Micrel (News - Alert), a provider of high bandwidth communications and Ethernet IC solutions, announced the addition of seven new integrated circuit (IC) devices to its new ultra-low voltage current mode logic (CML) product family. These new device’s targeted applications include data distribution for driving high-speed backplanes, rack-based equipment, telecom/datacom, automatic test equipments, high definition video broadcast, data storage, and servers.

 

The new products of the CML family include: SY56011R, which is a 1:2 fanout buffer; SY56017R, which is a 2:1 multiplexer; SY56023R, which is a 2 x 2 crosspoint switch; SY56020R, which is a 1:4 fanout buffer; SY56216R, which is a dual channel buffer and is available in a 3mm x 3mm, 16-pin MLF package; SY56034AR, which is a 2 x 2 crosspoint switch with six outputs and is available in a 5mm x 5mm, 32-pin MLF package; and SY56040AR, which is a 4 x 4 crosspoint switch available in a 7mm x 7mm, 44-pin MLF package.

 

The current mode logic (CML) is a differential digital logic family that transmits data in unidirectional and from point-to-point at speeds between 312.5 Mbit/s and 3.125 Gbit/s over a standard printed circuit board. The CML logic is the physical layer used in digital visual interface (DVI) and high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) video links, and are as well used in interfaces to fiber optic components.

 

Some of the common key features of the new devices of the CML product family include: can operate up to 6.4Gbps, where the AC performance is guaranteed from DC via this 6.4 Gbps - with rise and fall times less than 85ps (for all products); new devices come in 1.2/1.8/2.5V low voltage options and the 1.2V operation facilitates in power reduction of up to 50 percent; have the capability to compensate for signal attenuation over long traces and backplane; jitter performance less than 10psp-p over temperature and voltage; full industrial temperature range from -40-degC to +85-degC; core supply at 2.5V, while the output power can be 1.2V, 1.8V, or 2.5V - depending upon the application; and compact MLF packages saves critical space and as well improve signals.

 

All the products in the family offers Micrel's patented 3-pin internal input termination that simplifies designs and interfaces to any differential signal. All the products feature equalization, which facilitates designers with a unique combination for developing and enhancing inexpensive and low quality FR4 traces.

 

"Recently, many customers have emphasized the need for an equalization feature on ultra-high speed products," said Thomas S. Wong, vice president high bandwidth products, Micrel. "Our new solutions not only provide superior signal quality and very low jitter, but also are ideal for applications driving long traces and backplanes. These features also make the ICs perfect for today's high speed demands, which include low-noise and the need to interface and drive low voltage FPGAs and ASICs."

 

San Jose, CA (News - Alert)-based Micrel is a provider of advanced mixed-signal, analog and power semiconductors; high performance communication, clock management, Ethernet switch and physical layer transceiver ICs.