SoC Integrates DSL, Wi-Fi, And Cordless Phone Functionality

Nov. 10, 2009
Broadcom’s BCM6362 integrates an ADSL2+ modem, an 802.11n wireless local-area network (WLAN) transceiver, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) cordless telephone circuit, and VoIP in a single 65-nm device.

Integrating more circuits onto smaller pieces of silicon real estate, the system-on-a-chip (SoC) is becoming the new norm in semiconductor devices. Broadcom’s BCM6362 is riding that wave, with an ADSL2+ modem, an 802.11n wireless local-area network (WLAN) transceiver, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) cordless telephone circuit, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) in a single 65-nm device. Designers can combine a separate modem, wireless access point, and cordless telephone into one convenient, lower-cost home networking solution.

Telecom companies offering broadband Internet connections have been upgrading their DSL networks slowly but surely. The latest upgrades use the ADSL2+ format, which can deliver 24-Mbit/s downstream and 1.4-Mbit/s upstream data rates depending on the distance to the neighborhood DSLAM. This performance easily competes with or beats cable TV rates in most cases. The on-chip modem in the Broadcom IC lets consumers take advantage of those faster services.

The BCM6362 also incorporates the latest 802.11n wireless access transceiver with 2x2 MIMO. This radio operates on the 2.4- or 5-GHz band and provides exceptional data rates for Internet connectivity and video applications.

A neat feature of this chip is its DECT telephone circuitry with CAT-iq, which stands for Cordless Advanced Technology-Internet and Quality. Designed for wireless broadband home connectivity, CAT-iq is available in protected frequency bands almost worldwide. It provides VoIP digital calls, furthering the demise of plain old telephone service (POTS).

To support all this circuitry, Broadcom has included four 10/100-Mbit/s Ethernet ports and one Gigabit Ethernet port plus an Ethernet switch to implement the various forms of bridging and routing. A dual-core 400-MHz processor handles the management duties. It supports hardware-assisted IPsec security for virtual private network (VPN) termination, gigabit switching, and USB 2.0 hosts and devices. The integrated software also lets carriers add their own applications on top of this complete solution.

Broadcom Corp.
www.broadcom.com

About the Author

Lou Frenzel | Technical Contributing Editor

Lou Frenzel is a Contributing Technology Editor for Electronic Design Magazine where he writes articles and the blog Communique and other online material on the wireless, networking, and communications sectors.  Lou interviews executives and engineers, attends conferences, and researches multiple areas. Lou has been writing in some capacity for ED since 2000.  

Lou has 25+ years experience in the electronics industry as an engineer and manager. He has held VP level positions with Heathkit, McGraw Hill, and has 9 years of college teaching experience. Lou holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and a master’s degree from the University of Maryland.  He is author of 28 books on computer and electronic subjects and lives in Bulverde, TX with his wife Joan. His website is www.loufrenzel.com

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