OTTAWA -- Zarlink Semiconductor (NYSE/TSX:ZL)today introduced two new VEC (voice echo canceller) devices with advanced features that help ensure carrier-grade voice quality for packet-based and cellular networking equipment operating in high-noise environments.

Zarlink's 256-channel ZL38070 and 32-channel ZL38065 VECs are high-capacity, low-power devices that use patented NLP (non-linear processing) software to deliver improved noise-matching techniques. In addition, the devices' programmable threshold and convergence speeds improve double-talk performance. The VECs are ideal for IP-PBXs (Internet Protocol-Private Branch Exchanges), 3G wireless base stations, mobile switching centers and other equipment operating in noisy settings.

The demand for higher-quality VECs is growing as service providers roll out voice-over-packet and cellular networks, where it is more challenging to achieve carrier-class voice service. Today's VECs must handle voice echo issues that are often emphasized by the longer signal processing and transmission delays associated with packet and wireless networks. These problems are compounded by excessive background noise that further effects call quality.

"Building on the field-proven success of our voice echo canceller family, our new devices remove echo and ensure that callers are not plagued by annoying changes in background noise, regardless of operating conditions," said Andre Coucopoulos, product marketing manager, Voice Echo Cancellers, Zarlink Semiconductor. "These VEC chips also deliver significant powersavings for equipment manufacturers."

Zarlink Semiconductor Inc.