MaxLinear Supplies MxL601 “Super Radio” Tuner ICs to Sharp Corp. for TV Modules

CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MaxLinear Inc. (NYSE:MXL), a leading provider of integrated radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal integrated circuits for broadband communication applications, announced today that its MxL601 tuner IC has been selected by the tuner module division of Sharp Corp. for its next generation of global hybrid TV tuner modules.

Sharp is one of the world’s leading TV tuner module companies supplying the modules that power leading TV manufacturers’ lines of flat panel televisions. Sharp recently made headlines by introducing the industry’s smallest TV tuner module.

“We’ve dubbed the MxL601 the ‘super radio’ because of the outstanding performance the part has delivered in early implementations. To get this performance out of an IC based on a low-power 65-nm CMOS process really sets this device apart from the competition,” said Yves Rasse, Senior Director of MaxLinear’s Consumer Product Line. “Sharp’s choice of the MxL601 is an extension of our long partnership with the company; a partnership that continues to grow as we bring new innovations like the MxL601 to market.”

Consistent with Sharp’s ultra-compact, high performance TV tuner module designs, the company has chosen the MxL601 to help meet its needs and accelerate the transition from traditional MOPLL tuner implementations to more cost-effective silicon tuner solutions across its entire product line of tuner modules.

The MxL601 65-nm CMOS hybrid TV tuner delivers superior analog and digital TV reception quality, enabling cost-effective silicon tuner solutions that can be applied to all screen sizes. The device is based on MaxLinear’s 65-nm CMOS advanced radio technology that has been shipping in volume since early 2011.

An unmatched level of integration in the MxL601 results in an eBOM that is reduced to only a few low-cost discrete components, and ultra-low power consumption of 300mW in typical applications. This combination of integration and ultra-low power creates a footprint that allows manufacturers to differentiate with smaller and more efficient multi-standard front-end solutions.

MxL601’s supported standards include: PAL, SECAM, NTSC, DVB-T/T2, ISDB-T, ISDB-Tmm, ATSC, ATSC M/H, DTMB, ITU-T J.83 Annex A (DVB-C) / B (US cable) / C (Japan), DOCSIS and EURODOCSIS, with the broadcast standard configured through software.

The MxL601 has been designed to seamlessly interface with all major backend TV SoCs, which makes it possible for TV and module makers to leverage the growing trend of integrating analog TV demodulators into backend SoCs.

MaxLinear's MxL601 65-nm hybrid tuner IC is sampling now. Mass production is scheduled to start in December 2011.

About MaxLinear, Inc.

MaxLinear, Inc. is a leading provider of radio-frequency and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions for broadband communications applications. MaxLinear is located in Carlsbad, California, and its address on the Internet is www.maxlinear.com.

MxL 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 Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include, among others, our announcement of a design-win with Sharp Corp. and our expectations with respect to the performance of our hybrid TV tuner products. These 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 the forward-looking statements. We cannot predict whether or to what extent our design-win with Sharp will result in 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 Sharp, 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; and potential decreases in average selling prices for our products. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, investors should review the risks and uncertainties contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-Q.

MaxLinear Inc. Press Contact:
The David James Agency LLC
David Rodewald, 805-494-9508
david@davidjamesagency.com
or
MaxLinear Inc. Corporate Contact:
Patrick Tierney
Senior Director, Cable Product Line
760-692-0711
ptierney@maxlinear.com

Source: MaxLinear Inc.

Released November 29, 2011