Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation announced the VSC8664 SimpliPHY, a quad Gigabit dual media Ethernet transceiver designed to greatly improve the reliability of synchronous data transfer over IP packet-based carrier network equipment. Reliable synchronous Ethernet solutions will allow telecom providers to migrate to next-generation packet architectures supporting time-sensitive applications, including voice, circuit emulation services and streaming video.

Vitesse is the first company to develop a multi-port Gigabit Ethernet Copper/Fiber PHY that includes two recovered clock outputs, providing both primary and secondary clock references for a synchronous timing system. Fueled by converged data, voice, and video applications in wired and cellular wireless systems, demand has dramatically increased for Ethernet backhaul links capable of implementing high quality, timing synchronization in accordance with ITU-T Recommendation G.8261/Y.1361. Synchronous Ethernet uses the Gigabit Ethernet physical layer to provide reference timing signal distribution over packet networks. The secondary clock reference is required for fail-over protection, an important feature in carrier-class communication systems.

Robust Feature Set, Highest Integration, Compact Footprint

The VSC8664 quad Gigabit Ethernet PHY is the latest addition to the Vitesse SimpliPHY portfolio. SimpliPHY devices contain field-proven, fully adaptive equalization and innovative timing recovery algorithms that provide greater noise tolerance performance than the competition. Superior noise tolerance eases system design and installation challenges in high-density Gigabit Ethernet switches, blade servers, and line cards, as well as in legacy copper cable plants with sub-standard cables, marginal connectors, and noise from other communications services. SimpliPHY devices are also based on a patented, fully balanced, voltage-mode line driver technology, allowing for lower cost magnetics to be used.

Telecommunication and metro Ethernet OEMs can now reduce IC chip count and associated component bill-of-material cost in high-speed broadband equipment. The VSC8664 is offered in a 17x17 mm, 256-ball plastic BGA package with a 1mm ball pitch. The integration of copper media-side resistors, SerDes receiver decoupling capacitors, and quad read/write multiplexer allows OEM vendors to design compact synchronous Ethernet solutions.