MT8870D/MT8870D-1
Decoder Section
Data Sheet
Following the filter section is a decoder employing digital counting techniques to determine the frequencies of the
incoming tones and to verify that they correspond to standard DTMF frequencies. A complex averaging algorithm
protects against tone simulation by extraneous signals such as voice while providing tolerance to small frequency
deviations and variations. This averaging algorithm has been developed to ensure an optimum combination of
immunity to talk-off and tolerance to the presence of interfering frequencies (third tones) and noise. When the
detector recognizes the presence of two valid tones (this is referred to as the “signal condition” in some industry
specifications) the “Early Steering” (ESt) output will go to an active state. Any subsequent loss of signal condition
will cause ESt to assume an inactive state (see “Steering Circuit”).
V
DD
V
DD
St/GT
ESt
R
StD
MT8870D/
MT8870D-1
C
v
c
t
GTA
=(RC)In(V
DD
/V
TSt
)
t
GTP
=(RC)In[V
DD
/(V
DD
-V
TSt
)]
Figure 4 - Basic Steering Circuit
Steering Circuit
Before registration of a decoded tone pair, the receiver checks for a valid signal duration (referred to as character
recognition condition). This check is performed by an external RC time constant driven by ESt. A logic high on ESt
causes v
c
(see Figure 4) to rise as the capacitor discharges. Provided signal condition is maintained (ESt remains
high) for the validation period (t
GTP
), v
c
reaches the threshold (V
TSt
) of the steering logic to register the tone pair,
latching its corresponding 4-bit code (see Table 1) into the output latch. At this point the GT output is activated and
drives v
c
to V
DD
. GT continues to drive high as long as ESt remains high. Finally, after a short delay to allow the
output latch to settle, the delayed steering output flag (StD) goes high, signalling that a received tone pair has been
registered. The contents of the output latch are made available on the 4-bit output bus by raising the three state
control input (TOE) to a logic high. The steering circuit works in reverse to validate the interdigit pause between
signals. Thus, as well as rejecting signals too short to be considered valid, the receiver will tolerate signal
interruptions (dropout) too short to be considered a valid pause. This facility, together with the capability of selecting
the steering time constants externally, allows the designer to tailor performance to meet a wide variety of system
requirements.
Guard Time Adjustment
In many situations not requiring selection of tone duration and interdigital pause, the simple steering circuit shown
in Figure 4 is applicable. Component values are chosen according to the formula:
t
REC
=t
DP
+t
GTP
t
ID
=t
DA
+t
GTA
4
Zarlink Semiconductor Inc.
ZARLINK [ ZARLINK SEMICONDUCTOR INC ]
