Vitesse introduces multi-protocol chipset for 10-Gbit/sec MSA modules

18 April 2003 Camarillo, CA Lightwave -- Vitesse Semiconductor Corp. has broadened its family of physical layer and physical media devices by introducing what it claims is the first multi-rate, multi-protocol Transceiver, Transimpedance Amplifier (TIA), and EAM Driver chipset.

This 10-Gbit/sec all-rate chipset reduces the number of external components required to implement MSA-compliant modules and delivers up to 11.3 Gbits/sec of performance to support all 10-Gbit/sec standard and forward error correction rates, say company representatives. Using this chipset results in an overall reduction in the bill of material, chip count, cost, power, and consumed board space, as well as a significant decrease in module development time.

The advanced features of these products provide the industry with many first-time capabilities, says Vitesse. The transceiver ( VSC8473 ) fully integrates all 300-pin MSA module clocks, output mutes, line and loop back modes, alarms, optional high-speed output clock, and a flexible reference clock support capability. Many of these functions are not currently supported by discrete multiplexer and demultiplexer solutions or other available single chip transceivers, explains the company. The EAM Driver ( VSC7983 ) integrates operational amplifiers that preclude the need for additional off-chip circuitry to stabilize bias and modulation currents. The TIA ( VSC7999 ) is the first product of its type to integrate both a photocurrent monitor output for highly accurate diagnostics and a programmable input slicing threshold adjustment to compensate for EDFA nonlinearities and fiber dispersion. These performance metrics and features operate at a total chipset power of less than 2.5 watts and, according to the company, enable next-generation modules to decrease power by 30 to 50 percent and reduce consumed board area by a factor of 2:1.

Applications for the chipset include 300-pin MSA transponders and 10-Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), modules, and line cards for OC-192/STM-64 and 10 Gigabit Fibre Channel systems. It is also designed to support the industry's transition to low cost XFP modules interfacing with host SERDES for 10-GbE, Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH markets.
The high-performance, low power and small footprint of the VSC7983 Driver and VSC7999 TIA will allow XFP manufacturers to extend module performance into intermediate and long reach distances at up to an order of magnitude lower price point. Interoperability between the VSC8473 and commercially available XFP modules has been proven and evaluation platforms are available. This chipset can assist in accelerating the proliferation of the XFP standard.

VSC8473
A 16-bit, 9.953- to 11.3-Gbit/sec transceiver, the VSC8473 is a low power (1.1W typical), SONET/SDH-compliant, 16:1 Serializer/Deserializer manufactured in 0.13-micron CMOS process with integrated Multiplexer, Demultiplexer, CMU, CDR and limiting amplifier. It operates from a single 1.8V supply with optional 3.3V supply for MSA alarm compliance and allows simultaneous and asynchronous operation of the data receive and transmit paths. The VSC8473 incorporates an industry standard two wire microcontroller interface for access to all control and status signals as well as the ability to optimize the clock and data recovery threshold for various receiver front ends and fiber spans. It operates over an extended temperature range of -5C to +90C. Available in two product grades: VSC8473SK operates from 9.9 Gbits/sec to 10.7 Gbits/sec, and the VSC8473SK-01 operates from 9.9 Gbits/sec to 11.3 Gbits/sec.

VSC7983YE-02
This 11.2-Gbit/sec EAM Driver features a single +5 or -5.2V supply operation, programmable output swing up to 3V, 25 to 85 percent duty cycle control and selectable data re-timing to improve jitter performance. Operating over an extended temperature range of -10C to +95C with a supply tolerance down to 4.75V makes this part attractive for Ethernet applications as well as OC-192 compliant modules. The VSC7983YE-02 has first-rate data input sensitivity of 300mV and very low total output jitter of 1.6ps rms. The unique architecture provides unparalleled output impedance matching many industry standard modulators. This device is also available in a 32-pin metal glass package (VSC7983CD) and in die form (VSC7983-W).

VSC7999-W
A 12.5-Gbit/sec Transimpedance Amplifier with a programmable input slicing threshold adjust, the device operates from a single 3.3V supply, offers high-gain (9K Ohm typical) precluding the need for an additional post amplifier in many modules, 10-GHz bandwidth and a photocurrent monitor output and operates over an extended temperature range of -10C to +95C. The VSC7999 is compatible with p-i-n or avalanche photodiodes and is capable of amplifying input currents up to a robust 2.5-mA overload with low duty cycle distortion. The TIA is available in die form.