TranSwitch and Gore demo data at 10 Gbps over thin, flexible cable

TranSwitch Corporation and W. L. Gore & Associates, a provider of aerospace wire and high data rate cable, confirmed that the TranSwitch TransPHY-CX4 retimer device transmits data error-free at 10 Gbps over thin, flexible 30-gauge GORE CX4 High Performance Cable up to a standard 15 meters. By using the TranSwitch PHY device (TXC-43128) in conjunction with Gore's CX4 High Performance Cable, users can vastly reduce the cost and inconvenience of rigid, heavy cables and their overall management throughout building structures.

The TransPHY-CX4 device also extends the reach of running data over standard 24-gauge CX4 cable to 30 meters, addressing both the short reach enterprise segment and the data center market.

"Data center managers have long struggled with traditional bulky cables. Until now, there has been no alternative solution," said Kris Mitchell, product manager for W. L. Gore & Associates. "With the TranSwitch PHY device running data error-free at 10 Gbps over the thinner, flexible cable, this can result in a lower total installed cost for the user."

"The TransPHY-CX4 has a self-adjustable equalization circuit on the receiver side, which increases the maximum distance and improves the performance margin for standard applications," said Amir Bar-Niv, executive director for Systems and Applications at TranSwitch Corporation. "It also maintains the low latency required in the data center, offering less than 160ns port-to-port latency."

The TransPHY-CX4 is optimized for 10Gbase-CX4 copper module and board applications. It delivers excellent performance with low power consumption (1.1 W) and small package size (12x12 mm, 1.2mm high, 196 balls TFBGA). The TransPHY-CX4 also has additional features to support an external optical module to extend the reach of CX4 over fiber cable. It is the most cost-effective and versatile 10 Gbps Ethernet interconnect solution on the market. The PHY device includes all the management features that are required in Xenpak/X2/XPAK modules, and meets the IEEE 802.3ae and 802ak standard specifications.