Unitron Group Selects the MxL86x Family of Digital Channel-stacking System on Chip Devices

Recently, Unitron Group opted for MaxLinear’s MxL86x family of digital channel-stacking system on chip devices for its first digital multi-dwelling unit satellite switch.

MaxLinear is a premier provider of integrated radio frequency and mixed-signal integrated circuits for broadband communications applications. Its MxL86x family of satellite digital channel-stacking SoCs, consists of the MxL868, MxL865, and MxL862 devices.

Officials said that the MxL86x family of satellite digital channel-stacking SoCs is based on MaxLinear’s Full-Spectrum (News - Alert) Capture technology that captures the entire satellite spectrum.

By using MaxLinear’s Full Spectrum Capture Technology, Unitron’s new MDU switch is now able to distribute 24 channels of satellite content on a single cable to individual apartments in either single- or multi-channel configurations.

“Our goal is to be a leader in developing head end technology to deliver multi-channel satellite MDU services,” said Willy Lamaire, General Manager from Unitron. “Using the MxL86x SoCs, we’re able to push the envelope in innovative features and capabilities for our customers in a way that is cost effective and low power.”

Earlier, analog technology MDU switch solutions used multiple analog channel-stacking ICs, complex filtering circuits, and a micro-controller IC for completing the appropriate communication protocol for MDU applications.

The MxL86x SoCs integrate the functionality of all the expensive and discrete devices in advanced 40nm digital CMOS process. This further helps in reducing design complexity, system cost and power usage.

In a press statement, Brian Sprague, Vice President and General Manager for Broadband and Consumer Products said, “The MxL86x product family has enabled a new wave of innovation in the Low Noise Block down-converter satellite outdoor unit market. We are now starting to see this momentum penetrate into the market for MDU switches. This is our second FSC-based product design with Unitron, which provides strong testimony to the significant advantages of this technology.”