Crosspoint Switch Makes Flexible Interconnections

Designed for use at OC-12 data rates, the MAX3640 is a 3.3V dual-path crosspoint switch that can be used to receive and transmit 622 Mbps LVDS signals across a backplane with minimum jitter accumulation. The device offers signal-path redundancy for critical data streams, making it well suited for SONET/SDH backplanes, digital cross-connects, and high-speed parallel links. Each path of the device incorporates input buffers, multiplexers, a 2x2 crosspoint switch and output drivers. The four output channels have redundant outputs for test or fanning purposes. When four output channels have been de-selected, the output drivers will be powered down to reduce power consumption by 165 mW. The fully differential architecture ensures low cross-talk, signal skew and jitter accumulation. Housed in a 48-pin TQFP package and operating from a 3.3V supply, the device is priced at $9.99 each/1000.