Inverse Multiplexer IC Reduces Cost Of ATM Implementation

The cost of ATM implementation is said to be reduced with the MT90221 quad IMA/UNI PHY device, a single-chip, four-port, inverse multiplexer for ATM designed to move ATM cells over multiple T1/E1 lines. It allows the implementation of as many as four IMA groups over four T1/E1 links and supports mixed-mode services, so links not assigned to any IMA group can be used in UNI mode. Bandwidth can be incremented in 1.5-Mbps steps for T1 lines or in 2-Mbps steps for E1 lines. The chip operates on less than 1W, compared with the multi-watt requirements of field-programmable array solutions. A versatile PCM interface allows designers to use inexpensive, off-the-shelf framers to enable reuse of existing software.The device comes with extended third-party support, which includes evaluation board, the device driver and the IMA Core State Machine software. The chip is packaged in 208-pin MQFP versions.