• Extended rate/reach;
• Full backwards compatibility to ADSL2+;
• High integration, eliminating the need for a discrete line driver and external power supply and clock components, thereby reducing BOM costs and real estate; and
• ADSL2+/VDSL2 Interface Specification (AVIS) flexible digital interface, which reduces pin-count and provides compatibility with a wide range of xDSL Discrete Multitone (DMT) processors.

Superior Performance Accelerates New Service Offerings
The PM4380 integrates a high-performance 5V line driver and offers extremely low transmit path distortion and noise floor. The receive path, including the integrated ultra-low noise amplifier, provides an input-referred noise density of -150dBm/Hz, while high-precision 16-bit data converters offer best-in-class performance on both receive and transmit chains. The low transmit and receive noise floors, combined with high-resolution data converters and integrated programmable receive equalizer and filters, reduce the need for complex and costly external filters to achieve optimum rate/reach performance. In addition, the device integrates a 16-bit digitally controlled crystal oscillator (DCXO) that provides better than 0.02 ppm frequency resolution, and an optional 1.8V regulator that allows the PM4380 to be used in a system that only provides 3.3V and 5V. By offering this leading-edge performance, the PM4380 device enables OEMs to deliver products that provide faster broadband connections over longer loop lengths.

"PMC-Sierra has a strong history in developing leading-edge mixed-signal CMOS products for communications applications, and we have capitalized on this expertise to bring to market a leading-edge family of robust DSL AFEs," said Dino Bekis, vice president of marketing and applications for PMC-Sierra's Communication Products Division. "Together with our recently announced MSP7100 Multi-Service Processor(R) family, we are delivering breakthrough-performance semiconductor solutions for the delivery of IPTV and other advanced IP services over broadband."

Cost-effective ADSL2+ Solution
PMC-Sierra today also introduced the PM4381 ADSL2+ AFE. The device is pin compatible with the PM4380, enabling vendors to produce cost-optimized ADSL2+ variants. The PM4381 interfaces directly to PMC-Sierra's MSP7120 ADSL2+ Multi-Service Processor, which integrates Aware, Inc.'s StratiPHY2+(TM) IP, and provides a complete chipset for advanced residential gateways and Integrated Access Devices (IADs).

Flexible Digital Interface Specification
Both devices implement PMC-Sierra's ADSL2+/VDSL2 Interface Specification (AVIS) digital interface, which simplifies connection to a variety of DSL DMT processors by offering selectable data rates, clocking modes and control signaling. The AVIS interface offers a nibble-wide configuration to help reduce pin-count on the connecting modem chips. To promote compatibility of the digital interface, PMC-Sierra is offering customers and partners free access to the interface specification at: http://www.pmc-sierra.com/products/details/pm4380/ (registration required).

Product Availability and Customer Support
Samples of the PM4380 VDSL2/ADSL2+ and PM4381 ADSL2+ AFE devices will be available in Q2 2006. A data sheet for the devices may be found on PMC-Sierra's web site at http://www.pmc-sierra.com/products/. A comprehensive support package, including reference design and application notes, is available upon request. For more information about pricing and availability, contact a PMC-Sierra sales representative at http://www.pmc-sierra.com/contactSales.

About PMC-Sierra
PMC-Sierra(TM) is a leading provider of broadband communications and storage semiconductors for metro, access, fiber to the home, wireless infrastructure, storage, laser printers and customer premises equipment. PMC-Sierra offers worldwide technical and sales support, including a network of offices throughout North America, Europe, Israel and Asia. The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the PMCS symbol and is included in the S&P 500 Index. For more information, visit www.pmc-sierra.com.

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