Zarlink Module Sets Industry Benchmarks for Central Timing Cards in Access and Metro Communications Equipment
- Standards-compliant timing module is 75% smaller than competing products
OTTAWA, CANADA, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Zarlink Semiconductor (NYSE/TSX:ZL) today launched the ZL(TM)30461 timing module, the industry's smallest, most fully featured timing product for central timing cards in SONET/SDH (Synchronous Optical Network/Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) systems that provide clocking frequencies up to 155.52 MHz.
Designing highly reliable timing devices for central timing cards that comply with stringent SONET/SDH standards for network timing and synchronization is a key challenge for communications equipment makers. Zarlink's ZL30461 module minimizes design risks by combining digital and analog PLL (phase-locked loop) technology and a 20 MHz master oscillator into a small, standards-compliant timing device. The module offers 14 output clocks - the industry's widest range of clocks for SONET/SDH timing cards - without requiring external components or complex programming.
"In-house design and testing of timing and synchronization devices is often a costly, time-consuming process," said Darren Ladouceur, marketing manager, Timing and Synchronization, Zarlink Semiconductor. "Our ZL30461 module is a full-function, off-the-shelf device that meets worldwide standards for central timing cards."
Equipment vendors are evaluating the ZL30461 module for SONET/SDH central timing cards used in DSLAMs (digital subscriber line access multiplexers), media gateways, add/drop multiplexers, Internet routers, and network access equipment. The module can also be used on line cards in network element equipment. Coupled with the ZL30462 timing module for Stratum 4 and STM-1 applications, Zarlink now offers modules for both line cards and central timing cards in SONET/SDH equipment.
The ZL30461 device is a System-in-Package module measuring 23 mm (millimeters) by 23 mm or less than 1 square inch - the smallest footprint in its class, and approximately 75% smaller than competing products.
Zarlink's module complies with Telcordia's GR-253-CORE standard for SONET Stratum 3, GR-1244-CORE standard for Stratum 3, and the ITU-T's (International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunications) G.812 and G.813 Option 1 and 2 standards for SDH equipment clocks (SEC). The module exceeds OC-12/STM-4 (Optical Carrier level 12/Synchronous Transfer Module level 4) jitter requirements at rates typically less than 7 picoseconds RMS (root mean square).
Advanced reliability features
To ensure the level of reliability necessary for central timing cards, the ZL30461 module offers "hitless" reference switching and holdover. The device monitors both input references, and if the primary input is interrupted the module enters holdover mode, generating its own reference clock based on data collated from past reference signals, while verifying the integrity of the secondary reference. If the secondary reference is also corrupted, the module can maintain holdover for over 24 hours, a common system requirement that allows service providers to maintain service while problems are resolved.
Most extensive range of clocking frequencies
Delivering 14 output clocks, Zarlink's highly flexible ZL30461 module produces two ultra-low jitter clocks - a 77.76 MHz LVPECL (low-voltage pseudo emitter-coupled logic) clock, and a 19.44 MHz CMOS (complementary metal oxide silicon) clock - as well as jitter-attenuated clocks operating at 1.544 MHz, 2.048 MHz, 4.096 MHz, 6.312 MHz, 8.192 MHz, 34.368/44.736 MHz, and 155.52 MHz. The module also produces three ST BUS compatible 8 KHz (kilohertz) frame pulses.
The inputs of the timing module accept frequency references from two independent sources programmable for operation at 8 kHz, 1.544 MHz, 2.048 MHz, or 19.44 MHz.
Availability, packaging and price
Zarlink's ZL30461 timing module is in volume production. In quantities of 1000, the module is priced at US$164.00. The device is offered in a 240-pin BGA (ball grid array) package measuring 23 mm by 23 mm. A reference board is available for testing and evaluation. For information, please visit http://products.zarlink.com/profiles/ZL30461.
About Zarlink Semiconductor
For almost 30 years, Zarlink Semiconductor has delivered semiconductor solutions that drive the capabilities of voice, enterprise, broadband and wireless communications. The company's success is built on its technology strengths, including voice and data networks, consumer and ultra low-power communications, and high-performance analog. For more information, visit http://www.zarlink.com/.
Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, among others, the risks discussed in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are encouraged to consider the risks detailed in those filings.
A high-resolution photograph is available at http://news.zarlink.com/visual_center.
Zarlink, ZL, and the Zarlink Semiconductor logo are trademarks of Zarlink Semiconductor Inc.
CONTACT: Zarlink: Michael Salter, Media Relations,
613 270-7115, michael.salter@zarlink.com; United States: Natalie Sauve,
High Road Communications, 613 236-0909, nsauve@highroad.com; Europe: Simon
Krelle, Pinnacle Marketing Communications, 44 1908-235-522,
simon@pinnacle-marketing.com
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