PMC-Sierra intros high density multi-rate OC-48/STM-16 channelized framer for SONET and SDH internetworking.

PMC-Sierra (Nasdaq:PMCS) recently introduced the PM5332 SPECTRA 1x2488, the communications IC industry's highest density, multi-rate SONET/SDH framer for single-channel OC-48/STM-16 or four port channelized OC-12/STM-4 interfaces.

The SPECTRA 1x2488 is the first fully STS-1/AU-3 channelized framer with integrated multi-rate clock and data recovery (CDR) and synthesis, replacing up to 5 discrete devices (see figure 1). The highly-integrated, small footprint device enables networking original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to easily and efficiently upgrade existing line cards to handle multiple transport operating modes while reducing system cost, complexity, board space, and power. The SPECTRA 1x2488 device is ideal for Multiservice Provisioning Platforms (MSPPs), Add/Drop Multiplexers (ADMs) and Core Routers and Switches for both Metro and Access Networks.

Networking OEMs are attempting to develop equipment with higher density and flexible line card upgrades. By integrating clock and data recovery and clock synthesis on-chip, the SPECTRA 1x2488 adds multi-rate capabilities while eliminating the need for a discrete Serializer/Deserializer (SERDES) device. The SPECTRA 1x2488 device provides a direct interface to Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) optical modules, enabling equipment to be field programmable for both OC-48/STM-16 and quad OC-12/STM-4 applications. This capability allows service providers to purchase one card that may be deployed in multiple applications, thereby substantially saving on maintenance costs, in-service upgrades and inventory.

The SPECTRA 1x2488 uses the industry standard TelecomBus interface which provides seamless interfacing with a wide variety of PMC-Sierra's standard products, as well as customer FPGAs and ASICs.

"With new network equipment costs consuming 40 to 60 percent of the capital budget, service providers are wary of network equipment migration strategies that require a complete network overhaul," said Steve Perna, vice president and general manager of PMC-Sierra's Service Provider Division. "The SPECTRA 1x2488 delivers the highest levels of integration with the lowest power consumption and smallest footprint enabling global equipment manufacturers to migrate to higher capacity and function with seamless line card upgrades. The SPECTRA 1x2488 is the latest example of PMC-Sierra's continuation in executing best-in-class OC-48 and OC-12 architectures for metro transport applications."

In STS-1 grooming applications, the SPECTRA 1x2488 connects to the PM5310 TBS device, providing Automatic Protection Switching (APS), STS-1 cross-connecting and efficient Gigabit Ethernet transport with the PM5397 ARROW 2xGE (see figure 2). In ATM/POS applications, the SPECTRA 1x2488 connects to the PM7390 S/UNI MACH48 device, allowing ATM and packet termination and mapping for all legal channelizations down to DS3 (see figure 3). In all cases, the multi-rate line side interface allows a single card design to be software selectable for single channel OC-48/STM-16 or four channel OC-12/STM-4 applications.

European and Asian SDH standards add an additional layer of complexity beyond that of the North American SONET standard. The SPECTRA 1x2488 supports worldwide standards and further enables traffic to be transported between SONET and SDH networks. This function eliminates the need for additional devices to provide internetworking and is critical for sharing information globally between North America, Europe and Asia.

The PM5332 SPECTRA 1x2488 is a 3.5W, 1.8V CMOS device packaged in 31 mm by 31 mm 500-pin UBGA package. The device is priced at $350 in 10K quantities with samples available in Q3, 2002.

PMC-Sierra is a provider of high speed broadband communications semiconductors and MIPS-based processors for Enterprise, Access, Metro Optical Transport, Storage Area Networking and Wireless network equipment that makes up the backbone of the Internet. The company offers worldwide technical and sales support, including a network of offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia. The company's quality system is registered with the Quality Management Institute to the ISO 9001 standard. As co-founder of the SATURN Development Group, PMC-Sierra works with over 30 other member companies to define and develop interoperable, standard-compliant solutions for high speed networking applications.

PMC-Sierra is included in the S&P 500 Index which consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation and in the NASDAQ-100 Index (NDX) which contains the largest non-financial companies on the NASDAQ Stock Market. PMC-Sierra is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the PMCS symbol.