Agere Systems extends portfolio of framer chips with multi-rate, multi-application solution

September 24, 2002 - Agere Systems introduced the first in a new family of second-generation ICs for SONET/SDH framing applications in high-speed access and metropolitan optical networks that offers the lowest cost and power per port among competitive devices.

Agere's TSOT1610G is the first multi-rate, multi-channel framer IC that fully supports 16 channels of OC-3/STM-1, 16 channels of OC-12/STM-4, four channels of OC-48/STM-16 or a single OC-192/STM-64. In addition to supporting all traditional SONET/SDH overhead processing and termination functions, the device breaks new ground in supporting a rich set of new features that help service providers offer additional services such as transparent multiplexing. Samples are expected to be available in the fourth quarter of this year, with volume production expected in the first quarter of 2003.

Today's networks are a hybrid of old and new technologies, requiring systems and components that seamlessly connect disparate networks. Higher levels of integration in components which can be used in a variety of applications and line cards gives systems vendors the ability to greatly simplify their hardware and software development efforts through reuse, easily upgrade existing systems to increase port density, and lower overall system costs and component inventory.

"With the growth in metropolitan area network applications, system makers are increasingly looking for integrated components that can reduce costs and manage SONET/SDH traffic effectively at multiple data rates," said Allan Armstrong, director of optical transport semiconductors with RHK. "By employing a single framer solution like the TSOT1610G across multiple line cards, OEMs can significantly reduce their software and hardware development time."

With the increase in demand for network access services, MANs have become a traffic bottleneck. MAN applications typically require a high level of aggregation, requiring multiplexing of voice, data, and video signals from lower to higher rates.

Based on advanced CMOS-based IC technologies, Agere's TSOT1610G framer/pointer processor device can aggregate multiple data rate signals and perform several essential optical link traffic management functions simultaneously. The TSOT1610G functions as a complete, single-chip standalone solution for a multitude of line card applications configured for OC-192, 4xOC-48, 16xOC-12 and 16xOC-3. The TSOT1610G also features built-in bi-directional 10-Gbit/sec grooming switches, dual 4x2.5 Gbits/sec and dual 16 x 622 Mbits/sec backplane interfaces, a secondary SFI-4 optics interface, and extremely flexible transport overhead (TOH) transparency. The TOH function enables equipment vendors to build metro DWDM products.

In addition,the TSOT1610G supports specific features required for the SDH market such as tandem connection monitoring, B1 and B3 block error monitoring, SS-bit provisioning and SS-bit overwriting (for SONET/SDH bridge applications).

Agere's TSOT features two built-in hitless time-slot interchange (TSI) switches equipped with two sets of work and protect connection memory maps. The TSOT1610G can be easily used in 1+1 linear protection, UPSR or BLSR ring applications. It also connects to Agere's extensive portfolio of transport products and provides industry standard interfaces to other products -- such as high-speed transponders, transceivers, forward-error correction devices, crossconnect devices and lower rate framers -- further simplifying system design and reducing development costs for customers.

The TSOT1610G is supported by a comprehensive suite of software tools for specific customer applications, including drivers, an application program interface (API), product brief, data sheet and application notes for various operating modes. The TSOT1610G is also software and plug-compatible with the Agere family of communications and networking ICs, so scalability and migration are seamless for customers. The new framer also complements Agere's existing Gigabit Ethernet product lines.

Agere anticipates that it will be able to price the TSOT1610G to competitively address all applications from 16xOC-3 through 1xOC-192, at below $1,000 each in 5,000-unit quantities. Agere also offers full line card applications support, with a complete portfolio of products from physical layer to fabric and system timing functions. For more information, visit Agere's Web site at http://www.agere.com.