Product Review
Gennum's new switch family scales to 290x290 crosspoints
Brian Fuller9/8/2010 7:25 PM EDT
Gennum this week took its signal-integrity heritage to new ground as it introduced the 3G family of non-blocking crosspoint switches targeting increasingly exacting demands of video routers, video production switchers and multiviewers.
The six-device 3G family is anchored by the GX3290, at 290x290 crosspoints (84,100 unique paths), the industry’s largest switch, and represents the company’s first entry into switch technology.
Key features:
The 3G family (video overview below) ranges from 290x290 crosspoints down to 74x74 crosspoints, but it also supports non-square router configurations: The GX3190 features 146 inputs and 290 outputs while the GX3246 features 290 inputs and 146 outputs (see chart nearby).
Martin Rofheart, senior vice president and general manager of analog and mixed-signal products at Gennum, said the explosion in broadcast content explosion combined with signal integrity challenges that can be common in broadcast equipment were driving forces behind the product family’s creation.
He noted that the GX3290 features per-input programmable equalization and per-output programmable de-emphasis for signal conditioning. The input equalizer removes ISI jitter—typically caused by PCB trace losses—by opening the input data eye in applications where long PCB traces and connectors are used.
The pin-compatible family also includes user-programmable power down modes to manage power consumption, an increasing concern as routers get bigger and more powerful. The devices feature two on-chip independent pattern generators and pattern checkers to test and diagnose system channel issues.
The signal-integrity focus builds on the 37-year-old company’s heritage in devices such as reclockers, redrivers, cable drivers and cable equalizers. It is not, however, the company’s first foray into high speed communications. The company was involved in helping spec the serial digital interface (SDI) protocol, Rofheart said. It launched a line of 10Gbps devices 10 years ago for data communications applications.
Availability: The GX3290 is sampling now with full volume product scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter.
Pricing: $2,400 each in volumes of 1,000.
Note: The mid- and smaller-size crosspoint switches will begin sampling in the fourth quarter, with full volume production scheduled for the first quarter of next year.
The six-device 3G family is anchored by the GX3290, at 290x290 crosspoints (84,100 unique paths), the industry’s largest switch, and represents the company’s first entry into switch technology.
Key features:
- 3.5 Gbps data rates
- Inputs: 290
- Outputs: 290
- Power: 34W all channels active (1W in standby)
- 2.5V analog core voltage, 1.8V digital core voltage
- 50mmx50mm ball grid array (BGA) package (2377 ball)
The 3G family (video overview below) ranges from 290x290 crosspoints down to 74x74 crosspoints, but it also supports non-square router configurations: The GX3190 features 146 inputs and 290 outputs while the GX3246 features 290 inputs and 146 outputs (see chart nearby).
Martin Rofheart, senior vice president and general manager of analog and mixed-signal products at Gennum, said the explosion in broadcast content explosion combined with signal integrity challenges that can be common in broadcast equipment were driving forces behind the product family’s creation.
He noted that the GX3290 features per-input programmable equalization and per-output programmable de-emphasis for signal conditioning. The input equalizer removes ISI jitter—typically caused by PCB trace losses—by opening the input data eye in applications where long PCB traces and connectors are used.
The pin-compatible family also includes user-programmable power down modes to manage power consumption, an increasing concern as routers get bigger and more powerful. The devices feature two on-chip independent pattern generators and pattern checkers to test and diagnose system channel issues.
|
The signal-integrity focus builds on the 37-year-old company’s heritage in devices such as reclockers, redrivers, cable drivers and cable equalizers. It is not, however, the company’s first foray into high speed communications. The company was involved in helping spec the serial digital interface (SDI) protocol, Rofheart said. It launched a line of 10Gbps devices 10 years ago for data communications applications.
Availability: The GX3290 is sampling now with full volume product scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter.
Pricing: $2,400 each in volumes of 1,000.
Note: The mid- and smaller-size crosspoint switches will begin sampling in the fourth quarter, with full volume production scheduled for the first quarter of next year.
|
|
|
|
|
Navigate to related information
Most Popular
Datasheets.com Parts Search
185 million searchable parts
(please enter a part number or hit search to begin)
Browse the technical library
Our technical library houses over 4,000 high-quality sponsored white papers, application notes, reference guides, use cases—all organized by company.
Our technical library houses over 4,000 high-quality sponsored white papers, application notes, reference guides, use cases—all organized by company.
