Nextgen chips for optical networking

Fremont, CA-based CoreEL Microsystems, has announced the development of the OC-48 wire speed traffic manager, among a battery of next generation silicon products for the optical network systems market, from out of its research arm in Pune, India. The product is expected to be released in the second quarter of 2001.

CoreEL Microsystems, an equal partnership joint venture with Greaves Ltd., is a leader in the development of complex silicon-based transmission devices for optical network, including Application Specific Standard Products (ASSPs).

The traffic management product will solve problems such as speed mismatches in voice and picture transfers in the core and metro segments of optical networking systems over which the Internet runs.

Two other products, the 2.5 Gbps (OC-48) and the 10 Gbps (OC-192) multi-protocol multiplexers, for which designs have been released and are now being foundry developed, are expected to be ready for the market in the last quarter of 2000 and the second quarter of 2001 respectively.

The company has signed up with a leading edge foundry, which offers the twin advantages of 0.14-micron technology and advanced mixed signal technology for building the products.

The ultra fine micron technology will bring in even smaller chips, spelling even greater speeds and functions, and use less power, while the advanced mixed technology allow the simultaneous use of both analog and digital technology. "These factors gives CoreEL MicroSystems a clear edge over its competitors," says Yu Hao Lin, COO, CoreEL MicroSystems.

The Pune unit focuses on design, development and architecture of the chips. CoreEL Labs has a second unit at Bangalore, which focuses on board development and software development.