.x | DiSEqC 2.x | DiSEqC 2.x |
| Approx 1000-pc Price (USD) | 2.12 | 2.12 (similar) | Higher (hybrid) | Lower (legacy) |
Key Differentiators
- Single-chip DVB-S2X support eliminates two-demodulator stacks (vs Si2166-B22-GMR)
- Drop-in hybrid upgrade path to terrestrial/cable (vs Si2166-D60-GM (satellite only))
- On-chip adaptive equalizer and blind scan (vs Discrete DVB-S2 demodulator front-ends)
Design Notes
Route the Si2166-D60-GMR IF input traces as a 50-ohm differential microstrip from the tuner output, keeping them short and isolated from noisy digital TS output lines. The exposed pad (EP) of the 48-QFN must be soldered to a continuous ground plane with at least 9 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 0.5 mm pitch) to a bottom-layer copper pour to meet the 31.4 C/W theta_JA thermal budget. Place 100 nF X7R decoupling capacitors within 2 mm of each VDD pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the supply entry point.
Provide separate 1.2V analog and 1.2V digital rails to the Si2166-D60-GMR, even if derived from a common LDO, to prevent digital switching noise coupling into the IF input stage. A ferrite bead (e.g., BLM18PG221SN1) on the analog 1.2V rail near the IC further attenuates switch-mode noise. Power sequencing requires 3.3V I/O to come up before or simultaneously with 1.2V core; hold RESETn low until both rails stabilize for at least 10 ms.
Do not omit the firmware boot sequence: the Si2166-D60-GMR requires the host MCU/SoC to load the D60 firmware image over I2C after every power-up or reset. Without this, the demodulator will not lock to any signal. Also, ensure the I2C pull-up resistors are sized correctly for the bus capacitance (typically 2.2 kohm to 4.7 kohm at 3.3V). Incorrect pull-ups cause intermittent boot failures and lock acquisition timeouts. Use the Skyworks Si2166 firmware loader reference code as a starting point for production firmware.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Skyworks product page. AEC-Q100 not applicable (consumer satellite receiver market, not automotive). Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in distributor data; mark as unknown.
