Rockwell Semiconductor Systems Doubles Data Rates for ZipWire Modem Chips, Adds Key Features to Enable New Class of Low-Cost Business Connectivity Services
August 25, 1998
(BUSINESS WIRE)
-- Latest ZipWire(TM) offering combines voice and
multi-megabit symmetric-speed data services on a single twisted
copper pair, and boosts data rates to an industry-high 2320 Kbps for this technology
-- ZipWire enables robust Internet/intranet and business connectivity services at one-tenth the cost of leased T1 lines
Rockwell Semiconductor Systems Monday released the
latest version of its popular ZipWire(TM) Symmetric
Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) modem, adding features
optimized for new low-cost business connectivity
services that are now being offered by Competitive Local
Exchange Carriers (CLECs).
These services combine symmetric data transport at up
to double the data rate of T1 lines with the ability to
simultaneously carry voice and data on the same line --
all at prices as little as one-tenth that of a leased T1 line.
Originally used to deploy standard T1 lines, the new
ZipWire chipset employs Rockwell's advanced CMOS
semiconductor process technology to transform into a
low-cost, extremely power-efficient 3.3v, single-chip
solution with the versatility to enable a broad range of
more affordable business connectivity services.
The latest ZipWire solution also includes
software-selectable data rates from 144 Kbps to 2320
Kbps, and an integrated framer that enables dynamic
allocation of voice and data bandwidth as a low-cost T1
alternative. With these capabilities, ZipWire provides
business users with a solution that is faster than 56Kbps
modems, frame-relay service and 128 Kbps ISDN lines,
more versatile than Asymmetric DSL (ADSL) for voice
calls, large e-mail attachments and remote access, and
more secure and easier to access than cable modems.
Rockwell's complete ZipWire solution includes the
RS8973 single-chip DSL modem with integrated analog
front end, and the RS8953B framer, which enables
user-programmed DSL frame format and dynamic
allocation of bandwidth between Internet Protocol (IP)
data and 64Kb/channel voice calls. ZipWire's new upper
rate of 2320 Kbps supports T1/E1 transport on a single
twisted pair, and its on-chip, software-programmable
clock synthesizer eliminates the need for expensive
external PLL circuits to support user-programmable rate
adaptability for optimum service flexibility.
ZipWire also now features ultra-low power dissipation of
only 500mW, and small package profiles to meet the high
density requirements of multichannel data concentrator
equipment. Additionally, ZipWire's multi-line
aggregation capabilities enable high data rate
connectivity even for users who are located far from a
telco's central offices. OEMs also have the option of
connecting ZipWire to Rockwell's RS8228 ATM
Physical-Layer (PHY) device for end-to-end ATM
transport and aggregation, and to Rockwell's RS8370
T1/E1 framer for T1/E1 transport.
"The introduction of the RS8973 and RS8953B allows
manufacturers of access systems to offer a product
which is tailored to the needs of business transmission,"
said Ron Cates, director of commercial DSL products at
Rockwell. "With this new ZipWire chipset, a symmetric
link can be provisioned with programmable data rates
and full compatibility with legacy T1 installations, while
at the same time enabling both multi-channel voice
transport and high-speed data connectivity."
SDSL technology uses the same 2B1Q line code as High
Bit Rate DSL (HDSL) technology that is used to deploy
the overwhelming majority of T1/E1 lines worldwide.
This makes SDSL the only high-speed access
technology to offer full spectral compatibility with the
many T1 lines that exist in typical business parks.
Rockwell was an early HDSL pioneer and introduced its
first ZipWire SDSL chipset in the mid-1990s for
traditional T1 deployment and voice pair gain
applications. More recently, ZipWire had emerged as an
early solution for the first CLEC remote access
concentrator equipment, and the latest version
addresses this market's specific feature-set requirements.
The first CLECs were established over the past 18
months following passage of the Telecommunications
Deregulation Act of 1996. It is estimated that several
hundred now compete in the estimated $100 billion-plus
local calling market.
Rockwell's RS8973 single-chip DSL modem and RS8953B
framer are available in sample quantities, with volume
production slated for October 1998. The RS8973 modem
is packaged in a 100-pin PQFP and priced at $19 in OEM
volumes. The RS8953B framer is packaged in a 80-pin
PQFP and priced at $11 OEM volumes.
Based in Newport Beach, Rockwell Semiconductor
Systems is a leading worldwide provider of
semiconductor system solutions for personal
communications electronics products used in personal
computing, network access, personal imaging, wireless
communications and digital infotainment. These product
platforms offer a variety of technology convergence
opportunities and each leverages the company's 30-year
mixed-signal computing heritage in such key areas as
signal-processing algorithms, signal conversion, and
communications protocols. For more information, visit
the Rockwell Semiconductor Systems Web site at
rss.rockwell.com.
Rockwell (NYSE:ROK) is a global electronic controls and
communications company with leadership positions in
industrial automation, avionics and communications, and
electronic commerce. In late June, Rockwell announced
that it planned to spin off to shareowners its
Semiconductor Systems business at calendar year end.
Rockwell's continuing businesses will have projected
fiscal 1998 sales of approximately $7 billion and 38,000
employees.
CONTACT: Rockwell Semiconductor Systems | Julie
Seymour, 949/221-5287 | julie.seymour@rss.rockwell.com
| or | Literature and Product Contacts: | U.S.: 800/854-8099
| International: 949/221-6996 |
rockwell@salessupport.com | or | The Benjamin Group
Inc. | Carolyn Fromm, 714/245-7500 |
carolyn_fromm@benjamingroup.com |
