High-density multirate framer/mapper IC supports SONET/SDH/GbE switch, router apps
June 29, 2005 Sunnyvale, CA -- Cortina Systems has introduced its Arsenal application specific standard product (ASSP), a high-density multirate framer and mapper IC for Ethernet switch and router applications. The company says the device eliminates the need for multiple line card developments by providing a single platform with SONET, SDH, and Ethernet-compliant functionality.
According to the company, aimed at the metro Ethernet transport market, the device allows system vendors to deliver Gigabit Ethernet connectivity on all ports, in addition to POS, with each port's configuration under software control. The Arsenal IC's eight ports independently support multiple rates ranging from OC-3 / STM-1 to OC-48 / STM-16, and multiple mappings including POS, GFP, Ethernet, and ATM.
Incorporating industry-standard SPI-4.2 and SPI-3 interfaces, the device connects to existing packet engines and provides a direct interface to pluggable SFP optical modules, suiting it for use in routers and WAN interfaces on switches. The device is implemented in a .13-micron CMOS process.
"Our customers have been requesting a single device with increased density and more port flexibility to reduce inventories of card types and the need for multiple developments, and Arsenal delivers," concludes Zino Chair, Cortina's vice president of marketing.