IDT (Integrated Device Technology) announced the industry's first available octal CODEC capable of processing eight individual analog voice channels. The octal CODEC's high channel count is suited for communications equipment in the enterprise/carrier-class network, wireless infrastructure and access network markets, including applications such as enterprise voice routers, voice-over-Internet-protocol (VoIP) gateways, multi-service access switches, residential integrated access devices (IADs) and digital loop carrier voice switches.

The family of voice CODECs is comprised of an octal device and two quad CODECs and feature AC impedance matching, tone generation, trans-hybrid balance, frequency response correction, gain setting, and a selectable microprocessor interface/general communications interface (MPI/GCI).

The MPI/GCI allows you to select the most appropriate interface based on your system's architecture. Most CODECs provide these features via an external application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or digital serial port. By integrating the advanced feature set within the CODEC, the designer gains flexibility, enjoys the same performance with fewer parts, achieves conservation of board space, reduces system cost and accelerates the time to market.

Integrated Device Technology, 2975 Stender Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054. Phone: 800-345-7015 or 408-492-8210, Fax: 408-492-8674

The family of CODECs introduced by IDT include three similar but different programmable chips; the IDT821054, /64, and /68. What you don't see from the press release are the differences among them - so with a little digging - here are the main ones: The /68 is an 8-channel CODEC while the /54 and /64 are four-channel CODECs. The /54 and /68 support two programmable PCM buses with up to 128 programmable time slots. The /54 uses the microprocessor interface (MPI), the /64 uses the general communications interface (GCI), and with the /68 you can select either interface. The /68 offers teletex signal generation (12 kHz or 16 kHz), integrated programmable teletex signal and notch filtering, and a programmable ring generator. The /54 and /64 are available in a 64-pin PQFP, while the /68 is offered in a 128-pin PQFP.

These voice CODECs are offered in a single-chip, programmable device that can be adapted to various standards and applications. The chips address the convergence of voice and data and will assist you in the data communications realm to more quickly integrate voice-oriented services and capabilities. The programmable set allows you to change parameters without the need for external components.

Besides the ý-Law/ A-Law companding and Linear Coding/decoding, they also provide one FSK generator for Caller-ID message sending, two programmable tone generators per channel, which can also generate ring signals, and two programmable chopper clocks for subscriber line interface circuits (SLICs).

The device also offers a test capability with several analog/digital loop-backs and a level metering function. It brings convenience to system maintenance and diagnosis. The company implemented a unique feature of Hardware Ring Trip in the this series of CODECs. When off-hook signal is detected, it can reverse an output pin to stop ringing immediately.

What are other companies using the CODEC for? Recently, IDT partnered with another company to put the chip to good use by designing a high-density 8-port voice access solution for enterprise markets. Built around IDT's IDT821068 and Intersil's HC55185 micro lead frame (MLF) ringing subscriber line interface circuit (RSLIC), the HD8 voice access solution allows thermal management of significant amounts of power dissipated in densely packed designs. According to the companies, the HD8 reduces the amount of system space and power needed for the voice interface and provides the tools necessary to develop a foreign exchange station (FXS) plain old telephone service (POTS) interface for the converging broadband enterprise market.

IDT's Voice CODEC Family