MaxLinear Inc. (NYSE: MXL), a leading provider of integrated radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal integrated circuits for broadband communications applications, today announced the MxL9103, a 56Gbps wide bandwidth linear trans-impedance amplifier (TIA) for 100Gbps / 400Gbps fiber-optic data center networks based on PAM-4 & DMT modulation schemes.

The MxL9103 is a single-channel wide-bandwidth linear TIA that supports four level pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM-4) based implementations of emerging 100Gbps and 400Gbps optical networking systems in modern data centers. In addition to PAM-4 applications, the IC can also be used for discrete multi-tone modulation (DMT) applications utilized in long haul, and metro optical transport systems. The device also integrates automatic gain control (AGC) and received-signal-strength-indicator (RSSI) functions, which greatly simplify the design of such complex networking systems

The high throughput and linearity of the MxL9103 TIA enables module manufacturers to reduce costly optical and electrical components in their designs, thereby lowering cost and energy consumption.

For example, a complete 100Gbps receive optical sub-assembly (ROSA) can be developed using just two MxL9103 TIAs, two photo diodes, and the associated optical demux/filter. This represents a significant cost and power saving relative to four 28Gbps TIAs, 4 photo diodes, and associated demux/filters required in conventional NRZ modulation-based implementation 100Gbps systems.

The new MxL9103 will be on display at OFC 2015 (March 24-26; booth 1968).

“Higher-order modulation format is a critical element of next-generation 100G and 400G modules for the data center because the emphasis is on reducing power consumption, size and cost,” said Will Torgerson, Global Sales Vice President for MaxLinear. “With support for PAM-4 and DMT – with margin – the MxL9103 is an ideal solution for these equipment manufacturers.”

Availability

The MxL9103 is sampling in April, with general availability planned for September 2015. For more product information, contact MaxLinear sales team at 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 MxL9103 56Gbps TIA for 100Gbps/400Gbps fiber-optic data center networks and the timing of the sampling and the general availability of the MxL9103. 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 MxL9103. 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (including Amendment No. 1 thereto) and in our recently filed Registration Statement on Form S-4. 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.