Conexant Launches DOCSIS 2.0+ IC Solutions

Downstream DOCSIS Channel Bonding Boosts Cable Network Performance

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Conexant Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CNXT), a worldwide leader in semiconductor solutions for broadband communications and the digital home, today introduced a new family of DOCSIS 2.0+/EuroDOCSIS 2.0+ cable modem integrated circuits (ICs) for traditional broadcast and next-generation IP-based broadband video services. The CX2445X front-end modem chips are targeted at advanced cable set-top boxes (STBs) with personal video recording (PVR) capabilities, basic two-way digital STBs, and DOCSIS cable modems used in bi-directional networks. Key features include three demodulators with a downstream channel bonding capability, which significantly increases bandwidth capacity and enables cable operators to economically deliver video and interactive services to their subscriber base.

The new DOCSIS Ics, together with the company’s recently announced advanced high-definition STB video decoders, provide cable operators and manufacturers with a complete family of scalable solutions that can be used in a wide range of next-generation cable STBs and data access devices.

“Our new cable DOCSIS STB front-end Ics and complementary STB decoders resulted from our renewed commitment to developing leading-edge solutions for the cable set-top marketplace,” said Lewis Brewster, executive vice president and general manager of Conexant’s Broadband Media Processing business. “We can now offer our customers a complete, high-performance system solution that enables them to optimize their technology investment across multiple product lines and geographies.”

Cable operators are shifting their product mix to include a higher percentage of STBs that support advanced capabilities such as PVR, electronic program guides, video-on-demand, and other interactive services that require two-way DOCSIS modems.

To address this need, Conexant integrated four ARM9 network processors and three in-band demodulators into its CX2445X IC family. This provides operators with a powerful, programmable solution that supports a combination of two digital video streams and an additional industry-standard DOCSIS set-top gateway (DSG) channel for two-way communications. As an alternative, operators can configure their STBs with three bonded channels, which allows them to achieve downstream data rates of up to 120 megabits per second and enables the delivery of bandwidth-intensive services such as high-definition streaming video.

The highly integrated CX2445X front-end cable modem solution has been optimized to meet next-generation STB requirements, and includes several features to improve performance and reduce bill-of-material costs. The front-end product family also supports a wide range of connectivity and expansion options, providing system designers with a variety of methods to connect to back-end host processors, wireless devices, home networks, and other media devices. Key features include:

• DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 1.0/1.1/2.0 and DSG support
• Complete DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS compliant network stack with Ipv6 support
• An integrated out-of-band cable physical layer (PHY) provides compatibility with legacy U.S. cable systems, and supports Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) standards 55-1 and 55-2.
• Industry standard interfaces including: Universal serial bus (USB) 2.0 with high-speed “on the go” (OTG); PCI/host controller; and a media independent interface (MII) controller for Ethernet expansion.
• Low-cost external memory, requiring only a single 64Mbit single data rate (SDR) SDRAM device.

Conexant offers a comprehensive suite of digital set-top components and system solutions for worldwide entertainment and broadcasting networks. The company’s product offering includes silicon tuners, demodulators, MPEG audio and video decoders, and dial-up and DOCSIS modems.

Availability, Packaging and Pricing

The CX2445X is sampling now with volume production scheduled for the third calendar quarter of 2007. The device is packaged in a 338-pin ball grid array (BGA), and is priced at $17 each in production quantities. Complete reference designs that help manufacturers reduce cost and speed time-to-market are also available, bundled with a range of operating systems, middleware, drivers, and development tools.

Link: Conexant