Semtech Adds Jitter Attenuating and Multiplying PLL Devices for Cost-Sensitive Telecom Systems.

ACS8946 and ACS8944 Designed for Line Card Speeds up to OC-12/STM-4; ACS8946 Has Reference Switch for a Budgetary SETS Solution

CAMARILLO, Calif. -- Fourth graph, second sentence of release should read: The ACS8946 and ACS8944 also feature an integrated voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) to reduce parts count and build cost (sted voltage-controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO)).

The corrected release reads:

SEMTECH ADDS JITTER ATTENUATING AND MULTIPLYING PLL DEVICES FOR COST-SENSITIVE TELECOM SYSTEMS

ACS8946 and ACS8944 Designed for Line Card Speeds up to OC-12/STM-4; ACS8946 Has Reference Switch for a Budgetary SETS Solution

Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq:SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for communications, portable devices, computers, and industrial equipment, today announced the ACS8946 and ACS8944 jitter attenuating and multiplying (JAM) phase lock loop (PLL) devices for generating low jitter output clocks for low-cost SONET/SDH and Gigabit Ethernet line cards.

The new products make their debut at Electronica 2006, which runs from Nov. 14-17 in Munich, Germany, where Semtech is exhibiting in stand #A4-259. The new devices are part of Semtech's JAM PLL family, a sister family to the synchronous equipment timing source (SETS) product family.

The ACS8946 and ACS8944 are designed for clock de-jitter applications in telecom line cards supporting speeds up to OC-12/STM-4. They deliver output jitter of 2.8 ps rms to packet framing or serializing devices - well below the Telcordia GR-253 standard of 16 ps rms for OC-12.

Both JAM PLL devices offer frequency programmability to any SONET/SDH rate, including 19.44 MHz, 38.88 MHz, 77.76 MHz, and 155.52 MHz. The ACS8946 and ACS8944 also feature an integrated voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) to reduce parts count and build cost.

The ACS8946 features a built-in reference switch that allows it to serve as a complete SETS solution by providing frequency translation and line-card protection from lost clock signals. It has two differential, frequency-programmable low-voltage positive emitter coupled logic (LVPECL) reference inputs and one differential synchronous input. It has four outputs, programmable as LVPECL or current-mode logic (CML). The device can also be used on Gigabit Ethernet line cards operating at either 125 MHz or 156.25 MHz, with output frequency multiplication up to 625 MHz.

The ACS8944 has a single differential LVPECL input and a single differential LVPECL output, and provides frequency translation. It can be used with any synchronization device for a complete SETS solution, including Semtech's ACS8525, ACS8526, and ACS8527 line-card protection devices.

Many line cards today rely on a de-jitter solution built out of discrete components, which involves a higher part count and takes a significant engineering effort to meet Telcordia standards. The ACS8946 and ACS8944 are ideally suited for DSL access multiplexers, multi-service provisioning platforms, or ATCA-based telecom systems.

"The performance, integration, and features of these new JAM PLLs enable designers to develop cost-effective sync solutions for jitter-sensitive high-speed systems and achieve system standard compliance," said Stewart Kelly, director of Semtech's Advanced Communications Division. "With the JAM PLL family pairing with our successful SETS product line, Semtech has become a one-stop shop to fulfill all SONET/SDH network element, standards-compliant clocking requirements."

Both devices are available in a 7mm x 7mm leadless QFN48 package that is lead-free and RoHS and WEEE compliant.

Key Features of the ACS8946 and ACS8944

* Meets rms jitter requirements for Telcordia GR-253 for OC-3 and OC-12; and ITU-T G.813/G.812 for STM-1 and STM-4 rates; and ETSI EN300-462-7/EN302-084 for STM-16 networks

* Fully adjustable PLL bandwidth and jitter peaking

* 3.3V operation

* Provides translation between input and output frequencies

* Hardware configurable input and output frequency options including 19.44 MHz, 38.88 MHz, 77.76 MHz, 155 MHz

Product Availability

Engineering samples of the ACS8946 and ACS8944 are available now from Semtech's authorized network of sales representatives and distributors. Requests for datasheets, evaluation boards, samples, and pricing may be directed to [e-mail] or requested from the Company's website at www.semtech.com. Please reference the following part numbers when contacting us:

Evaluation Board: ACS8946EVB or ACS8944EVB

Samples: ACS8946T or ACS8944T

About Semtech

Semtech Corporation is a leading supplier of high-quality analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products. The company is dedicated to providing customers with proprietary solutions and breakthrough technology in power management, protection, advanced communications, human interface, test & measurement, and wireless connectivity products. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol SMTC. For more information, contact Semtech Corp. at 200 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA 93012-8790; phone [phone]; email to [e-mail]; or visit its web site at www.semtech.com.

Semtech and the Semtech logo are marks of Semtech Corporation.