Analog Devices Introduces Quad Multiplexer to Ease Network Switching C

    High-Tech Editors

    NORWOOD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 24, 2005--

    10G Ethernet multiplexer/demultiplexer shortens time-to-market and improves system reliability.

    Analog Devices Inc. (NYSE:ADI), a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal processing applications, today introduced the industry's only switching solution designed specifically to address XAUI (10 Gigabit Ethernet Attachment Unit Interface) port redundancy. A failsafe mechanism for maintaining high- system availability, redundancy is typically built into the ASIC switch fabric, thus limiting the I/O bandwidth of these devices. By placing switching functions outside of the ASIC, the AD8159 dramatically increases the efficiency of the ASIC and frees up bandwidth previously dedicated to redundancy. The newest member of ADI's X-stream(TM) family of switching solutions, the AD8159 special-purpose switch is configured as a quad multiplexer/demultiplexer that supports data rates of up to 3.2 Gbps (gigabits per second), making it well-suited for the protocols of storage, enterprise, metro and core networking applications, including Fibre Channel, SATA, SONET and Ethernet.
    "Prior to the AD8159, designers of high-end switches and routers had to handle switching redundancy by building it into to the switch fabric ASICs, putting a greater burden on an already overtaxed I/O bandwidth," said Jay Cormier, product line director for Linear Products, Analog Devices. "The AD8159 provides designers with an efficient high-speed redundancy solution. Additionally, with its extensive signal integrity features, the device can tackle the toughest backplane environments, enabling system designers to increase reliability while lowering overall cost."
    In addition to providing high-speed switching, the AD8159 offers a number of desirable features to simplify system design. The device includes programmable receive equalization and transmit pre-emphasis, assuring high levels of signal integrity over the long distances data must travel along the backplane of a modular system; loopback capabilities to assist in system diagnostics; the ability to swap the transmit and receive pairs to allow for greater flexibility in layout routing; and very low power dissipation. Together, these features contribute to reduced time-to-market and a robust, reliable network with less downtime.

    More about the AD8159

    The AD8159 consists of a two-port multiplexer and a two-port demultiplexer. Each port is a 4-lane link, where each lane operates at up to 3.2 Gbps independent of the other lanes. There are a total of 12 differential PECL/CML (positive emitter coupled logic/current mode logic) compatible inputs and 12 differential CML outputs. The operation of this product is optimized for NRZ (non-return to zero) data rates up to 3.2 Gbps per lane.
    The AD8159 has very low power dissipation, typically 1 W at 3.3-V with output pre-emphasis and input equalization active on all lanes. In addition, one port on the AD8159 allows reversal of transmit and receive pins to allow for greater routing flexibility. Controlled and configured through simple control pins, the AD8159 requires no CPU interface.

    Pricing and Availability

    The AD8159 is sampling now and will be available in production quantities in August 2005. The AD8159 is packaged in a 100-lead TQFP (thin quad flat pack) and is priced at $11.95 per unit in 1000-piece quantities. For more information, please visit www.analog.com/AD8159.

    Analog Devices in Networking

    Analog Devices applies its leading analog, mixed-signal and digital signal processing technologies to next-generation networking solutions, with a particular focus on the design challenges associated with network processing, signal integrity, switching, electro-optical interfaces, wireless transceivers, and the monitoring and control of network components.

    About Analog Devices

    Innovation, performance, and excellence are the cultural pillars on which Analog Devices has built one of the most long-standing, high-growth companies within the technology sector. Acknowledged industry-wide as the world leader in data conversion and signal conditioning technology, Analog Devices serves over 60,000 customers around the world, representing virtually all types of electronics equipment. Celebrating 40 years as a leading global manufacturer of high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications, Analog Devices, Inc. is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, and employs approximately 8,900 people worldwide. It has manufacturing facilities in Massachusetts, California, North Carolina, Ireland, and the Philippines. Analog Devices' common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and ADI is included in the S&P 500 Index.

    X-stream(TM) is a trademark of Analog Devices, Inc.

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CONTACT: Charlotte Betterley Analog Devices, Inc. Tel: 781-937-1710 Fax: 781-937-1026 Email: charlotte.betterley@analog.com

KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE NETWORKING PRODUCT SOURCE: Analog Devices, Inc.

Copyright Business Wire 2005