Snowbush Enhances Multi-Standard PHY IP Platform to Solve Design Issues at 28nm

Gennum Snowbush IP group has introduced the next-generation multi-standard (MS) PHY IP Platform on TSMC 28nm to help semiconductor manufacturers to significantly lower design and production costs and to improve product time-to-market.

The innovative platform features several architectural enhancements for delivering high-performance while adapting to the design issues at the 28 nm node. The PHY IP Platform can support multiple high-speed serial standards at any given instant. The MS PHY consumes 7.2mw per Gb/s of power in a quad channel and operates at speeds up to 12.5 Gb/s. The silicon footprint is of a small size ensuring maintenance of margin for yield.

The MS PHY offers digital control to program the SerDes to maintain multiple standards. The performance of the PHY can be improved by trimming and digital calibration. The adaptation functionality caters to the needs of different channel properties, thus providing high-quality service on the link. Link training and auto-negotiation are other features provided to meet standards.

The MS PHY consumes low power, offers very low silicon footprint and is highly programmable. The transmit driver is resistant to supply noise while providing slew rate and amplitude programmability and multi-tap pre- and post-emphasis function. The MS PHY can be configured with many dissimilar power management modes, which enables users to power individual lanes independently.