Contributors: Bob Wheeler, Jag Bolaria, Joseph Byrne In This Issue Ikanos Fuses Fusiv, VDSL2 Ikanos has upgraded the Fusiv line of residential-gateway processors that it acquired from Analog Devices last year. The new Fusiv Vx170 implements core network- and voice-processing features, and the Vx180 expands on these features by integrating Ikanos's VDSL2 data pump. The architecture of the chips is similar to that of earlier Fusiv processors, such as the Vx200. The key feature of the architecture is its use of multiple packet engines to offload network-processing functions from the CPU. The newer processors increase the clock rate of the programmable packet engines to 333MHz and upgrade the CPU to a 500MHz MIPS 24K. To accompany the improved processing, the new chips' Ethernet ports are upgraded to GbE. The cryptography accelerator and voice DSPs of the older processors carry over to the new designs but clock at higher rates. The Vx180 will enable operators with Ikanos-based VDSL networks to upgrade their CPE from bridge-only modems to full-fledged gateways, raising the revenue each CPE port generates for Ikanos. The Vx180's processing and VDSL2 capabilities exceed that of TI's VDSL gateway processor and its integration bests that of VDSL CPE solutions from Broadcom, Conexant, and Infineon. Most operators, however, have standardized on a single VDSL chip vendor for infrastructure and CPE, limiting the advantage of a superior gateway processor. The operators and regions that adopted VDSL early are also among the first to deploy fiber to the home (FTTH). As with VDSL, the natural progression is from bridge-only devices to gateways. Lacking PON technology of its own but seeking to take advantage of the transition, Ikanos positions the Vx170 for FTTH gateways. Integrating no particular PON hardware, the Vx170 connects to a PON interface chip via GbE. In terms of performance, the Vx170 outguns PMC-Sierra's MSP7130, which relies on a multithreading MIPS 34K for all control-plane, packet, and voice processing. The commonality between the Vx170 and Vx180 allows operators to standardize on Fusiv for CPE regardless of whether they run fiber all the way to the home or use VDSL for the last leg. The new products indicate that Ikanos has successfully integrated the Fusiv team and that the acquisition is resulting in new synergistic products. Combined with a financial recovery in 1Q07, such operational success indicates Ikanos is on track for growth. —Joe Additional coverage of Ikanos products appears in our report A Guide to SOHO Gateway Processors.
The market for cellular baseband processors is becoming more competitive as the top-tier handset makers are doing some comparison shopping. Historically, most handset vendors have stayed with one or two baseband suppliers, simplifying their software development and, most important, their qualification and interoperability testing. For example, Nokia buys mainly from Texas Instruments, and Motorola buys mainly from Freescale for GSM and Qualcomm for CDMA. It has been difficult for other suppliers to break into these cozy arrangements. But recently, these large handset companies are showing a willingness to change vendors, at least for some products. Nokia has adopted Infineon's eGOLDvoice for some low-cost handsets, spurning TI's LoCosto chip. Infineon also scored a big win in EDGE handsets at LG. Once they ramp up, these design wins could exceed $50 million per quarter, making up for the revenue Infineon lost when its lead customer, BenQ-Siemens, shut down last fall. Motorola has chosen TI instead of Freescale for its second-generation 3G handsets as well as for some 2G handsets. Although Motorola was obligated to use Freescale processors for two years after the spinoff, this restriction has since expired. Motorola still plans to use Freescale for most of its GSM/EDGE handsets, but having multiple suppliers gives the handset maker more options, particularly if one supplier misses a product cycle, as Freescale recently did. With more companies than ever offering competitive handset processors, handset vendors are taking advantage of these choices instead of just staying with familiar suppliers. This trend could produce some significant revenue shifts among handset-processor vendors. —Linley Additional coverage of these products appears in our report A Guide to Wireless Handset Processors.
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