Dual-channel SLIC and codec in a single chip

4th June 2007

ES Admin

0 0

Silicon Laboratories has announced an extension of the ProSLIC programmable subscriber line interface (SLIC) family, the Si3226 Dual ProSLIC, a fully-integrated dual-channel SLIC and codec in a single chip. The Si3226 ProSLIC leverages Silicon Labs’ patented digital SLIC architecture to achieve a globally-compliant, carrier-grade SLIC complete with extensive remote diagnostic capabilities, low power consumption and the industry’s clearest voice reproduction in its class. The Si3226 is optimized for enterprise and consumer equipment, such as voice-enabled cable and DSL modems, fiber to the premise (FTTP) optical networking units and PBXs.

In contrast to analog-based SLICs, the Si3226 is built on a highly-programmable digital SLIC architecture that provides the flexibility to support the broadest range of customer requirements. Worldwide compliance is supported using a single hardware design and bill-of-materials. The Si3226 further combines a multimode ring generator and programmable battery-tracking dc-dc controller that enable low power operation in all line states. The device leads the voice over IP (VoIP) industry in idle-channel noise performance achieving as low as
7 dBrnC using advanced noise reduction techniques.

Remote diagnostics have become increasingly important in VoIP equipment as operators seek to reduce network maintenance costs. The Si3226 is equipped with a 12-bit monitoring ADC and powerful DSP engine that enable fast and accurate reporting of subscriber line faults. Fault isolation is enhanced through the support of two independent line-sensing paths per channel: one inside of the line protection and one outside. Diagnostic tests, such as those outlined in international testing standards like GR-909, can be implemented using the Si3226 without the need for relays or dedicated test equipment.
To simplify and accelerate software development, Silicon Labs provides an extensive application programming interface (API) for the complete ProSLIC portfolio. The API provides powerful high-level commands that take full advantage of the flexibility and capabilities offered by the Si3226 while concealing the complexity of register-level programming.

“We are bringing the features, performance and reliability of traditional carrier-grade telephony to VoIP customer premise equipment,” said Dave Bresemann, vice president of Silicon Laboratories. “By providing an easy-to-use API with integrated diagnostics, we’re helping our customers get to market faster while reducing cost and software development overhead.”

Samples of the new Si3226 dual ProSLIC device are available now in a 64-pin TQFP, and samples of the Si3208 and Si3209 linefeed devices are available now in a 40-pin QFN. A wideband version of the device, Si3227, is also available in a pin-compatible 64-pin TQFP. Pricing for the two-channel chipsets begins at $5.79 in 10 k quantities. Silicon Laboratories’ products are available in Pb-free, environmentally-friendly packages.