Phyworks picks Jazz SiGe BiCMOS process to enable WAN, LAN, SAN, FTTH physical layer products

December 15, 2005 Newport Beach, CA and Bristol, UK -- Jazz Semiconductor, an independent wafer foundry and developer of specialty CMOS process technologies, and Phyworks, a supplier of integrated circuits (ICs) for the communications industry, announced that they have partnered to develop physical layer products for WAN, LAN, SAN , and FTTH applications.

Phyworks chose Jazz Semiconductor's 0.35 and 0.18 micron Silicon Germanium (SiGe) BiCMOS processes to design a high-speed networking portfolio of ICs, including transimpedance amps (TIAs) and integrated laser drivers and limiting amplifiers.

According to a press release, Phyworks utilized Jazz's 0.35 and 0.18-µm process technologies to manufacture high speed networking ICs capable of operating from 1 to 10 Gbit/sec. Phyworks says the process technologies enable it to integrate multiple functions onto a single IC, such as a burst mode laser driver with a limiting amp, allowing a reduction in cost for end customers.

Jazz says the optimized selection of process modules available in its SBC35 foundry technology allows customers, such as Phyworks, to choose the features that suit their end application needs, whether that means high speed transistors with good switching characteristics, or stacked MIM capacitors with 4fF/µm2 density for reduced capacitor area.

"We chose Jazz as our foundry partner for the flexibility, availability, service, and support the company provides," comments Tim Esparon, VP of manufacturing operations for Phyworks. "We also required a company that was focused on high speed process technologies with a long term roadmap that aligned with our product needs. Jazz currently offers successive generations of its SiGe BiCMOS process, as well as advanced RFCMOS. This will support the features that will enable Phyworks to continue pursuing innovative designs as we focus on capturing market share in our next generation products."