Analogix, Synopsys Prove SerDes Interop

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Analogix Semiconductor and Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNPS), the world leader in semiconductor design software, have successfully completed interoperability testing of their SERDES (serializer- deserializer) solutions over Tyco Electronics' HM-Zd Legacy Backplane System, a reference platform that uses standard, inexpensive FR-4 circuit-board material. The Analogix and Synopsys SERDES were able to maintain sustained error-free full-duplex communication at rates up to 6.25 gigabits per second over trace distances of more than 40 inches of standard FR-4 backplane material. Proven interoperability provides system designers with increased flexibility in designing the most efficient, lowest-cost systems possible.

The demonstration is the first to prove the multi-vendor interoperability of SERDES solutions that are designed to support next-generation interconnect standards, including the OIF CEI-6G Long Reach Interoperability Agreement, Next- generation Rapid I/O, Serial ATA (SATA), Serial Attached SCSI (SAS), and PCI Express Generation 2.

The two devices tested were Analogix's D-PHY 4x5G, a discrete backplane transceiver capable of 1.25- to 6.25-Gbps transmission; and an ASIC containing a Synopsys 6.25-Gbps SERDES, a Decision Feedback Equalization (DFE)-enabled NRZ (binary) core capable of 622-Mbps to 6.25-Gbps transmission. The two interoperated over Tyco Electronics' Legacy HM-Zd backplane.

"Standards efforts are critical in accelerating the process by which different vendors achieve interoperability," said Ted Rado, Analogix vice president of marketing. "But, with the design complexities of leading-edge, high-speed technologies, meeting standards often is not sufficient - especially when those standards are still early in the specification stage. Multi-vendor testing is key to providing the proof of device compatibility that customers want."

Analogix Semiconductor Inc.

Synopsys Inc.

Tyco Electronics