AUSTIN, Texas -- Cicada Semiconductor, the technology leader in Gigabit-over-copper transceivers, announced today its newest generation SimpliPHY quad transceivers, providing the industry's lowest 10/100/1000BASE-T power dissipation of just under 500mW per port -- approximately 30% less than the competition.

As corporate Enterprise networks rapidly transition toward Gigabit Ethernet to support increased bandwidth demands from today's Gigabit-enabled servers, storage systems, and desktop PCs, network system OEMs must provide high density, low cost Gigabit switching across their product lines. Cicada's three new quad transceivers, the CIS8224, CIS8234, and CIS8244, are targeted for use in ultra high-density switch designs where lowest power consumption, lowest bill of materials cost, highest performance, and smallest overall form factor are required.

In their lowest power mode, the new quad transceivers are the first copper PHYs to achieve 500mW per port power dissipation. At this power level, the devices enable Ethernet switch system designers to reduce power supply requirements by 30% compared to competitive transceivers that are also manufactured in 0.13-micron technology. For example, a 48-port switch based on Cicada's Quad transceivers reduces system power consumption by 10 Watts, lowering power supply and airflow requirements, and increasing overall system reliability.

"Power consumption of a Gigabit-over-copper PHY plays a significant role in high-density Gigabit switch design. Customers can rely on our market leading low power dissipation, and highest level of integration to enable them to bring to market the highest density Enterprise Gigabit Switches," said David McLean, Cicada's President and CEO.

Cicada Semiconductor Inc.