Analog Devices Announces Next-Generation
ADSL Chipset
New Enhanced Chipset Supports ADSL Over ISDN, Features Integrated ATM Interfacing
Capability, Offers Increased Data Rates and Complies With Industry's Strictest
Requirements for Spectral Compatibility
NORWOOD, Mass., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI - news) today announced its
next-generation, standards-compliant ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) chipset. The new enhanced ADSL
chipset incorporates several new features including trellis coding, reduced overhead framing, ADSL over ISDN
(integrated services digital network), symmetric service and built-in ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) interface. The
AD20msp918 also includes improved digital filtering that exceeds the requirements of T1.413, to deliver strict
spectral masks, necessary for distortion-free, low-noise transmission and optimum Internet access without affecting
other users. The chipset is fully compliant to all the international standards such as the UAWG LITE splitterless
document, ITU G.dmt (including Annex B) and the latest version of ANSI T1.413.
''As the first and most widely adopted supplier of DMT-based ADSL chipsets to the worldwide telecommunications
and modem industry, our customers look to us to provide the most up-to-date, standards-compliant, feature-rich
ADSL chipset,'' said Russ Johnson, Vice President and General Manager of Analog Devices' Communications
Division. ''The introduction of the AD20msp918 is just that and more. It is bringing the industry one step closer to
true, universal, wide-scale mass market ADSL deployment and implementation. ADSL is here, and we have the
technology that realizes all of its advantages.''
The AD20msp918 is a five-chip ADSL solution that incorporates an ATM modem interface, discrete multi-tone
co-processor, an analog front-end, line driver/receiver, digital signal processor (DSP) and configuration and
management software. The AD20msp918 chipset is compliant with industry standards set by the American National
Standards Institute under ANSI T1.413 Issue 1 and 2, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute ETSI
TR328, and ITU standards for G.dmt, and will comply with new splitterless G.Lite as soon as ITU specifications are
issued.
Fully compatible and proven interoperable with the previous generation chipset, the AD20msp918 offers increased
configurable data rates to 6.1 Mbps simplex, 224 kbps duplex over carrier serving area loop, and optimum Internet
access at 4.5 Mbps downstream/450 kbps upstream. On short loops, an AD20msp 918-based modem can achieve
speeds in excess of 10 Mbps.
The new chipset has a flexible bin assignment, so software can decide which tones are used for upstream or
downstream. This allows support for ADSL over ISDN (per ETSI TM6 & ITU G.dmt Annex A for the U.S. and B
for Europe), an important capability for the European telecommunications infrastructure to enable data and voice
communications. In addition, non-standard applications such as Symmetric DSL or enhanced upstream services for
business users can be delivered.
The AD20msp918 offers ATM interfacing to the ADSL modem using a standard UTOPIA 2 port, which
supplements the original digital interface and control. The integrated ATM interface allows for increased flexibility in
adopting new multimedia applications and facilitating diverse data types, as well as an overall reduction in cost of
ownership. In addition, the co-processor supports a simple synchronous serial interface for other data-oriented
protocols such as HDLC (high level data link controller), frame relay, or IP (Internet Protocol).
A new DMT co-processor replaces the first generation's DMT accelerator for dual-line, two-way simultaneous
transmission of data, voice and video. Specifically designed for superior Quality of Service (QoS) levels, the
AD20msp918 features a rate-adaptive design that automatically adjusts to line characteristics and delivers the best
possible performance, regardless of indigenous line conditions.
ADI's expertise in mixed-signal design is reflected in the analog front-end, which performs the analog and mixed-signal
operations for analog-to-digital conversion, digital-to-analog conversion and signal filtering and control. The chipset's
software, developed in partnership with Aware Inc. [Nasdaq:AWRE - news], is user programmable to ensure
smooth, upward migration and provides embedded object-code software controls for both modem and
management/control functions (API or protocol stack). The solution is capable of handling real-time functions,
including performance logging and statistics gathering operations.
Pricing and Availability
The AD20msp918 chipset will be priced at $50 with limited sampling available now, through Analog Devices.
High-volume production is slated for Fall 1998.
ADI in ADSL
Analog Devices is the market leader in supplying standards-compliant ADSL chipsets. It is a member of the Universal
ADSL Working Group (UAWG), comprising leading PC vendors and telecommunications leaders with a goal of
proposing a simplified version of ADSL which will deliver to consumers high-speed modem communications over
existing phone lines based on an open, interoperable ITU standard. Analog Devices is also a founding member and a
member of the Board of Directors of the ADSL Forum, established to advance worldwide deployment of the ANSI
standard through education and awareness efforts. |
