MaxLinear’s Digital Channel-Stacking SoC Deployed by MTI in Next-Generation ODU Now Shipping to North American Satellite Operator Market

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  • Leading satellite equipment manufacturer deploys MxL868 SoC in its digital channel-stacking ODU for North America satellite operators

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- (International Consumer Electronics Show) – MaxLinear Inc. (NYSE: MXL), a leading provider of radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal integrated circuits for cable and satellite broadband communications, the connected home, and for data center, metro, and long-haul fiber networks, today announced that Microelectronics Technology Inc. (MTI), a leading manufacturer of LNBs and multi-dwelling unit switches for the direct broadcast satellite industry, is in production with its new satellite digital outdoor unit (D-ODU) using MaxLinear’s MxL868 channel-stacking system on chip (SoC) shipping into the North American satellite operator market.

MTI, based in Hsinchu, Taiwan, has established leading positions in the fields of microwave radios, satellite ODUs, satellite receivers, mobile base station components and broadband wireless access products.

The MxL868 is based on MaxLinear’s Full-Spectrum Capture™ (FSC™) technology, and can simultaneously digitize up to 4GHz of RF input spectrum, then channelize a number of selected transponders and output them over a single coaxial cable for distribution to multiple set-top boxes or satellite gateways.

MTI selected the MxL868 because of its low-power consumption and high level of integration, which enabled the commercial development of a high-density channel-stacking satellite D-ODU. The 10mm x 10mm device integrates a host CPU microcontroller, FSK and DiSEqC modems, and power management control functions. The device also integrates all major supporting analog functions such as broadband RF input and output filters, RF gain blocks, channel filters, PLLs, and automatic gain control (AGC) functionality.

The MxL868 exceeds the strict RF performance requirements of leading direct broadcast satellite operators. The increased performance margin enables equipment manufacturers like MTI to significantly reduce design complexity and be first-to-market with a field-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 that meets strict operator specifications,” said Yves Rasse, Senior Product Line Director for Satellite and Terrestrial TV. “We’re pleased to partner with MTI in leading the market transition to a new generation of D-ODU technology.”

“MTI is a leading supplier in the production of ODU solutions worldwide,” said Eugene Wu, MTI Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We see the D-ODU as the future of satellite TV services. Working with MaxLinear and the MxL868 has helped us to be a front-runner in this significant technology trend.”

Technical Details

The MxL868 is part of a family of SoCs designed to replace existing analog channel-stacking ICs that can only support up to three channels per device. The MxL868 has eight FSC inputs and features up to three IF outputs.

All of the MxL86x devices have banks of programmable channel select filters and support stacked outputs in excess of 32 channels in a static configuration and 24 channels in fully dynamic channel assignment mode.

All parts support both FSK and DiSEqC 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 MTI

Microelectronics Technology Inc. (MTI) is a technology company that has specialized in wireless communication product development, manufacturing and global sales for more than 30 years. Based on the core competence in microwave and RF technology, MTI has established a leading position in the fields of microwave radios, satellite ODUs and receivers, mobile base station components and broadband wireless access products. With this excellent record of accomplishment, MTI has established long-term partnerships with world's leading communication equipment providers. For more information, please visit www.mtigroup.com.

About MaxLinear, Inc.

MaxLinear, Inc. (NYSE:MXL) is a global provider of integrated, radio frequency, and mixed-signal integrated circuits and SoCs. The company is a pioneer in multimedia over coax alliance (MoCA) technology and its products serve broadband communications and infrastructure industries, including cable TV, satellite TV, data center, metro, and long-haul optical transport network 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, including statements relating to the performance and opportunities related to MaxLinear’s MxL868 channel stacking SoC and MTI’s new satellite D-ODU. 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 use of the MxL868 by MTI. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current, preliminary expectations and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including (among others) integration risks arising from our recent acquisition of Entropic Communications, Inc.; intense competition in our industry; the ability of our customers, including MTI, 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 our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by Amendment No. 1, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015. 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:
David Rodewald
The David James Agency LLC
Tel: +1 805-494-9508
david@davidjamesagency.com
or
MaxLinear Inc. Corporate Contact:
Yves Rasse
Senior Product Line Director for Satellite and Terrestrial TV
Tel: +1 760-692-0711
yrasse@maxlinear.com

Source: MaxLinear Inc.

Released January 5, 2016