VDSL2/ADSL2+ processor from Ralink supports designing VDSL sys on 2-layer PCB

Ralink Technology Corporation has introduced the new RT65168 VDSL2/ADSL2+ processor IC. Ralink has packed so much into this chip, where a VDSL solution can be designed onto a 2-layer PC board that supports the VDSL2 30a profile with up to 100 Mbps upstream/downstream throughput, and that enables ADSL fallback for backward compatibility. Ralink's RT65168 processor now enables carriers to offer reliable voice, video, and data services at speeds rivaling fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) but with far a better price-to-performance ratio, says Ralink.

Key specifications and features:

The RT65168 IC includes a 32-bit MIPS 34Kc CPU and a powerful VDSL Discrete Multi-Tone (DMT) engine.
The RT65168 provides data rates of up to 100 Mbps symmetrically to support high-performance broadband gateway applications. Ralink suggests when paired with RT63095, Ralink's VDSL2 Analog Front End (AFE) chip, the RT65168 can support all VDSL/ADSL profiles on a cost-effective 2-layer printed circuit board.
The same printed circuit board can be used for Ethernet bridges, VDSL/ADSL routers, and residential Wi-Fi Gateways and Intelligent Access Devices (IADs) resulting in reduction of development efforts and inventory control costs for both system manufacturers and service providers.

This chip supports a discrete multi-tone modulation technology compliant with the various xDSL standards defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Telecommunication Union standards body (ITU-T).

"As the boundaries separating broadband voice, video, and data service blurs, carriers face severe competition to attract and retain new customers," said Bomin Wang, General Manager of Ralink Technology's Broadband Business Unit. "Ralink's new RT65168 leverages enhanced compression algorithms along with standards-based VDSL2 technology that delivers up to 100 Mbps of symmetric bandwidth over existing copper networks. This cutting-edge solution enables our customers to remain competitive with competing broadband technologies, while also allowing carriers to attract potential customers with advanced services like video on demand (VoD) and high definition IPTV."

Market research data: Ralink's ADSL chipsets grew to more than 20 percent of the global xDSL home gateway market according to a recently released iSuppli report. According to iSuppli figures, global ADSL subscribers increased by 10.3 percent in 2010. Ralink's ADSL chip shipments increased to more than 31 million units in 2010, representing a 46 percent year-over-year growth rate that significantly outpaced the overall global xDSL market.