January 29, 2007 -- Semiconductor provider TranSwitch Corp. (www.transwitch.com) and W. L. Gore & Associates (www.gore.com), a provider of aerospace wire and high data rate cabling, recently confirmed that the TranSwitch TransPHY-CX4 retimer device can transmit error-free data at 10 Gbit/sec over Gore's CX4 high performance cable, up to the standard distance of 15 meters.
According to the companies, by using the TranSwitch PHY device (TXC-43128) in conjunction with Gore's thin (30-gauge) flexible CX4 cable, users can significantly reduce the cost and inconvenience of managing rigid, heavy cables 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 and data center market segments.
"Data center managers have long struggled with traditional bulky cables. Until now, there has been no alternative solution," comments Kris Mitchell, product manager for W. L. Gore & Associates. "The TranSwitch PHY device running data error-free at 10 Gbit/sec over the thinner, [more] flexible cable 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," adds Amir Bar-Niv, executive director for systems and applications at TranSwitch. "It also maintains the low latency required in the data center, offering less than 160 ns port-to-port latency."
The TransPHY-CX4 is optimized for 10Gbase-CX4 copper module and board applications. The device is designed to deliver superior performance with low power consumption (1.1 W) and a small package size (12 x 12-mm, 1.2-mm high, 196 balls TFBGA).
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. Additional features of the device support an external optical module to extend the reach of CX4 over fiber cabling.