Serge --
I appreciate your explanation as I couldn't figure out why the leaders bounced so quickly and the others sat still as if stunned.
In times like these I try to focus on the horizon, and to that end, I'm encouraged by a publication put out today by ADI:
analog.com
Read the statistics on ADSL, if nothing else. They feature NN in one segment:
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Newbridge Networks Adopts Analog Devices Chipset
Newbridge Networks, a leading manufacturer of telecommunications network solutions, has adopted Analog Devices' AD20msp910 chipset to provide high-density DSL capability for the company's MainStreetXpress 27020 ADSL modems. With this chipset, Newbridge can offer end-to-end ADSL solutions to both telephone companies and equipment manufacturers, so that they can meet exploding end-user demands.
Newbridge designs, manufactures, markets, and services networking solutions to organizations in more than 100 countries. The company leverages its relationship with 15 affiliates and maintains strategic alliances with Siemens and 3Com to deliver seamless, end-to-end telecommunications solutions. Customers include the world's 250 largest service providers and more than 10,000 corporations, government organizations, and other institutions.
“Newbridge's selection of our AD20msp910 chipset clearly shows our leadership in ADSL deployment today,” remarked Russ Johnsen, vice president and general manager of Analog Devices' Communications Division. “They currently have the largest installed base of DSL network-termination units - more than 350,000 lines. “Analog Devices' chipset gives us state-of-the-art signal-processing capability based on the latest T1.413 Issue II specifications,” commented Les Kovacs, Newbridge's MainStreetXpress engineering manager. “It also ensures that our ATM switches and CPE modem are fully compliant with interoperability standards.”
The AD20msp910 allows Newbridge to bring a true standards based solution to market quickly at a price that end-users can afford. It also virtually guarantees seamless interoperability within the telecommunications infrastructure. By incorporating Newbridge products, telephone companies and ISPs alike can deliver on the promise of ADSL technology.
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Analog Devices Samples Next-Generation ADSL Chipset
<Picture: comdir1b.jpg>Analog Devices has announced development of the AD20msp918 chipset for DMT-based ADSL applications, providing a significant advance in both hardware and software over its predecessor, the AD20msp910. The 918 conforms to the newest ANSI and ETSI standards, including ANSI T1.413 Issue II, ETSI TR238, and ITU G.dmt, G.Lite.
While maintaining backward compatibility to assure a smooth transition, the new version adds such features as trellis coding, ATM (UTOPIA 2) interfacing, and new framing modes that provide improved performance at long reach. In addition, flexible frequency bin assignments allow freely moving divisions along the network to accommodate different applications, such as ADSL over ISDN (per ETSI TM2 recommendations), as well as non-standard modes such as enhanced upstream and symmetric service. The result is a complete second generation datapump in just five ICs.
The new chipset will also accommodate software that complies with new standards G.dmt (including Annexes 1, 2, and 3) and the splitterless G.Lite as soon as the ITU issues the appropriate specifications. Its rate-adaptive design delivers the best possible performance regardless of line conditions. On short loops, the AD20msp918 can achieve speeds in excess of 12 Mbps, the highest ADSL speeds currently available. The same design will also operate optimally at distances as long as 25,000 feet, a “last mile” almost five miles long! Embedded object-code software controls both modem and management/ control functions (API or protocol stack) through a superset of T1.413, and handles all real-time functions (including all performance logging and statistics gathering operations).
In addition to significant software changes, the new chipset includes two completely new devices. The AD6438 ATM interface IC replaces the AD6435 digital interface and control IC, while the AD6439 DMT coprocessor replaces the AD6436 DMT accelerator.
The AD6438 interfaces the ADSL modem to the external system using a standard (UTOPIA 1 or 2 port cell or byte mode.) It inserts ATM cells into an ADSL line with functions that correspond to the transmission convergence (TC) sublayer in the BISDN protocol reference model (as per I.432 and T1.413 Issue 2). It also implements both standard and reduced overhead framing and supports a simple synchronous serial interface (with its own clock generators) for other data-oriented protocols such as HDLC, frame relay, or IP.
The AD6439 improves data rates and extends reach. Serving as a dedicated DMT accelerator, it implements both transmit and receive paths, along with such special functions as FFT/IFFT, filtering and echo cancellation. The symmetric transforms allow flexible allocation of upstream and downstream bandwidth — even at symmetric data rates or support ADSL over ISDN for European and Japanese markets. In addition, improved digital filters exceed the requirements of T1.413 and deliver strict spectral masks, necessary for compatibility with such applications as VDSL.
As with the earlier chipset, Analog Devices provides reference designs and other expert assistance to allow system designers to create advanced, cost effective modem products in the shortest possible time. This complete solution approach reduces risk to system designers.
Clearly, the ADmsp918 is a stepping stone to subsequent generations. Nevertheless, for xDSL to satisfy the vast untapped demand for fast data-transfer rates, no semiconductor maker can afford to stand still. By constantly improving its technology, Analog Devices remains at the forefront of the emerging xDSL market.
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