Vitesse Introduces EcoEthernet Technology Exceeding 802.3az

Vitesse Semiconductor introduced its second generation "EcoEthernet" technology, with power-saving features exceeding the IEEE's 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet standards.



EcoEthernet 2.0 silicon, which is designed for enterprise LAN, data center and carrier Ethernet switches, optimizes performance for all link speeds, while providing unique energy-saving capabilities for temperature monitoring, smart fan control, and adjustable LED brightness.


Vitesse said its technology enables Gigabit Ethernet ports to dissipate well below 400 mW, while drawing less than 200 mW when operating in Fast Ethernet speeds. Features intended to reduce fan and front-panel display power ensure that switches and Carrier access systems based on EcoEthernet 2.0 will offer the lowest possible energy use for the next generation of green network appliances.


The recent work of the IEEE's 802.3az EEE Task Force to establish further green opportunities for Ethernet are aligned with coalition efforts such as The Green Grid and GreenTouch for making Enterprise, data center, and telecom networks more energy efficient. Vitesse's EcoEthernet technology allows manufacturers to design products for these emerging standards.


"Until now, most Ethernet IC development has focused solely on the cost and performance gains achieved by using 65-nm technology. However, relying on this process alone is not a comprehensive green strategy," said Jason Rock, product marketing manager at Vitesse.

As part of the EcoEthernet portfolio, Vitesse is introducing a 12-port Gigabit Ethernet PHY device with dual media copper and fiber support. It features "ActiPHY" automatic link-power down and "PerfectReach" intelligent cable algorithm, along with IEEE 802.3az idle power savings, temperature monitoring, smart fan control, and adjustable LED brightness.

Vitesse notes that the new IC achieves its breakthrough power dissipation of 370 mW/port for 1000BASE-T copper and 150 mW for fiber, not only through optimal design techniques in a 65-nm CMOS process, but through support of both low pin count SGMII and QSGMII interfaces. Sampling begins this quarter.


"The unprecedented density of Vitesse's new 12-port VSC8512, combined with its EcoEthernet 2.0 technology simplifies designing next-generation green Enterprise switches and Carrier Ethernet switch and routers with 24-, 48-, and even 96-ports in a single line card," said Rock.
http://www.vitesse.com/green