Implement a complete Linux kernel DVB frontend driver based on generic templates and reference hardware

[chewitt]

Summary

Create a new Linux kernel DVB frontend driver using the structure of the generic DVB frontend and software demux templates, with reference to established hardware combinations:

• ATSC: mn88436 + mxl603
• DVB-S: avl6211 + mxl603
• DVB-T: cxd2841er + ascot3 + mxl603

Reference code and architecture should be drawn from the "dvb-sucks" branch and the following directories:

• drivers/media/dvb-core/: core, demux, and frontend templates
• drivers/media/dvb-frontends/: existing frontend and tuner drivers for the above hardware

Goals

• Develop a modular, maintainable frontend driver suitable for integration into upstream Linux.
• Follow coding and documentation standards seen in dvb_frontend.c and related files.
• Ensure support for software demux patterns as implemented in dvb_demux.c and dmxdev.c.
• Use established driver pairings as practical templates for frontend+tuner initialization, I2C handling, and state management.

References

• dvb-core directory
• dvb-frontends directory
• Example drivers: cxd2841er.c, mn88443x.c, avl6211.c, mxl603.c

Acceptance Criteria

• New driver builds and loads as a kernel module.
• Driver supports initialization for at least one of the reference hardware pairings listed above.
• Conforms to the DVB subsystem's modular frontend/tuner pattern.
• Well-documented code and Kconfig entry.
• Integration tested with DVB core and demux infrastructure.

---

Partial directory listings shown; see full dvb-frontends for all drivers.