Ethernet Networking Platform includes timing protocol processor.

Press Release Summary:



Suited for Ethernet-based networks, IEEE 1588v2-compliant solution for service provider, data center, and smart grid power control networks includes Broadcom® BCM53903 precision timing protocol (PTP) processor. Support for PTP enables system to synchronize clocks of different end devices over packet-based network to within 1 µsec. Product also integrates GbE switch, 1588v2-based Gigabit physical layer devices, and embedded software clock to add timing synchronization to networking products.



Original Press Release:



Broadcom Optimizes Ethernet-Based Networks with End-to-End IEEE 1588 Solution



New Precision Timing Protocol Processor, GbE Switch and 1588v2-based Gigabit PHYs Deliver Low-Cost Platform for Network Operators

IRVINE, Calif. - Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced the availability of its end-to-end IEEE 1588v2-compliant solution for service provider, data center and smart grid power control networks. The solution includes the new Broadcom® BCM53903 precision timing protocol (PTP) processor, a Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) switch, 1588v2-based Gigabit physical layer (PHY) devices, and embedded software clock from Symmetricom to deliver a cost-optimized, yet flexible solution for applications with precision timing requirements. Broadcom will demonstrate its 1588v2-enabled solutions at the company's annual Analyst Day on December 14, 2010 in Irvine.

Ethernet continues to gain prominence in today's networks as a cost-effective way to achieve greater bandwidth. With the emergence of 'all Ethernet'-based networks, packet-based timing synchronization is now of fundamental importance to ensure maximum network performance as more demanding technologies and applications are deployed. In service provider networks, the transition to Ethernet from traditional Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy (PDH) and Synchronous Optical Network (SONET)-based networks makes timing synchronization a key requirement in backhaul networks to synchronize base stations and avoid dropped calls as the call is handed off from one base station to the next. Data center networks also require tighter synchronization to ensure the accuracy and timing of financial transactions, while smart grid networks rely on time synchronization to avoid blackouts and manage dispersed and dynamic renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.

Broadcom's end-to-end 1588v2 solution provides a simple, cost-effective platform that includes the critical components networking equipment manufacturers need to add timing synchronization to a full range of networking products from small access routers to large switching chassis.

Highlights/Key Facts:

The IEEE 1588 precision timing protocol (PTP)
standard makes it possible for the first time
to synchronize clocks of different end devices
over a packet-based network to within one
microsecond, with Ethernet as the chosen
transport technology. The standard was
designed to address applications with precise
timing requirements not well served by other
time synchronization methods such as Network
Time Protocol (NTP) or Global Positioning
Systems (GPS).

- To address network operator demand for stable
timing solutions on Ethernet-based networks,
Broadcom has developed an end-to-end silicon
solution that includes a PTP processor, GbE
switch and PHYs that enable precision timing
via the IEEE 1588v2 protocol. Service provider
backhaul networks, data center networks and
smart grid power control networks are all in
need of these packet-based timing solutions.

- Broadcom's 1588v2 solution includes the
following products:

  • BCM53903 PTP processor and IEEE 1588
    protocol stack that dramatically
    reduces the cost and complexity of
    developing 1588-enabled switching
    products. This processor hosts the SCi
    2000 embedded software clock from
    Symmetricom, an established leader in
    precise time and synchronization
    technology that is deployed worldwide.

  • BCM56330 series GbE edge switch for
    mobile backhaul applications.

  • 1588v2-based family of GbE PHYs (which
    also support the IEEE 802.3az Energy
    Efficient Ethernet standard) including:

  • BCM54880E - octal-port SGMII
    10/100/1000BASE-T GbE transceiver

  • BCM54682E - octal-port QSGMII
    10/10/1000BASE-T GbE transceiver

  • BCM54685E - octal-port QSGMII 10/
    100/1000BASE-T and 1000BASE-X/
    100BASE-FX dual media GbE
    transceiver

  • BCM54640E - quad-port SGMII 10/100/
    1000BASE-T and 1000BASE-X/
    100BASE-FX dual media GbE
    transceiver

  • BCM54614E - single-port RGMII to
    1000/100/10BASE-T GbE transceiver

  • BCM54619E - single-port GMII to
    1000/100/10BASE-T GbE transceiver

    Broadcom's 1588v2 processor, switch and PHY
    solutions are currently sampling to early
    access customers.

    Supporting Quotes:

    Michael Howard, Principal Analyst, Infonetics Research:

    "IP/Ethernet connectivity is growing rapidly and IEEE 1588v2 is becoming a fundamental capability. 1588v2 is critical for Ethernet mobile backhaul transport, where packet timing and synchronization is required to ensure reliable operation and handoff between cellular base stations. The inclusion of 1588v2 in Broadcom's silicon products helps manufacturers deliver equipment for operators to achieve better performance, reliability and cost effectiveness in their IP/Ethernet networks."

    Rajiv Ramaswami, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Broadcom's Infrastructure & Networking Group:

    "As a leader in Ethernet silicon products, our customers look to us to provide cutting edge, integrated end-to-end solutions that help reduce cost and speed time-to-market. The introduction of our 1588v2-enabled processor, switch and PHY solutions marks a new era for packet-based networks and demonstrates the flexibility of Ethernet, allowing it to gain greater momentum and mass adoption in a variety of networks."

    James Armstrong, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Symmetricom:

    "Combining our SCi 2000 embedded software clock, which is based on field-proven, industry-leading IEEE 1588-2008 (PTP) client technology, with Broadcom's end-to-end silicon solution provides an integrated, best-in-class solution for network operators transitioning to Ethernet-based networks."

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    About Broadcom

    Broadcom Corporation is a major technology innovator and global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom products enable the delivery of voice, video, data and multimedia to and throughout the home, the office and the mobile environment. We provide the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip and software solutions to manufacturers of computing and networking equipment, digital entertainment and broadband access products, and mobile devices. These solutions support our core mission: Connecting everything®.

    Broadcom, one of the world's largest fabless communications semiconductor companies, with 2009 revenue of $4.49 billion, holds more than 4,500 U.S. and 1,900 foreign patents, and has more than 7,800 additional pending patent applications, and one of the broadest intellectual property portfolios addressing both wired and wireless transmission of voice, video, data and multimedia.

    A FORTUNE 500® company, Broadcom is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and has offices and research facilities in North America, Asia and Europe. Broadcom may be contacted at +1.949.926.5000 or at www.broadcom.com.

    Broadcom®, the pulse logo, Connecting everything®, and the Connecting everything logo, are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

    SOURCE

    Broadcom Corporation; BRCM Infrastructure & Networking

    CONTACT: media, Heather A. Roberts, Media Relations Manager, +1-408-922-8195, hroberts@broadcom.com, of Broadcom Corporation

    Web Site: www.broadcom.com

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