MaxLinear, a fabless RF chipmaker based in Carlsbad, CA, filed a registration statement today for an initial public stock offering, marking only the second IPO in the San Diego area since Bridgepoint Education made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange in April. About 45 IPOs have taken place nationwide so far this year.

Eight semiconductor industry veterans founded MaxLinear in 2003. The company specializes in designing highly integrated, CMOS (Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor) chips, and has had notable success designing semiconductor-based TV tuners. Maxlinear says its customers include wireless module makers, original equipment manufacturers and original design manufacturers.

David Rodewald, an outside spokesman for the company, said MaxLinear executives would not comment beyond the statement issued today.

The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the offering were not disclosed, although Dow Jones says the Carlsbad company plans to sell an estimated $100 million in stock. T