MaxLinear's MxL601 65-nm CMOS global hybrid tuner enables ultra-compact TV front-end modules

CARLSBAD, USA: MaxLinear Inc., a leading provider of integrated radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal integrated circuits for broadband communication applications, announced that its industry-leading low power MxL601 65-nm hybrid tuner enables ultra-compact front-end modules for flat panel TV applications.

Samsung Electro Mechanics Co. (SEMCO) has selected the device for next-generation tuner modules.

MaxLinear’s MxL601 65-nm CMOS hybrid TV tuner sets a new benchmark for overall reception performance, silicon integration, and power consumption. It is based on MaxLinear’s 65-nm CMOS advanced radio technology that has been shipping since early 2011.

The MxL601 delivers exceptional performance for all global analog and digital cable and terrestrial television reception standards, while achieving market leading low power consumption of 300mW in typical applications. The very low power consumption and reduced footprint of 4x4mm make it possible for TV module manufacturers to achieve ultra-small form factors and to support multi tuner applications.

The performance, power and cost benefits of MxL601 will enable TV module and set manufacturers to accelerate the transition from traditional MOPLL tuner implementations to more cost-effective silicon tuner solutions across their entire product lines.

The software-configurable MxL601 device allows manufacturers to design a common front-end for all global broadcast standards. Supported standards include: PAL, SECAM, NTSC, DVB-T/T2, ISDB-T, ISDB-Tmm, ATSC, ATSC M/H, DTMB, ITU-T J.83 Annex A [DVB-C] / B [US Cable] / C [Japan], DOCSIS and EURODOCSIS.

“We believe that MxL601 is the first and only hybrid silicon tuner to be implemented in 65nm digital CMOS technology that meets the exacting requirements of hybrid television applications. It not only has exceptional performance but also eliminates sensitive and expensive external RF components, delivering great value to our customers,” said Yves Rasse, senior director of MaxLinear Consumer Product Line. “We are also extremely pleased to collaborate with a market leader like SEMCO and to be able to contribute to the success of SEMCO’s next-generation of hybrid TV tuner modules.”

SEMCO is well recognized for its high performance tuner modules that are built into Flat Panel Televisions, Set Top Boxes and other consumer broadcast receivers. Samsung Electro Mechanics will be able to leverage its advanced design and manufacturing technologies to develop the world’s smallest and lowest power tuner modules using MaxLinear parts.

MaxLinear's MxL601 65-nm hybrid tuner IC is sampling now. Mass production is scheduled to start in the 4th quarter of 2011.