MaxLinear Inc., a provider of highly integrated radio frequency (RF) and mixed-signal integrated circuits for broadband communication applications, has launched 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 (News - Alert) Capture (FSC) technology.

"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 (News - Alert), in a statement.

According to Heynen, 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.

"We are very excited about our industry leading true single-chip 16-channel and 24-channel DOCSIS 3.0 receivers for video and data applications," said Brian Sprague, vice president and general manager for broadband and consumer products, MaxLinear.

Sprague said that with their incredibly low power consumption, superior integration and small footprint, the MxL265 and MxL267 set the benchmark for simplicity, size and power savings in upcoming gateway and set-top box products.

“As cable operators migrate to advanced IP-based platforms, our family of Full-Spectrum Capture receivers will not only facilitate more efficient distribution of video and IP services, but will also result in significant power and cost savings in gateway and set-top box designs," said Sprague.

Officials with MaxLinear said that MxL265 and MxL267 each offer a monolithic digital cable front-end with integrated LNA and signal conditioning functions combined with a Full-Spectrum Capture receiver.

Company officials said that in full 16-channel receive mode of operation, the MxL265 consumes less than 110milliwatts (mW) per channel. Likewise, the MxL267 consumes less than 90mW per channel in full 24-channel receive mode.

According to company officials, both the MxL265 and MxL267 can be used in an ultra-low power "battery backup/green" mode, consuming only 400mW total, while still meeting cable operator voice call and standby time requirements upon loss of power to the home.