ODU satellite chipset expands reach for operators

8th January 2014

Broadcom

Staff Reporter

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An Outdoor Unit (ODU) satellite chipset that enables operators to deliver a wider range of services to more subscribers has been announced by Broadcom. Delivery of a wider range of services is achieved without additional satellite dish installations. Broadcom's BCM4551 offers a higher level of integration, while consuming less power than the previous generation chipset, and enables direct sampling of low-noise block outputs across worldwide ODU satellite markets.

Access to free-to-air channels provided by a range of satellites has stimulated demand for satellite TV among residential customers worldwide. Up to now, installation cost and the need for separate coaxial cable for each set-top box have resulted in higher deployment cost for satellite operators. Broadcom's BCM4551 addresses these issues, as well as regulations in countries that set a limit on the number of satellite dishes per building.

The simplified design of Broadcom's new ODU chipset also allows 24 DVB-S2 channels to be stacked on a single coaxial cable to service any set-top box in a home, simplifying and reducing satellite operator installation costs. There are 8 RF inputs and 1 RF output covering the 250MHz to 2350MHz frequency range, whilst the 24 output channels are selectable from any LNB input. Additional features include frequency shift keying (FSK) and digital satellite equipment control (DiSEqC), as well as being available with reduced power and better integration in a 28nm process.

"With the launch of today's new low-power ODU chipset, Broadcom is helping to expand the availability of satellite services in single homes and multiple dwelling units across the globe," said Nicholas Dunn, Broadcom Vice President of Marketing, Broadband Communications Group. "By streamlining the cabling required to support a single home or multiple residential units, we've also reduced hardware and installation costs for satellite operators and simplified satellite distribution to consumers."

The BCM4551 is currently sampling.