Skyworks unveils highly integrated switch matrix solutions for satellite and cable TV markets

WOBURN, USA: Skyworks Solutions Inc., an innovator of high reliability analog and mixed signal semiconductors enabling a broad range of end markets, has launched several new complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) switch matrix devices for the direct broadcast satellite (DBS) and cable television markets.

Skyworks’ newest solutions eliminate the need for external components by integrating critical functionality directly on the CMOS die, providing customers with significant cost savings and reduced printed circuit board (PCB) space requirements.

DBS is a service that allows households to receive television programming directly from a satellite transponder via a low noise block converter. Across the satellite receiver industry, low noise block switches are increasingly enabling a single dish to view multiple satellites and allow hundreds of channels to be viewed per household.

Skyworks’ switch matrix solutions connect four of the satellite signals to two indoor set-top boxes selectable by the viewer’s channel choice. Current Skyworks’ customers include BSkyB, DIRECTV, EchoStar and their design partners – along with a variety of emerging Chinese LNB original equipment manufacturers and original device manufacturers.

“We are delighted to be expanding our product portfolio with industry-leading solutions for today’s fast-growing satellite and cable television markets, particularly as these markets are expected to achieve double digit growth every year through 2015,” said David Stasey, vice president of analog components at Skyworks.

“These newest additions to our CMOS switch family are just several solutions within Skyworks’ broad portfolio designed to drive greater network reliability, capacity and efficiency while also reducing size and complexity.”