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.