Silicon Labs Launches Single-Channel Telephony IC
Si3217x ProSLIC® product family, broadband
50% reduction in board space for network equipment

June 24, 2009 -- Silicon Laboratories (Country Manager Jong-Chan Lee, www.silabs.com , Silicon Laboratories NASDAQ: SLAB) announced that it has developed a single-channel foreign exchange station (FXS) solution (product name: Si3217x) that boasts the industry's highest performance, highest level of integration, and lowest output.

The Si3217x ProSLIC® family is the first product to integrate everything required for the FXS interface into a single package, characterized by a 50% reduction in board space without affecting the general performance or diagnostic functions of existing telephone services.

This product features density, power, global programmability, comprehensive testability, and ICN (idle channel noise).It is the only single-package FXS solution that can meet all requirements of VoIP CPE (customer premise equipment), including low cost per channel.

The Si3217x family is characterized by providing a higher level of performance than typical VoIP telephony ICs, as well as simplifying system design by significantly reducing board space. These ultra-small 5 x 7mm devices are the only solution that integrates SLIC and high-voltage line feeds, along with a DSP, DC/DC controller, and test load, into a single package.

In contrast, competing chipsets increase the bill of material (BOM) and power budget for VoIP systems. Furthermore, the Si3217x device integrates the system-side portion of the global DAA for the industry's most recognized FXO (foreign exchange office) interface, providing the industry's first dual-package FXS + FXO solution when used with the new Si3291x line-side DAA device.

"Zhang Minghao, Director of Wireless Access Terminal Systems at ZTE Corporation (Zhong Xing Telecommunication Equipment Company Limited), stated, 'Silicon Labs' new Si3271x ProSLIC features a small footprint and low power consumption, extending battery standby time and improving sound quality while reducing the cost of new wired and wireless terminals.'"

The ultra-small Si3217x device delivers superior performance despite its small size. The Si3217x, with a very low ICN of about 7dBrnC, eliminates noise in the actual line, and its wideband audio function provides high-resolution sound quality that surpasses existing phone network performance, allowing end users to experience clearer phone call connections.

These devices support various features for remote system diagnosis, such as power warnings for major failure warnings, built-in test loads for production testing, or self-testing and comprehensive line diagnosis (MLT - Metallic Loop Testing, e.g., GR-909).

Unlike competing devices, the Si3217x has sense points inside and outside the protection circuit, ensuring that diagnostic functions are not lost due to power cross or surge events. Therefore, the combination of these unique features can provide telecommunications operators with a solution that satisfies both good performance and cost reduction.

The industry's best-in-class integration and performance, along with the lowest power consumption, reduce heat and lower power supply costs. The Si3217x extends backup battery life and enables the development and supply of green products by consuming only about 70mW in on-hook mode when the phone is not in use.

Furthermore, unlike competing devices, ProSLIC can maintain these ultra-low power consumption even when connected in relatively long loops. The integrated intelligent tracking DC/DC converter optimizes efficiency in all modes by generating only the voltage required in on-hook, off-hook, and ringing states, respectively. Through a patented low-power ringing function, the ultra-small Si3217x device can generate high-power ring signals over long lines with a large ring load.

Carlos Garcia, General Manager of Access Products at Silicon Laboratories, stated, "Silicon Labs will continue to lead the mixed-signal telephony IC market by developing industry-leading high-performance, high-density, and low-power products," adding, "This unique ProSLIC device family will enable the development of next-generation VoIP equipment, meeting customer demands for high-quality audio, low power, compact size, and reduced overall cost of ownership (COO)."

In addition, support for excellent software and reference designs enables customers to accelerate time-to-market and simplify design. Silicon Labs' ProSLIC API is a common software library for the entire ProSLIC portfolio, eliminating the need for specific system software drivers required to develop ProSLIC devices.

To optimize cost-effectiveness, the Si3217x evaluation board (EVB) supports multiple DC/DC converter options. Additionally, extra EVBs and reference designs are provided to demonstrate solutions for DSL "re-injection" deployment using Silicon Labs' Si84xx ISOpro digital isolators.