MaxLinear, has announced the expansion of its USB UART portfolio with the introduction of the Coronado (MxL81424) and Laguna (MxL81108) families. The devices target control-plane and console-access requirements in AI data center infrastructure.
The Coronado and Laguna USB UART solutions address demands for scalable, high-density connectivity driven by hyperscale AI deployments, rack density, and system complexity. They provide console connectivity for next-generation AI platforms, including Universal Baseboards (UBB), multi-node systems, and rack-scale architectures. The devices support console access, system bring-up, monitoring, configuration, and service operations across servers, storage systems, network equipment, and rack-level management controllers.
The new devices support USB 2.0 and integrate enhanced multi-channel UART functionality for dense, high node count environments. Key specifications include:
- Large 512-byte transmit and receive FIFOs for high-concurrency console operation and high-throughput deterministic data paths.
- Support for fan-out console architectures and rack-level aggregation.
- On-chip programmable oscillator that reduces BOM and board space.
- ±15 kV ESD protection without external components.
Coronado (MxL81424) features an ultra-compact 5 × 5mm QFN package. It includes an integrated programmable 48MHz oscillator that eliminates external clock components such as crystals or oscillators. The internal clock is programmable to 6MHz, 12MHz, or 24MHz. It also incorporates a high-performance fractional baud-rate generator supporting UART baud rates up to 12Mbps.
Laguna (MxL81108)is designed as a pin-to-pin compatible drop-in replacement for widely deployed USB-to-UART solutions, enabling seamless transitions and supply-chain flexibility.
Amit D. Bavisi, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and General Manager, Analog Mixed-Signal Business Unit at MaxLinear, stated: “AI data center deployments are pushing infrastructure to new levels of scale, density, operational complexity, and industrial-level reliability. Our expanded USB UART portfolio is designed specifically for these environments, enabling our hyperscaler customers and OEMs to deploy scalable, resilient, and flexible control-plane connectivity while maintaining performance and supply continuity. We believe that the market size for USB UART devices is substantial with an estimated 200M units driven by AI Data Center deployments. We are selectively sampling our latest USB UART devices now to support customer evaluation and platform development.”
Availability
- Coronado (MxL81424): Samples expected in June 2026, production scheduled for the second half of 2026.
- Laguna (MxL81108): Samples expected in Q3 2026, production scheduled by the end of 2026.
