Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver Has Built-In SERDES Function

Claimed as the first Gigabit Ethernet transceiver with a built-in serializer/deserializer (SERDES) function, the Alaska plus SERDES PHY 88E1000S allows for higher port count Gigabit switches and enables 1000Base-T GBICs and single-chip copper to fiber optic media conversion. As an alternative interface between the PHY and the Switch/MAC, the SERDES interface reduces the I/O pin count from implementations requiring as many as 24 pins per port to only four pins per port. It also enables a new application area for Gigabit Ethernet, a 1000BASE-T Gigabit Interface Converter. The GBIS is a hot-swappable, plug-and-play, single-port module used in 1000Base-SX and 1000Base-LX Gigabit over fiber applications. The advantage of the GBIC is that is offers the user flexibility in the selection of media type. The interface of the device embeds the clock with the serial data. The 88E1000S is offered in a 128-pin PQFP package.