Features - Storage Innovations:

MULTILINK ENABLES 10G FC SANs WITH PHYreSTORM XGMII

Multilink Technology Corporation, a leading provider of advanced semiconductor-based solutions that accelerate the deployment of high-speed optical networks, has introduced the industry's leading 10 Gb/s Fibre Channel (FC) transceiver that enables the next generation of storage area networks (SAN). The MTC1138, the newest product in the PHYreSTORM family of datacom SerDes devices, is a single-chip transceiver for connecting FC protocol integrated circuits (ICs) or switch fabrics to serial XFP optical modules through an XGMII interface. Multilink's device reduces the overall system power and size and improves system performance by eliminating the need for an additional XGMII to XAUI SerDes device currently needed in XAUI-based 10 Gb/s transceivers.

"The PHYreSTORM MTC1138 device offers very low power and small size, coupled with the ability to connect directly to small form factor XFP modules, thus enabling the deployment of 10 Gb/s SANs," stated Steve Vandris, Multilink's Vice President of Product Marketing. "Our customers will be able to incorporate our standard SerDes product into their design today with the future option of integrating our SerDes into ASICs with their own proprietary intellectual property."

The MTC1138 incorporates Multilink's leading PHYreSTORM SerDes technology, a 10 Gb/s transceiver macro that can operate continuously from 9.9 Gb/s to 12.5 Gb/s. The 10 Gb/s SerDes macro was developed using TSMC's low power 0.13-micron CMOS process technology, without using any special aspects of the process, which reduces the power, cost and size of the design and increases its manufacturability. The 10 Gb/s macro provides exceptional jitter performance that exceeds the IEEE 802.3ae and GR-253 specifications supporting Ethernet and SONET-based networking equipment. The device's high performance and low power operation have been verified in silicon prototypes.

"We are excited to announce our latest SerDes solution which enables the next generation of storage area networks. We are pleased that PHYreSTORM is generating significant market traction with storage customers," stated Dr. Richard N. Nottenburg, Multilink's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and president.

Availability

The PHYreSTORM MTC1138 device will be packaged in a 17x17mm Ball Grid Array (BGA), utilizing TSMC's 0.13-micron CMOS process. The device will be globally available to customers in the third quarter of 2003.

PHYreSTORM Product Family

The PHYreSTORM family of Ethernet and Fibre Channel devices provides new levels of port density and power efficiency to the Ethernet and Fibre Channel switch market. The enhanced capabilities of these devices speed time-to-market and service deployment for Ethernet and Fibre Channel applications.

PHYreSTORM SerDes technology enables Multilink's Varakai family of Ethernet and SAN aggregation devices to provide new levels of port density, power efficiency, and packet preprocessing for the Ethernet switch and telecom transport markets.

Please visit Multilink's Website at www.mltc.com for additional information about the PHYreSTORM family of devices or any of the other innovative Multilink product solutions.