The Cable Directory

The built-in advanced energy management, cable diagnostic and self-correction features of the VSC8641, enable designers to more efficiently tackle next-generation network deployment in power-sensitive applications such as cable modems and PON optical network terminals containing batteries for E911 compliance during power outages. As a result, ODMs and OEMs gain the best performance in a compact footprint, energy-efficient device that greatly accelerates the transition from Fast Ethernet (10/100) to Gigabit Ethernet.

EcoEthernet™ Energy Savings Technology

Among its many advanced features, the VSC8641 includes award-winning EcoEthernet features to reduce overall network energy use. The first is ActiPHY™, an automatic power savings mode that can detect unused Ethernet ports on network devices and power them down or place them in stand-by mode. This can result in up to a 75% savings in energy compared to a Gigabit PHY operating at full 1000BASE-T data rate. The second is PerfectReach™, an intelligent algorithm that actively adjusts the power level needed based on cable length. Combining these features into customer premise equipment, an OEM can benefit by upgrading to Gigabit Ethernet speeds, yet minimize impact on overall power consumption during times when batteries are employed to ensure E911 compliance is met.

In 2008, Frost & Sullivan recognized Vitesse with the 2008 Global Frost & Sullivan Green Excellence of the Year Award. Frost & Sullivan awarded Vitesse with this honor because of the company’s industry-first efforts with technology, which is used in the VSC8641, that work towards reducing power consumption in network equipment. For more information, please visit www.vitesse.com/green.

“The VSC8641 PHY transceiver is the answer for electronic designers who are struggling to produce high-speed Ethernet access equipment for the consumer and simultaneously meeting the growing demand for green electronics,” said Jason Rock, product marketing manager for Vitesse. “This device can now allow formerly 10/100 Ethernet designs to upgrade to Gigabit technology.”

Superior Performance for Consumer Applications

The VSC8641 employs Vitesse’s SimpliPHY patented, fully balanced, voltage-mode line driver technology which is ideal for various environments where customer premise equipment may be located for LAN access. The device also contains field-proven, fully adaptive equalization and innovative timing recovery algorithms that provide greater noise tolerance performance than the competition. This technology can help ODMs and OEMs meet radiated emissions standards such as FCC Class B. Board designers now have the ability to design for electrostatic tolerant designs that meet the IEC 64000-4-2 requirement. This technology not only helps designs comply with required standards and certifications for access technology, but also helps reduce over all system bill-of-material (BOM) costs.

Cable Impairment Diagnostic and Correction Technology

On-site service calls can be a large expense to carrier companies who install customer premise equipment such as LAN access modems at their end customers’ location. To help combat that expense, the VSC8641 also includes Vitesse’s robust digital signal processing (DSP) technology for greater tolerance to clock frequency offsets and cable noises associated with voltage and temperature variations that may disturb both the cabling and access equipment. To successfully link and interoperate with various LAN cables, including ones that do not meet the required cabling specification, the VSC8641 features VeriPHY™ technology that can correct cable polarity errors and even cable pair mismatches.

VeriPHY is Vitesse’s cable diagnostics suite that provides a service operator, via remote access, extensive network and cable operating and status information such as the cable length, connection termination status, and open/short fault location. The sophisticated, real-time cable diagnostics afforded by VeriPHY are similar to hand-held cable test equipment and eliminate the need for an on-site technician to be present which can greatly simplify network deployment and significantly minimize costs associated with customer support. The device also implements HP Auto MDI-X™, a feature that allows a PHY to successfully connect to either a straight or cross-over cable.

Availability

Available now, the VSC8641 is being offered in a small footprint 88-pin QFN package and is uniquely designed for customer premise equipment applications requiring very high volume production quantities. For more information on availability and pricing, please contact your local Vitesse sales representative or distributor.

About Vitesse

Vitesse designs, develops and markets a diverse portfolio of high-performance, cost-competitive semiconductor solutions for Carrier and Enterprise networks worldwide. Engineering excellence and dedicated customer service distinguish Vitesse as an industry leader in Gigabit Ethernet LAN, Ethernet-over-SONET, Fibre Channel, Serial Attached SCSI, Optical Transport, and other applications. Vitesse innovation empowers customers to deliver superior products for Enterprise, Access, Metro, and Core applications. Additional company and product information is available at www.vitesse.com.

Vitesse is a registered trademark and SimpliPHY, ActiPHY, PerfectReach, EcoEthernet and VeriPHY are trademarks in the United States and/or other jurisdictions of Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation. All other trademarks or registered trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective holders.