Multi-protocol, 4-channel extender operates up to 14.1Gbps consuming 100mW/channel

Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation has announced the VSC7224, a multi-protocol, adaptive quad channel extender operating with data rate range from 155 Mbps to 14.1 Gbps and power consumption as low as 100mW per channel using in a variety of network equipment targeting support for next-generation protocols such as 10G/40G/100G Ethernet, Infiniband FDR, and 16G Fibre Channel.

Vitesse says VSC7224 featuring its proprietary adaptive FlexEQ technology and delivers the hardware-based equalization suite, capable of equalizing multiple 14 Gbps signals over ranges greater than 65 inches of FR4 board trace or 20m of 24AWG twin-ax copper cable. Unlike competitive solutions, the VSC7224 has four Decision Feedback Equalizer (DFE) taps to combat impairments in the signal from crosstalk and reflections, achieving an Isolation to Crosstalk Ratio (ICR) of better than 12dB, as per Vitesse. The hardware-enabled adaptive receiver on the VSC7224 eliminates the arduous process of manually optimizing each individual lossy channel. With the benefit of the adaptive receiver, together with Vitesse's renowned VScope embedded waveform viewing technology, total system design time can be reduced by an estimated 30% compared to using manually optimized solutions, says Vitesse.

"The combination of autonomous adaptive equalization and a Clock & Data Recovery (CDR) unit that can be used at multiple speeds to effectively reset the jitter budget, makes this channel extender extremely useful for next-generation systems, especially to reduce system design time and improve yields," said Abhi Dugar, research manager, wired communications semiconductor research at IDC. "As networks move to mixes of Ethernet, Infiniband, and Fibre Channel, it becomes increasingly important to design for multiprotocol environments operating at a variety of rates."

VSC7224 can operate in either re-driver (without a CDR) or re-timer modes enabling the user to re-time the incoming signal with a CDR, or run it in re-driver mode to reduce system power. The VSC7224 can be controlled through the two-wire interface for maximum programmability, or pin strapped to reduce system complexity and eliminate the cost of an external microcontroller.

"Throughout its history Vitesse has been at the forefront of solving critical signal integrity issues," said Kinana Hussain, product-marketing manager at Vitesse. "The VSC7224 solves the challenge of compensating for signal degradation in difficult network environments. Its power savings, ability to run to 14 Gbps, and suitability in multiple applications allows OEMs to easily balance requirements for high performance and reliability with lower system costs and lower power."

Available: Now in samples.
Package: 5 x 9 mm QFN

For more information visit: www.vitesse.com