MaxLinear (NASDAQ: MXL) has expanded its USB UART portfolio with the launch of the Coronado and Laguna product families, targeting growing control-plane connectivity requirements in AI data center infrastructure.
The company introduced the Coronado (MxL81424) and Laguna (MxL81108) USB UART solutions as hyperscale AI deployments continue to increase rack density, system complexity, and operational demands across data centers.
MaxLinear said the new devices are designed to support console access, system monitoring, configuration, and service operations for next-generation AI platforms, including Universal Baseboards (UBB), rack-scale systems, storage infrastructure, and networking equipment.
As AI data centers scale, out-of-band management infrastructure has become increasingly important for maintaining operational uptime and system reliability. USB UART solutions provide foundational connectivity between hardware systems and management controllers used for diagnostics and maintenance.
The Coronado and Laguna product families support USB 2.0 connectivity and integrate enhanced multi-channel UART functionality designed for dense, high-node-count computing environments.
According to MaxLinear, the devices are optimized for high-concurrency console operations and support deterministic data paths for simultaneous system access across multiple compute nodes.
The company said the products are also designed to support fan-out console architectures and rack-level aggregation in AI infrastructure deployments.
A key feature of the portfolio is its integrated clock architecture. MaxLinear said the on-chip programmable oscillator reduces bill-of-materials requirements, saves board space, and improves long-term reliability by eliminating the need for external clock components.
The devices also include ±15 kV electrostatic discharge protection without requiring additional external protection components.
The Coronado MxL81424 is aimed at high-density AI platforms where board space is limited. The device uses a compact 5 × 5 mm QFN package and integrates a programmable 48 MHz oscillator.
MaxLinear said the internal clock can be configured to multiple frequencies depending on application requirements. The product also supports UART baud rates of up to 12 Mbps through a fractional baud rate generator.
The Laguna MxL81108 is designed to simplify migration from existing USB-to-UART solutions. According to the company, the device offers pin-to-pin compatibility with widely deployed platforms, allowing it to function as a drop-in replacement in existing AI infrastructure designs.
The company said this approach is intended to improve supply-chain flexibility for hyperscalers and OEMs deploying high-volume AI systems.
Amit D. Bavisi, Senior Vice President and General Manager of MaxLinear’s Analog Mixed Signal Business Unit, said AI data center deployments are creating new requirements around scale, density, reliability, and infrastructure resilience.
He said the expanded USB UART portfolio was developed specifically to support hyperscale customers and OEMs building scalable control-plane connectivity systems.
Bavisi also stated that the market opportunity for USB UART devices linked to AI data center deployments could reach approximately 200 million units.
MaxLinear said the Coronado MxL81424 is currently being sampled to customers, with production expected in the second half of 2026. Samples for the Laguna MxL81108 are expected in the third quarter of 2026, with production planned by the end of the year.
