MaxLinear’s Digital Channel-Stacking SoC Selected by Zinwell for Its Next-Generation Satellite Digital Outdoor Unit

Taiwan satellite equipment leader selects MxL865 SoC for channel-stacking D-ODU

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CES – MaxLinear Inc. (NYSE: MXL), a leading provider of integrated radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal integrated circuits for broadband communications applications, today announced Zinwell Corp. is developing a new satellite digital outdoor (D-ODU) unit using MaxLinear’s MxL865 channel stacking system on chip (SoC).

Zinwell is expanding its extensive satellite product line with the new D-ODU which is designed for multi-satellite, channel-stacking low-noise block (LNB) downconverters. In the direct broadcast satellite industry, the company is known for its LNBs, multi-dwelling unit switches and SAT>IP servers.

The MxL865 is based on MaxLinear’s Full-Spectrum Capture™ (FSC™) technology, and can support up to 24 channels over a single cable for simplified connection between the indoor set-top box and rooftop LNB / multi-dwelling unit switch. The device has five FSC wideband inputs for a total capture bandwidth of 10 GHz and features a single L-band IF output.

Zinwell selected the MxL865 because of its low-power draw and high level of integration, which made its high-density channel-stacking D-ODU commercially viable. The 10mm x 10mm device integrates a host CPU microcontroller, FSK and DiSEqC modems and power management controllers. The device also includes all major supporting analog functions such as broadband input and output filters, RF gain blocks, channel filters, PLLs and automatic gain control (AGC) functionality.

The MxL865 exceeds strict RF performance and MOCA co-existence requirements from leading direct broadcast satellite operators. Having this additional performance helps customers like Zinwell significantly reduce the design complexity so they can enter the market quickly with a robust D-ODU solution.

“MaxLinear’s D-ODU product family has been very well received in the market due to its high level of integration, low power consumption and unmatched performance to meet strict operator specifications,” said Brian Sprague, MaxLinear Vice President and General Manager. “We’re pleased to enable Zinwell to be a leader in the transition to digital with this new D-ODU.”

“Zinwell is constantly looking at the future of our markets and laying the groundwork for long-term development,” said Chester Wu, Zinwell Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “This D-ODU is the future of satellite TV services and working with MaxLinear and the MxL865 has helped us to keep pace with this significant technology trend.”

Technical Details
The MxL865 is part of a family of 24-channel SoCs designed to replace existing analog channel-stacking ICs that can only support up to three channels per device. The MxL865 has five FSC wideband RF inputs and features a single L-band IF output. The MxL865 supports a total RF capture bandwidth of 10 GHz.

Other parts in the family include the MxL868, which has eight FSC half L-band inputs for either LNB or MDU applications and the MxL862, which has two FSC wideband inputs and features a single L-band IF output. The MxL862 supports a total RF capture bandwidth of 4.1 GHz.

All of the MxL86x devices support both FSK and DiSEqC / EN50607 operation on the IF port. They come with a software environment that includes a real-time operating system running on an embedded 32-bit CPU with a complete set of APIs to control the band translation and channel stacking engine and the chip interfaces.

Due to the devices’ high levels of system integration, the bill of material (BOM) in end applications is reduced to a minimal number of low-cost, passive components, which enables ultra-compact low cost system solutions when compared to existing analog solutions.

About Zinwell
Zinwell was founded in Taiwan in 1981. Zinwell has presently grown to be a provider of Digital Cable/Satellite/Terrestrial receiving equipment, Broadcast and Broadband Communication equipment, IPTV receiving equipment, VoIP/wireless equipment, etc. in Taiwan. Being a leading enterprise with those capabilities, Zinwell has discreetly laid the groundwork for long-term development. In addition to human resources, we never cease to foster technical know-how, products, and teamwork. Our potential and creativity always keep us moving with technological trends. Zinwell makes your life well. Further information is at: www.zinwell.com.tw

About MaxLinear, Inc.
MaxLinear, Inc. is a leading provider of radio-frequency and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions for broadband communications applications. MaxLinear is headquartered in Carlsbad, California. For more information, please visit www.maxlinear.com.

MxL, Full-Spectrum Capture, FSC and the MaxLinear logo are trademarks of MaxLinear, Inc. Other trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners.

Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements concerning or implying future financial performance or trends and growth opportunities affecting MaxLinear, in particular statements relating to Zinwell’s selection of the MxL865 channel stacking system on chip for its new satellite digital outdoor unit. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We cannot predict whether or to what extent our design-win with Zinwell will result in material future revenues. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current, preliminary expectations and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including (among others) intense competition in our industry; the ability of our customers, including Zinwell, to cancel or reduce orders; uncertainties concerning how end user markets for our products will develop, including the satellite television market; our lack of long-term supply contracts and dependence on limited sources of supply; potential decreases in average selling prices for our products; and the potential for intellectual property litigation, which is prevalent in our industry. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, investors should review the risks and uncertainties contained in MaxLinear’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including risks and uncertainties identified in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. MaxLinear is providing this information as of the date of this release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

MaxLinear Inc. Press Contact:
The David James Agency LLC
David Rodewald, +1 805-494-9508
david@davidjamesagency.com
or
MaxLinear Inc. Corporate Contact:
Yves Rasse
Senior Director, Consumer Product Line
+1 760-692-0711
yrasse@maxlinear.com

Source: MaxLinear, Inc.

Released January 9, 2014