Maxim MAX12005 satellite IF switch IC

Maxim has introduced the MAX12005, claimed to be the industry’s first 8 x 4 satellite IF switch IC that is expandable to allow up to 16 satellite signals.

It is flexible and its 8 x 4 matrix is configured with an additional IF switch input so it can expand to accept 16 satellite input signals. It supports a single, quad low-noise block with vertical or horizontal polarisation signals that can be matrix-switched to four satellite receivers.

A configuration of eight satellite IF inputs to eight satellite receivers is also possible by using two ICs and adding eight input splitters.

Signal quality is maintained even with high cable signal losses. Four integrated 9:1 multiplexers with variable-gain input and output amplifiers provide sufficient gain to compensate for the signal-path losses in the cable distribution and for switch insertion losses.

To save space and cost, the device uses two control methods: DiSEqC 2.0 decoding and tone/voltage decoding that enable four operational modes, which include LNB mode for use within the LNB mentioned above, cascade master mode, cascade slave mode and single mode.

The four embedded DiSEqC decoders eliminate the need for external control components.