MaxLinear Partners With Unitron to Develop Digital Channel-Stacking Satellite MDU Switch
- Unitron chooses MaxLinear MxL86x channel-stacking SoC to deliver 24 channels of satellite content on a single cable
CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MaxLinear Inc. (NYSE: MXL), a leading provider of integrated radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal integrated circuits for broadband communications applications, today announced that Belgium’s Unitron Group has selected the MxL86x family of digital channel-stacking system on chip (SoC) devices for its first digital multi-dwelling unit (MDU) satellite switch.
The MxL86x family of satellite digital channel-stacking SoCs, encompassing the MxL868, MxL865, and MxL862 devices, is based on MaxLinear’s Full-Spectrum Capture™ (FSC™) technology that captures the entire satellite spectrum. Unitron’s new MDU switch incorporating MaxLinear’s Full Spectrum Capture Technology is capable of distributing 24 channels of satellite content on a single cable to individual apartments in either single- or multi-channel configurations. The MxL86x devices are the industry’s first proven, satellite digital channel-stacking SoC solutions, thereby offering a significant time-to-market advantage for Unitron’s latest MDU switch product.
Previous, analog technology MDU switch solutions required multiple analog channel-stacking ICs, complex filtering circuits, and a dedicated micro-controller IC for executing the appropriate communication protocol for MDU applications. The MxL86x SoCs integrate the functionality of all of the above expensive and discrete devices in advanced 40nm digital CMOS process, which significantly reduces design complexity, system cost, and power consumption.
“The MxL86x product family has enabled a new wave of innovation in the Low Noise Block down-converter satellite outdoor unit market. We are now starting to see this momentum penetrate into the market for MDU switches,” said Brian Sprague, Vice President and General Manager for Broadband and Consumer Products. “This is our second FSC-based product design with Unitron, which provides strong testimony to the significant advantages of this technology.”
Most recently, Unitron and MaxLinear also worked together on a 16-channel SAT>IP MDU switch based on the MxL584 Full-Spectrum Capture DVB-S/S2 receiver.
“Our goal is to be a leader in developing head end technology to deliver multi-channel satellite MDU services,” said Willy Lamaire, General Manager from Unitron. “Using the MxL86x SoCs, we’re able to push the envelope in innovative features and capabilities for our customers in a way that is cost effective and low power.”
Technical Details
The MxL865 has five FSC wideband RF inputs
with a single L-band IF output. The MxL865 supports a total RF capture
bandwidth of 10 GHz. The MxL868 features eight FSC L-band RF inputs that
can be configured for either residential or MDU ODU applications. The
device supports three intermediate-frequency (IF) output ports that can
be configured for either dual-band/triple-band translation or
channel-stacking applications. The MxL862 has two FSC wideband RF inputs
with a single L-band IF output. The MxL862 supports a total RF capture
bandwidth of 4.1GHz.
The MxL86x family supports both FSK and DiSEqC / EN50607 operation on the IF ports. The devices 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.
The ultra small parts are packaged in a 10mm x 10mm QFN. The highly integrated devices also feature all major supporting analog functions, such as broadband input and output filters, RF gain blocks, PLLs and automatic gain control (AGC) functionality. Due to the 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 implementations.
Availability
All MxL86x products are now sampling. Product
sales information is available from MaxLinear’s worldwide sales force or
by emailing sales@maxlinear.com.
About Unitron Group
Unitron Group is an international group
of companies, offering state-of-the-art head end technologies and
digital TV accessories, for providing TV distribution to multi-dwelling
and residential buildings. Unitron's solutions are available to many
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers and TV-operators, under
their own brand names. Installers and customers have access to our
'Johansson' branded products via a worldwide network of distributors.
For more information, please visit www.unitrongroup.com
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 Unitron Group’s selection of the MxL86x family of
digital channel-stacking system on chip device for its first digital
multi-dwelling unit satellite switch. 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 Unitron Group’s selection of
the MxL86x devices 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 Unitron Group, 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-K for the year ended December 31, 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 February 24, 2014