Qualcomm Atheros Unveils EPON Chip

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Qualcomm Atheros Inc., the networking and connectivity subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM - News), today announced the QCA8829, the industry's most integrated, ultra-low power 1 Gigabit (1G) Ethernet passive optical networking (EPON) chip solution, optimized to enable next-generation optical broadband access to homes and businesses. The QCA8829 is a first-of-its-kind chip that will help to advance the development of fiber to the home (FTTH) by supporting multiple standards, including those supporting cable operators' optical broadband inNorth America, provisioning for smart grid applications over PON inChina, and EPON infrastructures in markets worldwide.

Standards supported by this chip solution include the North American Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS®) Provisioning of Ethernet (DPoE) 1.0 specification, IEEE 802.3ah EPON specification, the China State Grid EPON specification, and the China Telecom (CTC) EPON specification. The chip solution is specifically tailored to meet the evolving needs of telecom carriers, cable operators and utility providers.

"The QCA8829 is an exciting next step for Qualcomm Atheros in providing groundbreaking access technology," said Dr. Zheng Liu, vice president and general manager, access business unit, Qualcomm Atheros. "Qualcomm Atheros is providing a simplified system design that provides low energy consumption and cost while outperforming comparable devices. Combining these attributes with support for four major industry standards will help our customers develop PON products quickly and affordably to support access services worldwide."

Qualcomm Inc. (Nasdaq: QCOM)