MaxLinear Launches Industry’s First Dual-Polarity Satellite Ku-Band Down-Converter Product Family

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  • New MxL80x product family greatly simplifies LNB design for next-generation rooftop satellite infrastructure

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 the MxL80x, the industry’s first family of dual-polarity Ku-band satellite down-conversion ICs targeted for digital and universal analog low-noise block down-converter (LNB) applications.

Designed to exceed strict RF performance requirements from operators, the MxL80x devices are aimed at next-generation channel stacking and band translation LNBs, universal quad and quattro LNBs and wide-band LNBs. These advanced LNBs are essential for satellite operators to reduce system costs and deliver advanced multi-channel services over a single-cable infrastructure.

The MxL80x ICs feature dual Ku-band radio-frequency inputs (10.7 GHz to 12.75 GHz) and dual wideband IF outputs (200 MHz to 2350 MHz) to dramatically simplify the LNB front-end design.

The devices integrate the complete dual-polarity Ku-band down-conversion functionality including image reject filtering, down-conversion mixers, IF amplifiers, crystal oscillator and phase locked loop, and negative bias voltage generator for external low-noise amplifiers (LNAs). With this high-level of integration, the MxL80x significantly reduces the bill of material cost and the LNB board size when compared to existing discrete solutions. In addition, single-chip integration drastically reduces performance variation across parts and temperature and eliminates the need for factory tuning of the LNB front-end.

Complete Digital LNB Solutions

The MxL80x devices complement the MaxLinear MxL86x family of digital channel stacking system on chips (SoCs) for single and multi-feed LNB applications. The MxL862 is optimized for single-feed LNB and, combined with the wide-band MxL80x front-end, delivers a turnkey channel-stacking system solution that includes the protocol application software supporting the EN50494 and EN50607 single-cable standards.

“This new family of devices is a breakthrough solution for satellite OEMs because it gives them the ability to deliver LNBs with a very simplified front-end design for shorter time to market,” said Brian Sprague, MaxLinear’s Vice President and General Manager. “This announcement is even more significant when OEMs leverage the MxL86x family because the combination offers an unprecedented level of integration and functionality to the market.”

MxL80x Technical Details

The MxL801 features wideband differential intermediate frequency (IF) outputs, the MxL802 supports wideband single-ended IF outputs, and the MxL803 features L-band single-ended IF outputs.

All MxL80x devices can be configured either using an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) interface or via programmable pins. The I2C configurability enables a highly optimized and flexible system solution when an MxL80x device is combined with an MxL86x SoC.

MxL80x devices come with a comprehensive evaluation kit, allowing customers to exercise the complete Ku-band RF front-end from LNAs to IF with the ability to configure IF gain, LO frequency and LNA bias settings.

Pricing and Availability

All MxL80x products are now sampling. Product sales information is available from MaxLinear’s worldwide sales force or by emailing sales@maxlinear.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 the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 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 the introduction of the MxL80x devices and the combination of the MxL80x device with the MxL86x family of digital channel SoCs. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We cannot predict whether or to what extent we will realize revenues from the introduction of the MxL80x devices. 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 to cancel or reduce orders; uncertainties concerning how end user markets for our products will develop; our lack of long-term supply contracts and dependence on limited sources of supply; potential decreases in average selling prices for our products; currently pending intellectual property litigation; and the potential for additional 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 June 30, 2014. 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, +1-760-692-0711
Senior Director, Consumer Product Line
yrasse@maxlinear.com

Source: MaxLinear Inc.

Released September 13, 2014