SAN JOSE, Calif., June 7, 1999 -- Allayer Communications today announced a single-chip transceiver that converts twisted-pair Fast Ethernet (100Base-TX) signals into fiber-optic Fast Ethernet (100Base-FX). The chip also supports redundant fiber links for fault-tolerant connections that are important for network backbones. The device is fully compliant with the IEEE802.3 standard.

The AL210 replaces five chips and makes possible the design of low-cost, converter modules (diagram 1) that allow PCs and workstations with Fast Ethernet cards to economically connect to fiber optic networks. These modules can also be used between switches and routers to convert a twisted-pair link into a longer reaching (i.e., twenty times longer) and more reliable fiber connection.

The new device is also used to design network interface cards (NICs) that offer both fiber-optic and twisted pair Fast Ethernet ports (diagram 2). In this type of application, the device taps into the twisted-pair port of any Fast Ethernet controller chip and converts it into a fully functional Fast Ethernet fiber port.

According to David Wong, Director of Marketing, "There are millions of networked personal computers and workstations connected with twisted pair Fast Ethernet connections. Many of those network users now want to upgrade to fiber optic links to obtain benefits such as longer connections and better noise immunity.

"Our new device allows the design of converter modules that allow these users to upgrade without the need to replace their network interface cards. These modules are the ultimate plug-and-play solution with one end plugging into a PC's twisted pair port and the other end plugging into a fiber cable."

Key Functions

The key functions of the AL210 include a channel that accepts twisted pair Fast Ethernet signals and performs clock recovery. The received data packet is buffered in an elastic store register as the waveforms are descrambled into 100Base-FX format and forwarded to the built-in LED driver. The other AL210 channel includes a quantizer that attaches directly to a fiber receiver and decodes incoming fiber waveforms. The chip then performs clock recovery and holds the data in an elastic store register as it is scrambled into the 100Base-TX format for transmission over the built-in Fast Ethernet transmitter.

Fault Tolerance

In the event of a break or failure in a fiber-optic cable (i.e., receive link failure), the AL210 automatically transmits a "switch over" signal on its Redun# pin. This signal can be applied to a second AL210 that can turn on a second fiber link to maintain the connection. This fault tolerance is important in the design of converter modules that are used in backbones or interdepartmental links that carry large amounts of enterprise critical data.

Other Interfaces

In additional to a standard twisted pair and fiber interface, the AL210 offers a PECL (Pseudo-Emitter Coupled Logic) interface for connections to other media such as 1300 nm fiber modules or external twisted pair equalizers.

Availabilty and Price

The AL210 is in production now and the chip is priced at $11.50 in a 48-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pak) in quantities of 1,000.

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Company Background

Allayer Communications designs, manufactures, markets and supports advanced semiconductor products that improve the edge network system by providing silicon solutions that make switches smarter and links between workgroups faster. The corporate name -- pronounced "All-layer" -- represents the company's long-range intention to provide silicon solutions for all levels of the OSI networking model.

Founded in 1997, Allayer uses a Modular Systems Standard Product or MSSP approach to design the most flexible, high performance, and scalable ICs for Ethernet LAN switching and fiber optics applications. Allayer products are used by systems OEMs who manufacture local area networking equipment in the edge network that provides the interface between individual workstations or workgroups and the enterprise network backbone system.

Founded and managed by an experienced team of engineers and managers from Allied Telesyn, Rockwell, Level One, Exar, Cypress, Chipcom, LANart, Oak Technologies and Cabletron, Allayer is well positioned to lead the edge network systems market. Allayer possesses advanced engineering expertise in network system design, analog and digital ASIC design, and mixed-signal CMOS and fiber optics technologies.

The company is headquartered in San Jose, Calif.