MaxLinear tuners used for ATSC-M/H mobile TV field trials

CARLSBAD, USA: MaxLinear Inc., a leading provider of integrated radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal integrated circuits for broadband communication applications, announced that its MxL111SF ICs are being used in mobile devices from Dell Inc. and Hauppauge Computer Works that were developed for the ATSC-M/H field trials now ongoing in Washington, D.C.

The MaxLinear-equipped mobile devices are being used in a nine-station mobile DTV consumer trial sponsored by the Open Mobile Video Coalition. More than 200 consumers equipped with the specially designed beta Dell Inspiron Mini 10 Netbooks, and 160 users with Sprint mobile phones are part of the trials, which started in July and run through Oct. 2010.

The MxL111SF is a single-chip digital terrestrial receiver that includes an ATSC-M/H compliant silicon tuner and USB interface. The MxL111SF has been designed into a variety of products including “USB stick” DTV receivers from Hauppauge Computer Works.

The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) approved the A/153 mobile digital TV standard in Oct. 2009. ATSC-M/H, as the standard is known, was developed to enable mobile and handheld devices (e.g., smartphones, portable Netbooks and laptop computers, portable DTVs and auto entertainment systems) to receive digital TV signals from over-the-air terrestrial broadcast stations.

In the United States alone, more than 100 TV broadcast stations are broadcasting mobile DTV services in the ATSC-M/H format, including stations in 15 of the top 20 local markets.

For TV stations, the cost of broadcasting channels in both ATSC and ATSC-M/H formats is relatively minor and opens up new ways to reach consumers. While the US is the largest consumer market using the ATSC broadcast standard, it has also been adopted by Canada, Mexico, South Korea, Honduras and others.

“Consumers are expected to rapidly adjust to being able to view digital broadcast TV anywhere, any time on just about any device, an activity made possible by ATSC-M/H technology,” said Jim Clardy, mobile TV technology strategist at Dell. “Dell has been an ardent supporter of ATSC-M/H technology and considers it a key element of the Dell product strategy to merge personal technology with digital TV entertainment.”

“Hauppauge is pleased to collaborate with MaxLinear and Dell to develop new, innovative mobile TV products based on the ATSC-M/H standard,” said John Casey, vice president of technology at Hauppauge Digital.

“The widespread availability of high-quality free-to-air DTV programming combined with new mobile consumer devices based on the ATSC-M/H standard will give consumers the freedom to watch and record their favorite TV shows and news channels whether they’re on the road or on the go.”

The highly integrated MxL111SF system-on-chip device features an integrated DVB-T demodulator and USB interface. The MxL111SF also meets the exacting requirements of ATSC A/74 Receiver Performance Guidelines, making it appropriate for stationary and mobile TV applications.

Available in a 7x7mm 48QFN package, the MxL111SF is a cost effective solution for a variety of consumer electronic products and form factors.