Conexant ICs Target Set-Top Box, Broadband

By Spencer D. Chin

TMCnet Web Editor

 

Aiming at cable set-top box and broadband data applications, Conexant Systems (News - Alert) Inc. has introduced a family of DOCSIS 2.0+/EuroDOCSIS 2.0+ cable modem integrated circuits.

 

The CX2445X front-end modem chips target cable set-top boxes (STBs) with personal video recording (PVR) capabilities, basic two-way digital STBs, and DOCSIS cable modems used in bi-directional networks. Key features include three demodulators with downstream channel bonding capability, which significantly increases bandwidth capacity and enables cable operators to economically deliver video and interactive services.

 

The DOCSIS ICs, together with the company's recently announced advanced high-definition STB video decoders, give cable operators and manufacturers scalable solutions for next-generation cable STBs and data access devices.

 

Cable operators are designing their STBs to support advanced capabilities such as PVR, electronic program guides, video-on-demand, and other interactive services requiring two-way DOCSIS modems.

 

The CX2445X IC integrates four ARM9 network processors and three in-band demodulators. It supports a combination of two digital video streams and an additional industry-standard DOCSIS set-top gateway (DSG) channel for two-way communications. As an alternative, operators can configure their STBs with three bonded channels, enabling them to achieve downstream data rates of up to 120 megabits per second and allowing the delivery of bandwidth-intensive services.

 

The chip supports the DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 1.0/1.1/2.0 and DSG protocols. It is compatible with legacy U.S. cable systems, and supports Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) standards 55-1 and 55-2.

 

Industry standard interfaces include USB 2.0, PCI/host controller, and a media independent interface (MII) controller for Ethernet expansion.

 

Packaged in a 338-pin ball grid array (BGA), the IC is sampling now with volume production slated for the third quarter. List price is $17 each in production quantities.

 

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Spencer Chin is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To see more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.