Micrel's 8-Port & 9-Port Ethernet Switch ICs Target Voice/Video/Data Applications in SOHO Systems

-- First 8-port integrated switch in 128-PQFP package features industry's lowest power dissipation -- Cost-effective 9-port integrated switch enables affordable Ethernet DSL/Cable/Wireless Routers and Gateway networks -- Supports Advanced Quality of Service and VLAN for traffic priority and security of voice/video/data networks

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The industry's first single-chip, 8-port and 9-port 10/100 Ethernet integrated switch ICs to use PQFP packaging have been developed by Micrel's Kendin Operation for the small office/home office (SOHO) market. Micrel Semiconductor (Nasdaq: MCRL - news) is an industry leader in analog, power management and high-speed communications integrated circuits.

The 8-port KS8997 and 9-port KS8999 are based on proven design methodology, using the 3rd generation switching technology and patented mixed-signal PHY from the Company's popular 3-port and 5-port integrated switch family now in volume production. With advanced Quality of Service (QoS), the new devices support "DiffServ" and IEEE 802.1p to prioritize different classes of voice, video and data traffic. With port-based VLAN, these devices allow the user to establish VLAN groups for security between groups and applications.

"Micrel-Kendin was the first company to successfully market an integrated 5-port unmanaged SOHO switch with QoS and VLAN," said Dr. Tian Liou, vice president and general manager for Micrel-Kendin Operations. "We are now adding 8-port and 9-port devices to the SOHO switch family to continue driving down cost and power consumption for the SOHO and residential market."

KS8997 8-Port SOHO Switch

The KS8997 is the first 8-port 10/100 integrated switch in 128-PQFP package. With on-chip buffer memory, this device integrates 8 MACs, 8 PHYs and a switch engine. The KS8997 represents the lowest dollar-per-port cost of any 8-port switch on the market. It is ideal for use in standalone switch applications for SOHO, remote offices and business offices. A demo board is available for evaluation of switch performance.

                       Summary of Features & Benefits:
                          KS8997 8-Port SOHO Switch

    -- 10/100 Base-TX 8-port integrated Layer 2 switch
    -- Wire speed non-blocking switch fabric to achieve 100% throughput
    -- Auto MDI/MDIX to eliminate crossover cable
    -- QoS support DiffServ, 802.1p and port-based priority for traffic
       prioritization
    -- Port-based VLAN for isolation of  users groups and applications
    -- 128-PQFP Package

KS8999 9-Port SOHO Switch

With on-chip buffer memory, the KS8999 integrates 9 MACs, 8 PHYs and a switch engine. This device can interface with all types of network processors via MII (media independent interface) or a 7-wire connection. It is ideal for use in DSL/cable/wireless routers and gateway applications. The device also supports 100 Base FX mode and can be used for media converter applications with Layer 2 switching capability. A demo board is available for evaluation of switch performance.

    KS8999 9-Port SOHO Switch

    -- 10/100 Base-TX and 100 Base-FX
    -- Supports MII or 7-wire interface for router applications
    -- Wire speed non-blocking switch fabric to achieve 100% throughput
    -- Auto MDI/MDIX to eliminate crossover cable
    -- QoS support DiffServ, 802.1p and port-base Priority for traffic
       prioritization
    -- Port-based VLAN for isolation of users groups and applications
    -- 208-PQFP Package

The KS8997 and KS8999 are available in PQFP-128 and PQFP-208 packaging respectively. The KS8997 is priced at $15.32, and the KS8999 is priced at $19.32 when purchased in 1,000-piece quantities. Samples are available from stock, and production quantities are stock to 10 weeks ARO.

Micrel Semiconductor is a leading manufacturer of advanced, high performance communications, clock management, Ethernet switch and physical layer transceivers, mixed signal, analog and power ICs. These products include devices for fiber-optic telecommunications and networking, cellular telephones, servers, portable computer systems, computer peripherals, process control systems, consumer electronics and power supplies.