ARRIS selects MaxLinear tuner + demodulator single chip for DOCSIS 3.0 gateway family

CARLSBAD, USA: MaxLinear Inc., a leading provider of integrated radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal integrated circuits for broadband communication applications, announced that ARRIS Group Inc., a global communications technology company, has selected the MxL241SF tuner + demodulator for a series of DOCSIS 3.0 products.

These products are designed to provide the highest DOCSIS 3.0 Internet access performance by delivering eight downstream channels and four upstream channels (8 x 4) with four of the high performance MaxLinear chips used to deliver four of the downstream channels. These gateways offer unprecedented connection speeds while providing the easiest method for consumers to connect multiple PCs and other IP devices to the internet via one modem.

MaxLinear’s MxL241SF is an integrated digital cable tuner and demodulator that exceeds global cable video and DOCSIS standards. Packaged in a compact 6mm x 6mm 40-pin QFN package and consuming only 450mW of power, the MxL241SF provides unparalleled low power consumption, high integration and small size, without sacrificing performance.

Using four highly compact MxL241SF tuner-demodulators, along with a wideband tuner, allows these gateways to deliver either 2 x 48MHz or 2 x 96 MHz capture bandwidth. This is at least twice the bandwidth of conventional solutions, making it easier for cable operators to configure their networks for data delivery.

The ultra-low power of the MxL241SF helps gateways hit power consumption targets for Energy Star and other certifications. Additionally, the device allows for a single-tuner low power mode that allows customers to make voice over IP (VoIP) phone calls during power outages under battery power. This low power allows the ARRIS gateways to meet MSO requirements for up time and standby time with only a two-cell battery pack compared to previous three and four-cell configurations.

“The low power consumption and small size of the MxL241SF make it a terrific solution for cable customer-premises equipment, especially those requiring reception of multiple channels like the ARRIS products,” said Kishore Seendripu, MaxLinear's CEO. “We are thrilled to have our product as a key component in an innovative product offering from a leading solution provider such as ARRIS.”

“With these new products, ARRIS is leading the charge to meet the ever increasing demand for higher data rates for Internet content,” said Derek Elder, Senior Vice President, ARRIS Broadband Communications Systems. “Higher data rates require more channels and greater capture bandwidth, and the MxL241SF has helped us create exceptional products that deliver the best of both.”

The MxL241SF is shipping in high volume.