Nov 13 2007
Micrel, Inc., an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth communications and Ethernet IC solutions, today announced that it will showcase a new Ethernet solution at Embedded Technology 2007. The new joint reference design for Plastic Optical Fiber (POF), which Micrel and Firecomms are jointly announcing, is based on Micrel's KSZ8041FTL transceiver and Firecomms' EDL300T Fiber Optic Transceiver. This new solution will preview for the first time at the show which will be held in Yokohama, Japan, at the Pacifico Yokohama, with Micrel exhibiting at Booth No. C-01, Nov. 14-16, 2007
The new reference design features Micrel's industry-leading lowest power (180mW) transceiver KSZ8041FTL, which comes in a small 48-pin TQFP package. It also exceeds ESD requirements for most industrial applications, which include optical connectivity for applications such as consumer multimedia, industrial, and home networking. The overall solution enables low cost fiber deployment and offers a far more cost-effective solution than traditional glass (Silica) Optical Fiber.
Firecomms' EDL300T transceiver, called OptoLock(TM), is an easy to use, low-cost housing that provides instant termination of bare POF. The design of OptoLock enables the fiber to be cut and terminated to the exact required length on site, enabling even the most novice consumer to quickly and easily terminate the bare optical fiber. This means that OptoLock enables all the advantages of optical fiber to be brought into the home with do-it-yourself simplicity and costs.
"POF utilizing Ethernet connectivity is not only an emerging technology in home network infrastructures and consumer multimedia, but also adds much needed bandwidth and reliability to industrial applications," noted Dr. JC Lin, vice president, Ethernet Group, Micrel. "Japan continues to lead the way as an early adopter of advanced Ethernet applications, while Micrel maintains its tradition of innovating beyond the standards in order to give customers world class Ethernet solutions. The KSZ8041FTL transceiver, combined with Firecomms EDL300T Fiber Optic Transceiver, gives Ethernet customers a reference design that is both innovative and low power."
"Firecomms' EDL300T Fiber Optic Transceiver (OptoLock) is designed to provide a simpler interface to an Ethernet transceiver than previously available," said Hugh Hennessy, Firecomms vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. "When combined with Micrel's KSZ8041FTL transceiver, OptoLock helps to significantly reduce the cost per node for cost-sensitive applications such as those in the home, office, and industrial Ethernet networks."
Micrel maintains localized sales and support offices throughout China, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore and Korea.