LSI Logic introduces new cable-modem chip

LSI Logic has introduced a DOCSIS 1.0/1.1-compatible integrated cable modem tuner/receiver chip that integrates all RF elements into a single device and significantly reduces power consumption requirements.

“It’s revolutionary in two areas: the amount of power consumption the cable-tuner subsystem draws is reduced from 1.5 to 2.5 watts per channel down to 600 milliwatts, and the bill of materials (BOM) for the tuner is reduced to the most minimalist configuration ever,” said Phil Welsh, marketing director in LSI Logic’s Broadband Access Division.

Both attributes are essential to move cable beyond the early adopter threshold and into widespread cable modem deployment, Welsh said. Power consumption impact cable’s efforts in the telephony space, he said.

“Whoever has to pay for the power and generate it at the end of the day--particularly outside the home--will receive substantial savings as a result of our tuner,” he said.

Element integration within the chip, he added, will facilitate consumer acceptance of cable modems in the retail space, he said.

Welsh admitted that LSI Logic is moving into a very competitive space, as vendors like Broadcom and Texas Instruments are already well entrenched with cable-modem makers.

“Because of the market pressure coming from subscriber box cost and other technologies such as ADSL, people are being forced to regroup and look at new vendors and new approaches,” Welsh insisted. “We’ve been working quietly on this device for the past 12 months (and) have a couple early adopters under non-disclosure (that) we expect to make announcements in Q4.”

The chips are priced at $7 apiece for orders of at least 10,000, and prices will dip precipitously in greater quantities, Welsh said.