Vitesse Makes Next Generation 10 Gbps Receiver Solutions a Reality.

Chipset Combines Innovative Vitesse PMD Design Experience and SI Technology for Deployment in SFP+ Modules

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation (Pink Sheets:VTSS) today announced the availability of a new, high-performance receiver solution that leverages the Company's extensive physical media device (PMD) and signal integrity (SI) design experience to satisfy the demanding requirements of both multi-mode fiber (MMF) and single-mode fiber (SMF) 10 Gbps optical module applications.

The industry's focus on the SFP+ form factor has driven the need for new components that are not readily available in the market for 10GE and 8G Fibre Channel (FC) applications. These components include a high sensitivity limiting post-amplifier and a wide input range linear transimpedance amplifier (TIA), each with the ability to interface to the downstream device through SFI, the newly-defined channel between the SFP+ module and host card ASIC.

"Vitesse is uniquely positioned to offer this new family of PMD products for the optical module industry," said Matt Dru, product marketing manager for Vitesse. "Our experience with signal integrity and knowledge of the host EDC device operation allows us to deliver products that meet the challenging requirements of the SFP+ module."

10 Gbps Limiting Post-Amplifier

The new VSC7987 10 Gbps multi-rate limiting post-amplifier supports the key requirements of SFP+. The device features nine levels of programmable output pre-emphasis to compensate for signal loss between the output of this device to the input of the host card ASIC. The low 3mV differential input sensitivity optimizes the performance of the Receiver Optical Subassembly (ROSA). A bandwidth select feature also allows the module designer to tailor the sensitivity for lower rates. This feature, when combined with output slew rate control, enables compliance to both sensitivity and EMI requirements for Gigabit Ethernet as well as 2G and 4G FC rates.

The VSC7987 in combination with the VSC7978 10 Gbps limiting TIA, available in production today, provides a complete limiting receiver solution for SFP+.

10 Gbps Linear TIA

The new VSC7878 10 Gbps linear TIA includes two versions: one that is ideal for applications including SFP+ where the electronic dispersion compensation (EDC) device is external to the module, and the other in form factors such as X2, XPAK, XENPAK and XFP where the EDC device is internal to the module. The device is also suitable for SMF transport applications where highly linear receivers are preferred to allow for voltage and time-domain slicing adjust of the data eye in the clock and data recovery (CDR) block.

In the case of SFP+, the function of this chip is critical to the module's ability to support the 10GBASE-LRM standard as linearity now has to be maintained through the connector and across the host card signal traces. This also means that the TIA must drive the output of the optical module directly. The ability of the VSC7878 to operate across SFI is critical to the operation of the EDC device, as the addition of any post amplification would reduce the signal quality as well as the overall link margin.

Both devices are designed to operate seamlessly with the VSC8238 -- Vitesse's industry-leading and production-ready EDC solution. The VSC8238 EDC passes the 220m optical reach requirement for 10GBASE-LRM with margin.

Availability

Both devices are available today in sample quantities, with production planned for fall 2007. Vitesse will be demonstrating the VSC7987 limiting post-amplifier and VSC7878 linear TIA in SFP+ and X2 reference designs at OFCNFOEC 2007 in Anaheim, Calif., March 27-29, 2007. To learn more online, visit the Vitesse SFP+ Technology Center at: www.vitesse.com/sfpplus.com.

About Vitesse

Vitesse designs, develops and markets a diverse portfolio of high-performance, cost-competitive semiconductor solutions for communications and storage 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.

Note to editors: Photos, product briefs and additional information about SFP+ solutions from Vitesse are available at: www.vitesse.com/sfpplus.

Vitesse is a registered trademark 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.

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