AMCC's Danube and S3455 ICS Enable Shorter Development Time of OC-48 Systems Targeted At the New Intelligent Optical Network.

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SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 2000

Danube Represents AMCC's Latest Next-Generation OC-48 Framer

Technology With Integrated Features Targeted Specifically for the

Optical Networking and DWDM Equipment Markets

Applied Micro Circuits Corp. (AMCC) (NASDAQ:AMCC), a leader in high-bandwidth silicon connectivity solutions for the world's optical networks, Monday announced the availability of the Danube, the industry's first highly-integrated OC-48 SONET/SDH framing and pointer processor device with on-chip features critical for next-generation optical networking equipment.

Danube provides an integrated solution enabling customers to collapse multiple functions down to one chip, including aggregation, pointer processing, and grooming functions. Danube is complemented by AMCC's S3455 best-in-class CMOS OC-48 4-bit LVDS transceiver IC, which completes an end-to-end chip set solution (see Figure 1.0) that meets the power, cost, and space requirements of new intelligent optical networking equipment.

Danube is AMCC's next-generation framer/pointer processor device that enables the aggregation of 16 OC-3s, four OC-12s, or other logical combinations of OC-3 and OC-12 asynchronous interfaces into a larger OC-48 signal (see Figure 2.0). The Danube provides standard SONET/SDH pointer processing, and in addition, can transparently remap the incoming OC-3 and OC-12 signals' transport overhead (TOH) across time domains and into the outgoing higher rate signal. The Danube can also perform the same functions in an OC-48-to-OC-48 mode.

Enabled by the device's two APS ports, the Danube provides protection switching and redundancy in both the multiplex and demultiplex directions and incorporates non-intrusive TOH monitoring for all inputs. The single-chip device features two built-in 192x48 time slot interchange switches (TSIs) for STS-1 level traffic grooming, cross-connection, and add/drop applications. A provisionable pointer processor bypass is available for STS-48-to-STS-48 operation (through-timing); both a full framer bypass (no frame regeneration), as well as a pointer processor bypass (frame regeneration can be enabled) are also provided. A high-speed microprocessor interface is provided for configuration and monitoring. The Danube also supports POH (B3/J1) monitoring, full TOH drop and insert ports and robust alarm monitoring functions to provide the highest in OC-48 SONET/SDH integration and functionality for optical and DWDM equipment.

"Danube's ability to pass through and remap section and line overhead on incoming SONET/SDH signals, enables intelligent optical networking equipment to provide performance monitoring and support switching/routing decisions on incoming fibers, while at the same time providing transparent processing of client interfaces over private DWDM networks and public networks," said Mark Donovan, AMCC's Danube product marketing manager. "It is also well-suited for optical-electrical-optical (OEO) switching applications where grooming wavelengths from the optical network and supporting electrical SONET/SDH signal switching is required."

The Danube also supports a variety of line interfaces for reducing system and board design requirements. For OC-3 and OC-12 interfaces, the Danube supports serial 155 Mbits/s and 622 Mbits/s interfaces, respectively, to enable direct connections to OC-3 and OC-12 optical transceivers. For OC-48 applications, Danube provides both 4-bit 622 Mbits/s and 16-bit 155 Mbits/s interfaces for easy connections to AMCC's S3455 and S3055 transceivers.

"Danube represents AMCC's commitment to providing state-of-the-art system solutions for optical networks," said John LoMedico, AMCC's vice president of marketing, digital products. "Its flexibility allows multiple use in DWDM, metro DWDM, multi-service access switches, and core switch platforms."

The S3455 is a 4-bit 622 Mbps LVDS transceiver with clock and data recovery (CDR) manufactured in .18-micron CMOS technology. The S3455 exceeds Bellcore and ITU-T specifications with jitter generation of 5mUI rms, providing an outstanding design margin for SONET applications. Utilizing a single 1.8V supply, the device offers an industry standard 4-bit 622 Mbps LVDS interface and low power. It provides diagnostic loopback (transmitter-to-receiver) and line timing (receiver-to-transmitter) modes.

"The S3455 was designed to complement industry leading OC-48 framers like the Danube, which supports a 4-bit 622 Mbps interface," said Ken Prentiss, director of marketing for telecommunications products at AMCC. "Along with the S3055 16-bit LVPECL .18 CMOS transceiver, AMCC continues to provide leading-edge performance, coupled with high-volume manufacturability for the OC-48 transceiver marketplace."

The S3455 also incorporates an internal FIFO (first in, first out) to decouple transmit clocks and an on-chip high frequency phase-locked loop (PLL) for clock generation. The PLL on-chip clock synthesis function enables the utilization of a slower external transmit clock reference. The reference clock features a frequency of 155.52 MHz, in support of existing clock schemes. The device performs all necessary serial-to-parallel and parallel-to-serial conversions and will interface to LVDS and LVCMOS logic.

Availability

Packaged in a 624 CBGA and 196 PBGA respectively, the Danube and the S3455 will be sampling to development partners in November, with volume production scheduled for Q1 2001.

About AMCC

AMCC designs, develops, manufactures, and markets high-performance, high-bandwidth silicon solutions for the world's optical networks. AMCC utilizes a combination of high-frequency analog, mixed-signal and digital design expertise coupled with system-level knowledge and multiple silicon process technologies to offer integrated circuit products that enable the transport of voice and data over the fiber optics networks. MMC Networks, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMCC, is the market leader in providing total network processing platforms and services, enabling network and communications equipment vendors to rapidly develop scalable, feature-rich, cost-effective products. MMC's platforms include fully programmable, policy-enabled network processors, an open, extensive software architecture, high-capacity switching fabrics, and integrated traffic management capabilities, complemented by system design and consulting services. MMC platforms form the silicon heart of many Layer 2-Layer 7 WAN and LAN switches and routers, broadband, optical, Web switching, subscriber management, and other communications platforms.

AMCC's corporate headquarters and wafer fabrication facilities are located in San Diego. Sales and consulting engineering offices are located throughout the world.

Forward-Looking Statement:

The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties set forth in the "Factors That May Affect Future Results" detailed in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2000, and in other filings of the company and MMC Networks with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and AMCC does not assume any obligation to update the reasons why actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

AMCC and MMC Networks are registered trademarks of Applied Micro Circuits Corp.

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