"Distributed PoE" Processing Allows All PoE Control Functions to Reside Within Integrated Switch and Host Processors
IRVINE, Calif., July 28, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC), a leading manufacturer of high performance analog/mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors, today announced the launch of an advanced firmware architecture for its portfolio of 8- and 12-port power sourcing equipment (PSE) managers for high-power Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches and host processors.
Microsemi's new Distributed PoE firmware architecture allows all functions previously performed by Microsemi's PD69000 microcontroller to be incorporated within an Ethernet switch IC solution, increasing integration and flexibility while reducing cost. It also provides an innovative way to re-partition PoE systems so they can benefit from the best features of Microsemi's algorithms running at breakthrough performance levels on silicon fabricated in 65 nanometer (nm) technology. The architecture also opens the door for future PoE solutions that focus on functions requiring high-voltage processes while retaining the algorithmic freedom that can only be achieved by a 65nm, low-voltage digital process.
"Microsemi's new Distributed PoE architecture, while similar to our existing Auto Mode in terms of hardware implementation, allows customers to easily utilize all the features in Microsemi's PoE solutions," said Daniel Feldman, director of telecom marketing for Microsemi's Analog Mixed Signal Group. "Now that our PD69000 functions can be embedded inside the processor, the level of integration, performance and responsiveness is increased dramatically, allowing customers to have real-time system status indications that were impossible to achieve previously. With Distributed PoE, we met our goal to optimally locate PoE functions so we can meet the most demanding performance criteria while reducing the overall system cost."
Microsemi's high-end PoE features include dynamic power management with Layer 2 classification support, emergency power management, detection of Cisco pre-standard devices, and backplane power management. The functions necessary to perform these features were broken down to threads performed by both the PD69012/PD69008 and companion processor silicon.
Marvell Technology Group (Nasdaq:MRVL) is the first Ethernet switch IC manufacturer to partner with Microsemi, integrating the Distributed PoE architecture within its new Integrated Secure-Switch-Router (ISSR).
