Intel expands 10-Gigabit Ethernet transceiver electronics offerings

Nov. 21, 2002

November 21, 2002--Intel Corp. this week introduced a suite of five electrical components for use in 10-Gbit/sec Ethernet and Fibre Channel optical transceivers.

November 21, 2002--Intel Corp. (www.intel.com) this week introduced a suite of five electrical components for use in 10-Gbit/sec Ethernet and Fibre Channel optical transceivers.

A number of different multi-source agreements (MSAs) have emerged over the past year to address the reduced size, cost, and power consumption requirements for optical transceivers aimed at enterprise applications. XFP, XPAK/X2, and XENPAK are the three key MSAs for building optical transceivers for enterprise applications today, and Intel claims to be the only company to offer all physical layer components for these MSAs.

The new optical components include the Intel LXT16713 10-Gbit/sec 1:1 Clock and Data Recovery (CDR) Device. The device is protocol-agnostic, operating from 9.95 to 11.1 Gbits/sec, and also includes an integrated, high-sensitivity limiting amplifier, which post-amplifies the electrical signal. Luminent Inc. is integrating the device in its XFP transceiver.

Other new XFP components include the Intel LXT16865 Transimpedance Amplifier (TIA) and the Intel LXT17001 10.7-Gbit/sec Low Power VCSEL Laser Driver.

Meanwhile, the new Intel LXT12101 XAUI-to-10-Gbit/sec Serial Transceiver is used in XPAK/X2 and XENPAK optical transceivers, as well as XAUI-to-10-Gbit/sec serial line card applications. This transceiver translates XAUI signals to 10-Gbit/sec signals. The LXT12101 operates at low power -- typically 1.9 W and maximum of 2.2 W. The device meets the jitter and eye diagram requirements for 10-Gbit/sec communications and supports Fibre Channel.

Intel's XPAK/X2 and XENPAK component line is completed with the Intel LXT17012 10.7-Gbit/sec Laser Driver or the LXT17001 VCSEL Laser Driver and the LXT16865 TIA.

All of the components listed above are currently sampling. Sample pricing for these components is as follows: LXT16713 1:1 CDR, $99; LXT16865 TIA, $75; LXT17001 VCSEL Laser Driver, $54; LXT12101 XAUI-to-10-Gbit/sec Serial Transceiver, $180; and LXT17012 10.7-Gbit/sec Laser Driver, $110. Volume pricing is available.