CMOS Read/Write Channel IC Supports 500 Mbps Data Rates

Data rates over 500 Mbps are supported with the L6361, a fully functional CMOS read/write channel IC. The chip integrates a partial-response-maximum- likelihood (PRML) read-channel path based on an advanced 16-state Viterbi detector and coding scheme to enhance signal-to-noise performance. For hard disk manufacturers, this translates into the possiblity of storing more data on a single platter and increasing production yields. Other features integrated into the chip are a proprietary interpolating timing recovery scheme and 8th-order low pass filter. In lab tests, the chip achieved a top speed of 650 Mbps, it's claimed. Pricing for the device is $6.00 each/150,000.