MaxLinear launches low power, full-spectrum capture cable receivers for data and video apps

CARLSBAD, USA: MaxLinear Inc., a leading provider of highly integrated radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal integrated circuits for broadband communication applications, announced the MxL265 and MxL267, its industry-leading 40nm CMOS single-chip 16-channel and 24-channel digital cable front-end receivers based on the company’s proprietary Full-Spectrum Capture (FSCTM) technology.

To meet the ever increasing consumer demand for media and data content, cable operators need additional channel tuning capacity and downstream bandwidth in gateways and set-top boxes to enable expanded services at home. Capturing the full 1 Gigahertz (GHz) cable spectrum, both the MxL265 and MxL267 FSC receivers enable cable operators to meet this consumer demand through flexible deployment of downstream bandwidth while migrating to high capacity DOCSIS 3.0 voice and IP data gateways, home media gateways, and hybrid or IP-based set-top boxes.

“Our research shows great growth in the market for hybrid set-top boxes, driven in large part by cable subscribers demanding gateways that can deliver more content into and throughout the home,” said Jeff Heynen, directing analyst for Broadband Access and Video for Infonetics. “New tuners that can capture the full 1GHz of cable spectrum, such as MaxLinear’s Full-Spectrum Capture receivers, give set-top box manufacturers the ability to deliver these whole home entertainment features in a cost- and power-efficient way.”

As cable operators offer greater bandwidth services to meet consumer demand for content, MaxLinear’s proprietary FSC technology replaces the need for several discrete single-channel cable tuners in a gateway or a set-top box with just one broadband multi-channel receiver. The MxL265 and MxL267 devices are capable of simultaneously receiving any combination of 16 or 24 channels, respectively, located arbitrarily inside the cable spectrum.

As a result, MaxLinear’s FSC cable receivers significantly reduce the power consumption in a gateway or a set-top box, minimize PCB footprint, eliminate expensive external RF components, and simplify design of customer platforms requiring multiple channel access. The MxL265 and MxL267 deliver this scalable downstream bandwidth while supporting eight channels for upstream interactive services.