The cores include an asynchronous transfer mode cell; Point-to-Point Protocol packet and Sonet/synchronous digital hierarchy framers for transmission systems with data rates of up to 622 Mbits/second (STS-12c/STM-4); a clear-channel T3 framer; and a T3 mapper to Sonet (STS-1).

Participants in the Altera Megafunction Partners Program offer similar cores. But according to Andrew Bunsick, senior product-marketing engineer, Altera's cores have been optimized for its Apex devices and can be mixed and matched to create complete solutions.

Users can assemble the cores to carry ATM cells or PPP packets over any transmission medium or to carry T3 signals over a Sonet/SDH optical network.

The Sonet/SDH, ATM cell, PPP packet and T3 framing and mapping can all be configured with Altera's MegaWizard graphical user interface, which lets users adjust the cores for optimal performance and area.

The company claims users can implement a PPP packet processor at 622 Mbits/s in 50 percent of an Apex 20K60E device, for a solution costing less than $10.

Prices are $31,995 for the Sonet STS-1 framer, $33,995 for the Sonet/SDH STS-3c/STM-1 framer, $33,995 for the Sonet/SDH STS-3/AU-4 framer and $49,995 for the Sonet/SDH STS-12c/STM-4 framer.

The ATM cell processor at 155 Mbits/s is $15,995 ($23,995 for 622 Mbits/s). The 155-Mbit/s PPP packet processor is available for $12,995 ($19,995 for 622 Mbits/s). The T3 framer is priced at $19,995 and the T3 mapper for $21,995.

The cores are available with user guides. Customers can evaluate the cores free via Altera's OpenCore feature, available at www.altera.com/IPmegastore.