MaxLinear Begins Volume Shipments Of MxL86x Full-Spectrum Capture SoCs For Satellite Digital Outdoor-Units

Device family is first to enable digital ODUs that deliver 24-channel satellite video services to the home over a single coax cable

MaxLinear Inc., a leading provider of integrated radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal integrated circuits for broadband communications applications, recently announced that it has started volume production shipments of its innovative MxL86x family of 24-channel, Full-Spectrum Capture (FSC) band translation and channel stacking system on chip (SoC) devices.

The performance-leading devices, which have been adopted by key satellite outdoor unit (ODU) manufacturers, enable satellite operators to accelerate the transition from analog ODUs to higher-density digital channel-stacking ODUs. Digital channel stacking is a technology required for delivering the most advanced satellite multi-channel services to the home over a single coax cable. The devices are also suitable for multi-dwelling unit (MDU) switches.

The MxL86x SoCs feature a very high level of integration, ultra small size (10mm x 10mm) and the industry’s lowest power consumption. The parts replace complex, power-inefficient, multi-chip analog solutions that require expensive discrete radio-frequency filters, a separate microcontroller and additional FSK or DiSEqC ICs for communication between the set-top box (STB) and the ODU.

In contrast, the ultra-low power MxL86x single-chip solutions enable OEMs to introduce a new generation of compact, cost-effective and software-configurable digital ODU products to the market.

“Digital ODUs help satellite providers expand their multi-channel service offerings and simplify home installation via a single-cable solution from ODU to set-top box, which makes them a critical component of next-generation satellite infrastructure,” said Yves Rasse, MaxLinear’s Senior Product Line Director for Satellite and Terrestrial TV. “We’re shipping this product ahead of our internal schedule and before anyone in the industry, which cements MaxLinear’s leadership position in the high-density digital channel stacking market.”

Technical Details
The MxL86x family of digital channel stacking SoCs includes the MxL868, MxL865 and MxL862 each of which supports up to 10 GHz of RF capture bandwidth. These devices are based on MaxLinear’s ultra-low power Full-Spectrum Capture technology, and integrate a complete 24-channel digital stacking switch platform including DiSEqC and FSK communication modems and a microcontroller.

The MxL868 and MxL865 support multi-feed, low-noise block down-converter (LNB) applications. The MxL868 can be configured for either dual-band/triple-band translation or channel-stacking applications. The MxL862 is optimized for single-feed LNB applications and, combined with the wide-band MxL80x Ku-band down-converter, delivers a turnkey channel-stacking system solution that includes the protocol application software supporting the EN50494 and EN50607 single-cable standards.

The parts are packaged in a 10mm x 10mm QFN. Due to the MxL86x family’s high levels of system integration, the bill of material (BOM) 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 available in production quantity. 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, visit www.maxlinear.com.