Broadcom Launches 0.13-Micron GigE Octal Transceiver

Broadcom announced a 0.13-micron octal transceiver optimized for high-port density Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) switches, routers and server blades. Broadcom already offered quad and single port 0.13-micron Gigabit Ethernet PHY chips. The higher-density octal design enables lower cost 48-port or greater Gigabit Ethernet switches.



The new third generation 0.13-micron Gigabit Ethernet physical layer (PHY) device is capable of operating with less than 600-milliwatts per port, resulting in a 25% power reduction over existing Broadcom Gigabit Ethernet PHYs. The device incorporates a DSP transceiver engine to enable operation at Gigabit speeds over marginal cable plants. Broadcom said the device exceeds IEEE specifications for noise cancellation and transmission jitter. It also includes Broadcom's cable diagnostic capability. The device is priced at under $40 in quantities of 10,000 units. http://www.broadcom.com