Siemens Introduces MuSLIC, The Next Generation of Analog Line Interface Chipsets.

CUPERTINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 9, 1998--Siemens Semiconductors today announced a new chipset which provides 16-line analog termination for POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) applications in central office, access network, and PBX telephone network linecards.

The MuSLIC (Multi channel Subscriber Line Interface Concept) provides the highest chip integration, coupled with software programmability, for cost-efficient, space-saving, multi-channel linecard designs.

MuSLIC's single hardware solution for addressing the global analog linecard market uses a software-programmable DSP architecture. The chipset integrates most analog system functions of central office linecards, including sinusoidal ringing generation and testing.

MuSLIC eliminates the problems that traditional analog linecards have in meeting different, country-specific hardware requirements. Modifications to linecard components and/or layout changes traditionally result in a multitude of linecard versions that require extensive maintenance and logistics.

By simply updating the coefficient data controlling the DSP operation, MuSLIC allows fast and highly economical linecard adaptation. Downloading of configuration data (coefficients) to the Multi-Channel Processor for POTS (MuPP) is carried out via digital interfaces on the linecard via the IOM-2 interface or a microcontroller interface.

Martin Beyrle, marketing manager, signal processing, Siemens Microelectronics, said: "By integrating the analog linecard system functions in our software programmable, DSP-based MuSLIC chipset, we allow the customer to design a single hardware platform which satisfies worldwide applications and country specific requirements. This provides our customers with a streamlined manufacturing process, short time-to-market cycles and reduced administration and hardware maintenance costs."

MuSLIC represents the next-generation architecture of the previous SLICOFI (PEB 3065, PEB 4065) chipset, which, so far, has been used for more than 30 million installed analog lines.

MuSLIC will also serve as a foundation for the forthcoming, revolutionary Siemens Semiconductors BMuSLIC concept, which will combine splitterless voice and DSL.Lite data transmission. The combination of MuSLIC with BMuSLIC systems, featuring voice and data, will be supported by utilizing a compatible chip architecture.

Additional information on the BMuSLIC chipset can be obtained from: http://www.siemens.de/semiconductor/products/ics/33/bmuslic.htm

The MuSLIC chipset is available now with support packages, including evaluation boards, coefficient software and documentation.

The MuSLIC chipset consists of the following components:

1. 16-channel digital signal processor (MuPP / PEB31666)

2. 4-channel A/D / D/A converter (QAP / PEB3465)

3. single-channel high voltage SLIC (AHV SLIC / PEB4166) device

The Multi-Channel Processor for POTS (MuPP) IC offers all digital signal processing capabilities for 16 analog subscriber lines for AC and DC parameters. The MuPP integrates functions like programmable DC feeding, voice processing, metering. It also has a special toolbox -- Integrated Test and Diagnostic Functions (ITDF) which allows test and diagnostic measurements on the subscriber loop and the board circuitry.

The Quad Analog POTS (QAP) supplies analog front-end functions for four completely independent channels. Each channel provides all necessary A/D and D/A converter and filter functions for the AC and DC path as well as a control and supervision interface to the AHV-SLIC.

The Advanced High-Voltage Subscriber Line Interface Circuit (AHV-SLIC) serves as reliable interface between the telephone line and the QAP/MuPP. It is manufactured on Siemens Semiconductors' Smart Power Technology (SPT) which offers a breakthrough voltage in excess of 170V. The AHV-SLIC provides the DC-line feeding and applies the internally generated, fully programmable sinusoidal ring signal to the subscriber loop. The ringing signal also achieves a voltage amplitude up to 85 Vrms.

The result is that a 32-channel POTS linecard could be realized with 2xMUPP, 4xQAP and 32XAHC-SLIC. No ring relays are required as the signal generation and switching are done internally.

The chipset is being offered for high-volume applications and is available with userboards and Windows-based coefficient software. For further information, refer to www.siemens.de/semiconductor/products/ics/33/3311fr.htm.

Siemens' Semiconductor Group is a leading worldwide provider of integrated circuits, memory products, RF components, smart card chips, discrete and power semiconductors, sensors and fiber optic components. The comprehensive product line of Siemens Semiconductors serves a wide range of customers active in telecommunications, automotive and consumer electronics, data processing and automation.

Siemens Microelectronics is its U.S. affiliate. In fiscal 1997/98, the Semiconductor Group achieved sales of $3.8 billion (DM 6.7 billion) and employed 25,000 people worldwide. The group plans to go public.

For more information, contact Siemens Microelectronics, Inc., 10950 N. Tantau Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014; (800) 77-SIEMENS; 408-777-4500; or see http://www.smi. siemens.com.