Vitesse Introduces Break-Through Signal Integrity Solution for Backplane Design and Communications Systems



    Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation (Pink Sheets:VTSS), a leader in
    high-speed communication IC solutions, announced today the VSC3406, a
    6.375 Gigabit per second (Gbps) multi-rate backplane transceiver. The
    VSC3406 builds upon Vitesse´s portfolio of proven, industry-recognized
    technology, incorporating the latest clock-data recovery (CDR)
    techniques and signal integrity toolset for backplane and interconnect
    design.

    The VSC3406 is the first in a family of CDR products to feature
    Vitesse´s new VScope(TM) waveform viewing technology that embeds an
    oscilloscope function into the receiver of input CDR circuits. This
    comprehensive signal integrity solution gives engineers a single
    device that enables both a high-speed transceiver function and
    verification mechanism.

    "Embedded oscilloscope functionality can potentially lower network
    testing and maintenance costs, an ongoing concern for anyone who
    manages a network," said Aileen Arcilla, senior analyst -
    semiconductors: networking, broadband and storage for International
    Data Corporation (IDC). "Providing this means of remote diagnostic
    capability can offer telecom carriers and data center managers a more
    direct way to verify signal integrity within the data path itself and
    take corrective action in a timelier manner."

    As the most complete 6 Gbps backplane signal integrity solution
    available to date, the VSC3406 6.375 Gbps multi-rate, multi-function
    backplane transceiver has six high-speed differential transmit and
    receive interfaces, complete with on-chip termination ideal for
    interfacing to a variety of media such as PCB traces, cables or
    optoelectronic devices connected to optical fiber.

    The VSC3406 features a 2-to-1 rate multiplier mode that allows
    data "multiplication" up to 6.375Gbps, doubling bandwidth over
    existing backplanes. A typical application includes XAUI rate-doubling
    for efficient transmission in high-speed backplanes over half the
    number of wires. Coupled with the signal equalization function, these
    rate multiplier modes can be used to run double and quadruple the
    amount of bandwidth over existing copper traces. This gives OEMs the
    ability to field-upgrade equipment to handle greater bandwidth by
    upgrading line cards and switch cards in existing equipment.

    "Vitesse is building upon many years of research, product
    developments, customer requirements, and patented innovations with
    this new solution for signal integrity. The result is the VSC3406: a
    state-of-the-art tool for enabling next-generation Ethernet and
    networking systems," said Juan Garza, product marketing manager for
    Signal Integrity products at Vitesse. "By integrating our VScope
    technology into the device, a new remote diagnostic capability that
    contributes to a more reliable network for telecommunications carriers
    and data center managers is now available for the first time."

    With a single reference clock input, the VSC3406 achieves highly
    advanced operations at any data rate between 0.125 Gbps and 6.375
    Gbps. The multi-rate CDR of the VSC3406 makes it ideally suited for
    next-generation backplanes and communication equipment running a
    variety of protocols, including Gigabit Ethernet, XAUI, Fibre Channel,
    Serial Attached SCSI (SAS), Serial ATA (SATA) and PCI Express (PCIe).

    A fully non-blocking, multicast architecture allows the VSC3406 to
    be user-configured via a simple, two-wire serial interface for a broad
    range of signal conditioner, retimer, crossbar, or rate multiplication
    applications. A high degree of signal integrity is achieved by means
    of configurable input and output equalization. Cost-effectiveness is
    realized because engineers can use one product across multiple
    applications and platforms allowing for maximum re-use and research
    and development savings.

    Availability and Pricing

    General samples of VSC3406 devices will be available in the second
    quarter of 2008. The VSC3406 is priced at $60 USD in volume quantities
    and is available in an 81-pin, 10mmx10mm FCBGA package.

    VScope Waveform Viewing Technology

    VScope embedded waveform viewing technology is a per-pin
    "micro-oscilloscope" that enables new diagnostic capabilities during
    system development, delivering the ability to perform remote
    monitoring of live signals on deployed systems. VScope presents system
    designers with new dynamics and economics in backplane design, signal
    integrity analysis and remote monitoring of communication systems. For
    more information about VScope, please visit
    http://www.vitesse.com/vscope.

    Vitesse to Present at DesignCon 2008

    Vitesse will present a paper entitled, "Design and Application of
    Embedded Waveform Viewing Technology for Integrated Circuits" at
    DesignCon 2008 the week of February 4-7, 2008, at the Santa Clara
    Convention Center. Specific presentation time and conference
    information can be found at DesignCon website:
    http://www.designcon.com/2008/. Show attendees can also visit the
    Vitesse booth #812 for a demonstration of VScope.

    About Vitesse

    Vitesse designs, develops and markets a diverse portfolio of
    high-performance, cost-competitive semiconductor solutions for
    communications networks worldwide. Engineering excellence and
    dedicated customer service distinguish Vitesse as an industry leader
    in Gigabit Ethernet LAN, Ethernet-over-SONET, Fibre Channel, Optical
    Transport, and other applications. Vitesse innovation empowers
    customers to deliver superior products for Enterprise, Access, Metro,
    and Core applications. Additional company and product information is
    available at www.vitesse.com.

    Vitesse is a registered trademark and VScope is a trademark in the
    United States and/or other jurisdictions of Vitesse Semiconductor
    Corporation. All other trademarks or registered trademarks mentioned
    herein are the property of their respective holders.

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