Bridging the Gap

TI discloses DSP-based ADSL chipset technology to bridge voiceband and braodband communications

TI has disclosed it will deliver tailored solutions targeted at both ends of the Internet local loop by developing programmable chipset technology for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) applications.

The chipset technology will be optimized for use in infrastructure applications such as Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexers (DSLAMs), Digital Loop Carriers (DLCs) and central office line cards as well as in consumer applications such as PC modems.

TI's chipset will combine TI's powerful TMS320C6x digital signal processing (DSP) core technology and precision mixed-signal components with DSL technology from Amati Communications. It will be compliant with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) T1.413 Issue 2 standard. The result is an extremely flexible, yet powerful discrete multi-tone (DMT) based ADSL chipset. The combination of TI's No. 1 market position in DSP, industry-leading mixed-signal products and Amati's leadership in DSL technology will also assure that consumers and service providers can bridge the gap between today's 56k modems and multi-megabit digital broadband communications for Internet access.

The chipset will include a universal digital interface, a DSP-based transceiver, an optimized codec and a line driver. The chipset will support up to 8 Mbps rates for downstream communications and 800 Kbps rates for upstream communications.

ADSL chipset evaluation kits will be available from TI in first quarter 1998. Volume production is planned for second quarter 1998.