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DAILY NEWS AND INFORMATION
FOR THE GLOBAL GRID COMMUNITY / SEPTEMBER 1, 2003; VOL. 2 NO. 35
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Breaking News -
Networking:
PMC-Sierra Further Extends SERDES
Product Family
PMC-Sierra Inc introduced the 6-channel PM8373 HexPHY 1GR and 4-channel
PM8363
QuadPHY 1GR serializer/deserializer (SERDES) devices for high-speed serial
backplanes and Gigabit Ethernet (GE) transceivers. The HexPHY 1GR and QuadPHY
1GR features support for the RGMII v2.0 industry standard parallel interface
to enable low power, low cost and compact Ethernet-based system designs. Both
devices use PMC-Sierra's proven mixed- signal technology to provide superior
signal integrity performance that exceeds IEEE 802.3 Gigabit Ethernet
requirements. These devices are ideal for a broad range of multi-gigabit
serial connections including enterprise Ethernet switches, blade servers,
access and metro transport network equipment (see Figure 1). In addition, the
devices support the growing adaptation of Gigabit serial technology into
office automation, digital imaging, industrial control and avionics
applications (see Figure 2). The HexPHY 1GR and QuadPHY 1GR devices'
industrial temperature ratings provide robust operation in the most
challenging system environments.
RGMII Interface Reduces Costs and Eases Migration to 10 Gigabit
Ethernet
RGMII (Reduced Gigabit Media Independent Interface) v2.0 simplifies board
design by reducing the number of routing layers required which also lowers
board manufacturing costs. RGMII provides greater than 50 percent signal pin
savings over current interface solutions (12 pins versus 25 pins for GMII)
(see Figure 3). To provide flexibility for low power system design, the HexPHY
1GR and QuadPHY 1GR devices support either 1.5V and 1.8V HSTL input/output
levels on the RGMII interface (see Figure 4). In addition, the 1.5V HSTL
input/output levels are upward compatible with the IEEE standard 10 Gigabit
Ethernet XGMII interface, providing system designers with a seamless migration
path from Gigabit Ethernet to 10 Gigabit Ethernet.
Enabling High Density Modular Line Cards
The emergence of 1000Base-T copper transceivers in Small Form-Factor
Pluggable
(SFP) modules enable system designers to deploy RGMII interfaces in both
copper and optical line card applications. Using this approach, equipment
manufacturers can develop modular GE line card solutions to address IT
managers' needs for flexibility between optical and Category 5 copper cable
connections thereby eliminating the need to purchase and maintain separate
line cards.
"The HexPHY 1GR and QuadPHY 1GR products add support for the RGMII v2.0
interface and continues PMC-Sierra's commitment to providing customers with a
broad portfolio of multi-gigabit serial solutions," said Stuart Robinson,
strategic marketing and applications manager of PMC-Sierra's Enterprise and
Storage Division. "These new products deliver an optimized solution for low
power, low cost and small footprint Gigabit Ethernet line card and backplane
designs."
Pricing, Availability and Customer Support
The HexPHY 1GR and QuadPHY 1GR devices are sampling to customers, priced at
$29.90 and $21.90 for 1K quantities, respectively. Both devices are packaged
in a 15 x 15 mm2, thermally enhanced 196 pin CABGA, have typical power
consumption of less than 200 milliwatt per port, and are rated for operation
at industrial temperature range (minus 40 C to 85 C). The devices are
fabricated using the same low power, .18 micron CMOS process proven on
multiple PMC-Sierra SERDES products. A comprehensive support product package
including datasheets, application notes, device models and evaluation system
is available. Contact applications support for more information at
apps@pmc-sierra.com or
visit
www.pmc-sierra.com/serdes.
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