Infineon Rolls Out Interface Converter For High-Speed Optical Networks New Chip Enables Transition Between OC-192 and OC-768 Data Rates

Jun 4, 2002 | Market News

Atlanta, June 4, 2002 – Infineon Technologies (FSE/NYSE: IFX), a leading provider of communications ICs and fiber optics components, today introduced a single-chip interface converter for optical networking applications requiring support of both 10 gigabit-per-second (Gbps) and 40 Gbps data rates. Complying with the electrical interface requirements of both the SERDES Framer Interface Level 4 (SFI-4) and Level 5 (SFI-5) specifications for OC-192 and OC-768 respectively, the Titan™ 768MD is a milestone on the migration path from current 10 Gbps systems to next-generation 40 Gbps systems. The interface supports Infineon’s commitment to provide systems manufacturers with standards-based products that enable service providers to cost-effectively transition to higher data rates while preserving legacy system investments. Infineon will demonstrate the Titan 768MD at Supercomm 2002, June 4 - 6 in Atlanta, Ga., booth #23726.

The Titan 768MD can convert 64-channel 622 megabit-per-second (Mbps) OC-192 SFI-4-compliant data into 16-channel 2.5 Gbps OC-768/768c SFI-5-compliant data. It can also perform narrow-band SFI-5-to-SFI-4 conversion, interfacing with up to four OC-192 framers. In this way, 40 Gbps data throughput can be achieved in both directions across a network while leveraging investments in 10Gbps framers. In addition, the flexible Titan 768MD can perform inverse multiplexing of the OC-768c payload from a router, and can also serve as a standard 1:4 demultiplexer of sixteen independent 2.5 Gbps channels.

"The highly integrated Titan 768MD enables system vendors to leverage investments made in components with 622 Mbps interfaces," said Warren Peluso, development manager at Lucent Technologies. "Lucent has worked closely with Infineon Technologies in defining the required features in the Titan 768MD."

"The Titan 768MD was developed to address customer demand for a solution that would let them leverage existing 10 Gbps components with SFI-4 interfaces while deploying 40 Gbps systems with SFI-5 interfaces," said Christian Scherp, Vice President of Marketing at Infineon Technologies. "Its addition to our extensive optical networking product portfolio will allow optical transport system manufacturers to give their customers the ability to interconnect leading-edge and legacy systems, providing end-to-end 40 Gbps transmission across both new and existing networks while reducing overall line card costs. With the Titan 768MD interface converter, and the planned availability of Infineon products with even greater integration, functionality and capabilities, we expect to enable the transition to 40 Gbps technology.“

Titan 768 Interface Converter


Infineon's Titan 768MD Interface Converter is a 16:64 multiplex/demultiplex integrated circuit (IC). Its line side interface complies with the SFI-5 specification, supporting 16 channels operating at between 2.5 Gbps and 3.125 Gbps, and its system-side interface complies with the SFI-4 specification, supporting 64 622-MHz channels. The chip demultiplexes the 16 high-speed channels into 64 lower speed channels, and multiplexes the 64 lower speed channels into 16 high-speed channels, providing an aggregate 40 Gbps data throughput in both directions.

A microprocessor interface allows a CPU, such as a Motorola MPC860, to access the registers of the Titan 768MD for reset, setup, read, load, or to invoke built-in test functions. The Titan 768MD has robust clock and data recovery mechanisms, skew compensation functions and a clock synthesis mechanism. Diagnostic features include Pseudo Random Binary Sequence (PRBS) generation and checking, digital loopback capabilities and support for IEEE 1149.1 JTAG testing.

When used with a high-speed framer and pointer processor, such as the Infineon Titan 19244, the Titan 768MD provides a two-chip OC-768/768c solution that addresses the needs of high-density line card applications for the emerging 40 Gbps market.

Packaging, Price and Availability


The Titan 768MD is packaged in a 680-pin BGA. Samples will be available in the third quarter of 2002, with volume pricing expected to be in the US $600 range.

About Infineon


Infineon Technologies AG, Munich, Germany, offers semiconductor and system solutions for applications in the wired and wireless communications markets, for security systems and smartcards, for the automotive and industrial sectors, as well as memory products. With a global presence, Infineon operates in the US from San Jose, CA, in the Asia-Pacific region from Singapore and in Japan from Tokyo. In the fiscal year 2001 (ending September), the company achieved sales of Euro 5.67 billion with about 33,800 employees worldwide. Infineon is listed on the DAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX). Further information is available at www.infineon.com.

® - Infineon and the stylized Infineon Technologies design are registered trademarks and service marks of Infineon Technologies AG. Other product and brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Information Number

INFCOM200206.092e