Mysticom delivers CX4 module-in-a-chip enabling up to 80% cost savings for 10-gigabit links

EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, June 1, 2004

Mysticom Semiconductor has announced the MY3126, a highly integrated CX4 silicon solution that addresses the need for cost-effective 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) links in the enterprise.

The lack of cost-effective 10-Gbit/sec uplinks is a major factor preventing the deployment of gigabit-speed switching at the desktop. Today's delivery options, such as optical and multiple-gigabit links are costly and sub-optimal, respectively. Mysticom's CX4 solution enables an 80% cost savings over current 10-Gbit/sec industry solutions.

According to Wiren Perera, Mysticom vice president of marketing, "Mysticom not only had a major impact on establishing the CX4 standard, but is the first to deliver this class of performance in a "module in a chip." The MY3126 is reliable at distances of 30m at 10 Gbps, making it ideal not only for the stackable market segment, but much of the data center as well. We're continuing to solve the issue of distance vs. cost over both copper and fiber, while exceeding industry standards," said Perera.

Adjustable link parameters reduce inter-symbol interference; improve jitter; and offer impedance control and NEXT/FEXT impairment reduction. An optional integrated forward-error-correction (FEC) on each channel reduces bit-error-rate (BER), while extending signal distances even further. The small-footprint IC integrates XENPAK registers and an oscillator; only the crystal and EEPROM remain external to the chip. User-programmable Tx and Rx pins are assigned for optimized layouts, enhancing performance, lowering power, and reducing cost.

The MY3126 is priced at $50 in high volume. Samples are currently available, and production volume will begin in Q3 of 2004.